Ask Mary

Don’t count on it.  The producers of acai (ah-sigh-ee) berry products claim they help with weight loss, but the claims have not been verified.  Even so, acai berry is a highly-nutritious food full of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, monounsaturated fats, vitamins A, E and thiamin, and lots of trace minerals.  Unfortunately, acai berry is very expensive because it comes from the Amazon jungle.  But luckily, the nutritional benefits of acai berries can be derived from other foods as part of a balanced diet.  Read more about acai berry products from the Guide to Longevity at About.com.