Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Don't Fall For The Acai Berry Scams...

I'm normally a very laid back and easy going guy, but I'm really Pissed Off right now after getting this e-mail the other day...


Lee,

I normally like what you have to say and I follow all your videos and stuff. But I saw your before and after picture on one of those side bar advertisements for some acai pill and another pill for the some muscle pump.

It claimed you went from your skinny before picture to the present picture of you in 8 weeks... Come on man that is a bunch of BS, why did you post that? Can't you be a little more honest?


No doubt if you have surfed the Internet at all over the last few months you have seen these stupid ads plastered everywhere. Usually with the headline: "How I got ripped in 4 weeks..."
or something along those lines.


Please Don't Fall For This Bull Sh!t...

When you see any of these ads in the future stay the hell away from them. As they are nothing but a bunch of low life scam artists out to make a quick buck.


Then they try to make it look real by posting up some bull sh!t story of a guy on a blog saying how he got in the best shape of his life by taking this acai berry crap. They'll follow up his story with a bunch of other fake posts, comments, before and after pics, etc. All trying to get you to buy their 14 day acai berry trial.

Just to let you know acai berry is nothing more then some over priced, over hyped fruit juice. In fact it has LESS anti-oxidants then the plain old apple or orange juice that you can pick up at the grocery store!

So to put things in perspective, you have a better chance of getting ripped and buff by drinking a glass of OJ then you do taking this acai berry (and OJ will cost you a lot less money too).

Now to make matters worse, not only is this whole acai stuff a huge scam to try and trick you out of your hard earned money, while these dishonest greedy SOB's are laughing all the way to the bank... With YOUR Money!

But they are illegally using pictures of people, like myself, and several other reputable fitness professionals, to advertise their websites. It's bad enough that they are selling a BS product, but to tarnish the image of honest people with their scam just makes my blood boil.

In fact the Better Business Bureau has already received "thousands" of complaints from consumers. And they have released a statement warning consumers to be wary of any website offering acai berry-related products.

Unfortunately, law enforcement officials have yet to catch up to these rogue operators because they operate in foreign countries. But when they do get caught, and it's only a matter of time, you can bet they are going to face some heavy fraud charges and hopefully some serious jail time as well.

So I just wanted to clarify that I DO NOT... I repeat DO NOT endorse any such supplements like acai berry! When you see any of these ads in the future stay the hell away from them. As they are nothing but a bunch of low life scam artists out to make a quick buck.

If you want to read more about the acai berry scam just check out this article on CTV News at:
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090323/acai_090323/20090323

And if you would like to know what nutritional supplements that I honestly do recommend and actually take myself, then check out my article: Lee's Top 5 Bodybuilding Supplements.

http://www.leehayward.com/lees_top5_supplements.htm

41 comments:

  1. You didn't need to be a brain surgeon to figure out that this was not something posted by you - your advice is consistantly based on hard work and a clean approach and certainly never any of this sort of mumbo jumbo get ripped quick stuff. I am sure all your regular correspondants (like me) trust you totally.

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  2. hay mainu tati ni ondi hay mainu tati ni ondi

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  3. likewise, i use your routines all the time and know the score. keep up the good work mate.

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  4. Wow...I didn't realize they were using pics off legit people like yourself. That would definitely make my blood boil (and it does) as well.

    Lee, I would worry too much, though I do understand why you would be pissed.

    Deswal.

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  5. Lee, this is Omar from Egypt, I knew totaly when I saw ur photo in the ad that it was taken, same thing happened with a relative of mine!

    Don't worry as most of the people who really follow you and your GREAT advices knew it was a scam, but I recommend using some way of making ur photos unsaveable on your website , just to avoid this matter in the future.

    Keep the hard work, couch!

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  6. ive seen these ads plenty of times, most of them looked photoshopped, hopefully anyone with half a brain will realise nothing is that easy, if u believe every ad on the internet u will be earning a £1000 a week from google, ripped in 4 weeks, and have white teeth as discovered by a busy mum by accident !! if only ! keep up the good work lee.

