Acai is the latest best thing in organic health, sharing a long tradition of superfoods with mangosteen, pomegranate, and vitamin E, and, if you go back far enough, cod liver oil, kelp, and even lard. But are the supposed acai berry health benefits true?

If you are a fruit fly or a lab rat, you can be certain that acai berry has clinically proven health benefits for you. One study found that acai berry extract helps fruit flies live longer on a high-fat diet. For fruit flies that live in the dumpster behind McDonald's who can buzz over to the dumpster behind the local juice bar, this is fantastic news.

Another study found that a diet that derives 5 percent of calories from acai berry protects against N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine-induced esophageal cancer in lab rats. (The same research found that blueberries, strawberries, wolfberries,and blackberries work equally well.) And yet another research has found that frozen acai berry pulp slows damage in aging rat brains. If you are an elderly lab rat with a drinking problem, acai is clearly for you.

But what about humans? Is there any real evidence of acai berry health benefits for mankind?

In one word, no. Acai berry juice tastes fantastic. It is sustainably collected with sensitivity to the environment and with respect for the people who gather it. More people like a little acai in their juice than like a lot, but it is great way to add variety to healthy beverages.

The thing is, acai is not a clinically proven superfood. And it's not a diet food. To quote the world's most famous promoter of acai berry, Chris Kilham (who introduced me to acai berry around 10 years ago): "Just a quick word about the acai diets that everyone has been spammed over. Pointless. Acai is not a diet magic. It is a great, good tasting, highly beneficial fruit that gives you energy and makes you feel great. But don't be bilked by companies that want you to believe it's the key to slimming. It is not."

Purchase acai berry. It is a delicious fruit, and every purchase you make helps struggling native people earn a living honestly and honorably while preserving the Amazon rainforest. Be careful about spilling the juice on your countertops and clothes, because the stain is hard to get out. Just be aware that the astonishing antioxidant power of acai berry is balanced by the fact that most acai berry products contain only about 5% acai berry juice.

For amazing health benefits, pick the right combination of foods, herbs, and nutritional supplements. Never depend on a single product, no matter how miraculous it may seem to be.