Americans today will try anything to find the secret to weight loss. From pills that make your heart race to vinegar concoctions, many seem to have tried it all.
Recently, Oprah put her stamp of approval on a berry which may be able to help individuals lose those extra pounds while gaining extra energy to make them healthier and happier.
Locally, the General Nutrition Center in Opelika has had many satisfied customers.
"We've had (acai berries) forever," said Joey Jones, a GNC sales associate and senior in finance. "The feedback is always positive."
Acai berries come from the acai palm and are said to have 10 times the antioxidant power of a blueberry.
These berries are now being sold in many different forms such as tablets, juices and smoothies for their weight loss and energy benefits.
Before, products such as Hydroxycut and Alli were more popular, but lately people seem to be choosing the more natural approach to weight loss and the biggest consumers have been women.
"I would have to say there's a 4-1 ratio of women buying this product," Jones said.
The only question surrounding this new fad is how does a simple berry cause people to gain energy while losing weight.
There aren't any substantial answers from any reliable sources.
In fact, most nutrition professors have little to no knowledge about this supposed super fruit.
The higher antioxidant content is said to be a health promoter. However, there is no direct relation between this and weight loss.
"Our acai berry detox is definitely our best seller," Jones said.
Acai berries are not yet approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Many Web sites claim to have received the approval on their particular product, but the FDA's Web site has no records of any acai berry products being approved.
This hasn't stopped people from buying into the Brazilian fruit.
"I don't really know how it works," said Marsha Gladfelder, manager of GNC in Opelika. "It sure has been selling though."
Although acai berries seem to be having positive results, it is important to understand they are only dietary supplements, not a diet itself.
"Many people expect results immediately," Jones said. "It's not something that happens overnight."
Jones said diet products always have placebo affects.
Recently, a younger crowd has discovered acai berries, and many college students have decided to give it a try.
"I've seen all the commercials," said Allie Self, a senior in biomedical sciences. "I took Hydroxycut Max for women, but it didn't work. I wondered if it was any better."
Even though the weight loss is the main concern for most, with the focus on "going green" the ability for results to come from a berry is also exciting.
"I like that it's natural," Self said.
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