The health benefits of acai berries are several. They are widely used to prepare medicines that treat skin and digestive issues (1) . Though the unprocessed acai fruit juice may not negatively affect you, the additional ingredients like toxic fillers, caffeine, tobacco, and sugar in acai berry supplements may make it harmful to your health. So, what exactly are the side effects of acai berry? Can you consume it raw? Can acai berry supplements be harmful to you? This article answers all these questions. So, let us now check out the 13 side effects of acai berry you should be aware of. Keep reading.
Some Of The Acai Berry Side Effects Are:
- Consuming processed Acai berry supplements can lead to the buildup of plaque and toxins in the body, which can cause a host of health problems ranging from acne to Candida to fatigue.
- Acai berry supplements contain herbs like garlic, gingko and Feverfew, which can cause the blood to thin, leading to severe bleeding (2). In fact, any health supplement containing these ingredients must be avoided.
- Echinacea, a herb used in Acai supplement, can cause liver injury and allergic reactions (3).
- Excess consumption of Acai berry enhances the effect of vasodilator in the body, causing significant reduction in the blood pressure (4). This can sometimes become fatal, especially for people who suffer from cardiac problems. Paul Claybrook, a certified nutritionist, says ”There is no official amount of acai berries that constitutes a daily serving. Eating too many is not a concern aside from potentially getting diarrhea.”
- People who are underweight should avoid consuming Acai berry as it may suppress appetite and promote weight loss. However, this research has been done only on flies, and more studies on humans are warranted (5). “It’s probably not a good idea for people that take COX-1 or COX-2 Inhibitor drugs to consume acai since it will reduce their effectiveness,” opines Paul Claybrook, a certified nutritionist.
- Acai berry, when taken over a period of time, may cause jaundice (6). Acai fruit may affect the results of the MRI scan (7).
- Acai berry may cause the transmission of Chagas disease (8). It contains the remnants of tritomines- a blood sucking insect native to South America, which carries a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi (9). It is this parasite which causes Chagas disease.
- Eating Acai berries may cause swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue and throat. It may also cause wheezing or other respiratory problems.
- Some people who are affected by pollen allergies may have trouble with Acai products. People suffering from pollen allergies have reported that their allergies were aggravated by Acai berries. Visit your doctor immediately if the problems persist.
- Lactating women should avoid consuming Acai supplements as it can be harmful to the infant. However, more research is needed in this regard.
- People, who are allergic to Acai or any other plant in the Arecaceae family, should refrain from consuming Acai berries (10).
- Acai berry can also cause irritation in the colon and intestinal tract, causing diarrhea.
- Other side effects of Acai berry include headache, dizziness, lower insulin levels, increased weight loss, and strokes (5). Can acai berry cause stomach problems? Although acai berries may not directly trigger any stomach problems, their supplements may cause gas, bloating, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Does acai make you poop? Yes, acai berries are loaded with fiber that can help in easing constipation and make you poop. Can acai cause acid reflux? No, acai does not cause acid reflux. Moreover, they are classified as alkaline fruits and provide relief from acid reflux. Does acai cause inflammation? No, acai does not cause inflammation. This fruit is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. Is acai berry nightshade? No acai berry is not nightshade.
