13 Side Effects Of Acai Berry You Should Be Aware Of

We are aware of the many health benefits of acai berry. However, not many are aware of the side effects of acai berry.
Yes, this South American native berry has a few side effects too. But before we delve deep into the side effects, let us discuss what acai berry is.

If you don’t know what Acai berry is, let us explain. The Acai palm tree is native to the northern region of South America and found mostly in Brazil and other African regions. The reddish-purple berries are important for Amazonian tribal people and Brazilians. These berries grow in green bunches with a single seed inside and turn purple as they mature like grapes, and they have an oily coating. The Acai fruit puree is commonly used to make jellies, desserts, and ice-creams.

The health benefits of acai berries are several. They are rich in antioxidants and are widely used to prepare medicines that treat digestion and skin-related 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.

Know The Flip Side: Acai Berry

Short-Term Effects
Diarrhea, headache, dizziness, lower insulin levels, and inflammation, especially of the mouth, tongue, throat and lips.

Long-Term Effects
Jaundice and liver injury, plaque buildup, severe cardiac problems, and blood thinning.

Drug Interactions
Acai berry supplements that contain garlic, ginkgo, and feverfew may interact with blood-thinning medications.

When To See A Doctor
In case of diarrhea, respiratory problems (especially if you have pollen allergies), and very low blood sugar levels (especially if you have diabetes).

Some Of The Acai Berry Side Effects Are:

Long-Term Side Effects

1. 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.

2. 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.

Trivia

The word ‘açaí,’ which means ‘weeping fruit,’ is derived from the Tupi language of Brazilian natives.

3. Echinacea, a herb used in Acai supplement, can cause liver injury and allergic reactions (3).

4. 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.”

5. 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).

Trivia

Acai products are popular in the US owing to advertising for rapid weight loss benefits. However, the Federal Trade Commission has taken legal action against enterprises promoting these products in deceptive contexts without supporting evidence.

6. Acai berry, when taken over a period of time, may cause jaundice (6). Acai fruit may affect the results of the MRI scan (7).

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.

8. Lactating women should avoid consuming Acai supplements. Although there isn’t any research showing how it may affect the fetus, it is better to take precautions to avoid any unnecessary complications.

9. Other side effects of acai berries include lower insulin levels, increased weight loss, and strokes (5).

Short-Term Side Effects

10. Consuming Acai berries may cause headache, dizziness, and swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat. It may also cause wheezing or other respiratory problems.

11. 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.

12. People who are allergic to Acai or any other plant in the Arecaceae family, should refrain from consuming Acai berries (10).

13. Acai berry can also cause irritation in the colon and intestinal tract, causing diarrhea.

Although acai berry has no known medication interactions, you should still consume it with caution if you are on other medications. Consult with a doctor to avoid complications.

Do all these side effects mean that you should avoid consuming acai berries altogether? Definitely not! Check out the next section to find out how you can add them to your diet and still stay safe from the side effects.

How To Incorporate Acai Berries Into Your Diet To Prevent Side Effects

Here are some tips on how you can incorporate acai berries into your diet thoughtfully to avoid potential side effects:

• Consume acai berry products in moderation. Anecdotal evidence suggests taking 5-10g of acai powder per day might be safer. However, consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
• Avoid acai products mixed with refined sugar and additives that may lead to weight gain or blood sugar spikes.
• Add unsweetened acai to your oatmeal and smoothies. This way you can have it without overloading on sugar.

Infographic: How To Reduce The Risk Of Acai Berry Side Effects

Most acai berry products today are gaining popularity for their health benefits. However, as we saw, these berries and their products may also cause certain adverse effects. Does this mean you have to stop consuming them altogether? Maybe not. There are a few ways to reduce the risk of side effects due to acai berries – and we discuss the same in the infographic below. Check it out.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Is acai healthy for pregnant women?

Acai berries are considered safe for consumption during pregnancy, as acai berry has many benefits when consumed in the right amounts. However, it is better to consult your doctor before introducing anything new to your diet during this time.

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.

Illustration: Side Effects Of Acai Berry You Should Be Aware Of

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Acai berries are popularly known as a type of superfood. However, overconsumption of the berries can lead to side effects. Watch this video to know more.

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Reda ElmardiRDN

   

Reda Elmardi is a registered dietician, certified nutritionist, and certified strength and conditioning specialist trainer. He has more than 10 years of experience and has been an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Trainer since 2015.

Read full bio of Reda Elmardi

• 
  Paul ClaybrookMS, MBA Paul Claybrook, MS, is a certified nutritionist with 4 years of experience. He is an administrator in the Garfield County Health Center.
  
  Paul Claybrook, MS, is a certified nutritionist with 4 years of experience. He is an administrator in the Garfield County Health Center.

Tanya ChoudharyHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Tanya is an ISSA certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition. She specializes in writing articles on ingredients that benefit skin, hair, and health. She believes in the right health and lifestyle practices and strives to promote the same to everyone around her.

Read full bio of Tanya Choudhary

Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Moksha GandhiHealth & Wellness Writer

Moksha is a health and wellness writer and a certified diet and nutrition coach. Her passion for science and writing has helped her excel in crafting evidence-based articles. Her previous experience in writing science-based research papers ensures that her articles are grounded in research and provide practical tips that are reader-focused.

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