Amazon fruit is hyped as latest healthy obsession

KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
You've likely heard about blueberries. They are the alleged miracle food for your memory. Some people claim watermelon, with a big dose of lipocene, may help lower the risk of cancer. The marketing group for cranberries insist they not only prevent urinary tract infections, they also might help reduce heart disease, cancer and even gum disease.
Oh, and by the way, mangos are rising in popularity among trendy chefs. They are showing up in new summer dishes.
But never mind. Make way now for the new obsession -- acai (pronounced Ah-si-e).
It is a luscious fruit grown in the Amazon, and it's said to be the latest rage in juice bars, moving ahead of wheat germ and blueberries. It has been hyped in publications such as Vogue, Gourmet and In Style magazines.
Believers say it raises energy and lowers cholesterol. It is said to have about 30 times the antioxidants that are reported to make red wine good for you. It is sold in frozen packets, starting at $49 on www.sambazon.com. It is also available at Whole Foods.
But keep in mind, as The Wall Street Journal notes, "all fruit is good for you, but it's not medicine." The best course is to opt for a variety.