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  7. Such low lives.. This pisses me of to! How dare they take your picture, your hard earned muscle, and say that it's all because of some shit-berry?! Fuck them! If i saw you advertising for such a thing, I would know right away that it was fake.. You're just not that kind of guy


    - Mads

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  8. AWWW! Don't be "pissed off", just let it roll off your back (which is a fine fit back). Thanks for straigtening out the terrible misjustice as far as someone using your name to advance themselves.I appreciate all you have done for me.

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  9. We love you Lee - keep things going just the way they are. Thank you for not only alerting people to this kind of crap but backing it up with websites where we can access more info. It's okay to get pissed off once in awhile - it made me immediately read your post!
    All the best to you & yours!
    jj

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  10. hey bro I know you worked hard dont let them get to you

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  11. These acai companies are stupid!! Not only do they sell a bullshit product but they try making it appealing to fat people who just want to get skinny and guys trying build some muscle! It makes no sense, I'm a skinny hardgainer why the hell would I want a diet pill!?

    Anyway Lee, thanks for making it clear your not with them and don't support the using the acai berry. Thanks again for the useful tips I keep getting almost daily without ever even buying anything!!!!

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  12. Thanks for looking out for your homies Lee!

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  13. I had a friend that just last week had the same thing happen. It showed her with her daughter. They even gave her daughter some weird name.

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  14. Lee I was very surprised I really thought that the acai berry was the fruit that had the most antioxidant.

    I want to thank you for dropping some knowledge.

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  15. Definitely! I don't trust in this ads... Take it easy Lee...

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  16. ^^ ONLY FOOL WOULD REALLY BELIVE IN THAT CRAP IN THE INTERNET
    JUST ALWAYS REMEMBER THE FACT: THERE IS NO MIRACLE PILLS!!
    ANOTHER, IT'S EVEN WORSE THAN STEROIDS HAHAHA

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  17. lee any one who follow your training advice knows that you are an honest person and you know what you are talking about dont let this kind of stuff spoil your day.

    val.

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  18. i saw that ad and i knew that right away that it was bougas . your site and all the emails i get from you stresses hard work and a good diet . and that is what is working for me and i trust in your advice , who ever put your name on that ad should have there ass kicked robb finn

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  19. I'm sick of these bull sh!t scams and they're even using bodybuilding.com's users' before and after pictures...those assh0les will get theres...

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  20. I HAVE DEGREES IN BOTH MEDICINE AND BIOCHEMISTRY. I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN SPORTTS FOR OVER 50 YEARS AND I CAN TELL YOU THAT YOU CANNOT GET STRONGER WITHOUT HARD WORK. NO NATURAL PRODUCT WILL DO IT ALONE. THANKS FOR YOUR PROGRAM, IT IS AT THE TOP.
    Tim

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  21. geoff from tasmania,
    i have been training on and off for years without any protein supps or heavier medication and i actually grew with food and hard work the old saying no gain without pain and the approach is mental, long term goals and doing the exercise correctly without cheating.

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  22. Hi and if I were you, just like a writer would do, if you have a copyright here in America for anything then maybe it's time to think about getting an International...if possible. Then, if this ever happens again, you may be able to handle this a little differently than having no rights outside of your own country. Also, I know this upsets you but I know and I believe that others do, too, that it takes physical work to get to where you are and I too would be very upset over this matter. All is not lost because if your name was or is ever mentioned in their ads then it is possible that some individuals may just seek you out to find out if you have your own web site and other things. Keep that big, strong, wonderful, muscley grin on your cute little face and just keep on keepin' on. It takes common sense in our world these days.

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  23. Lee, man it's not right what these SOB are doing, but you just gotta let it roll man! Everybody that is worth a damn knows the truth, and in the end it will catch up with them! Karma's a bitch! Stay strong Lee. I don't think you will have a problem with that! lol

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  24. Acai Health Benefits:

    What is known about the Acai berry fruit health benefits, backed by scientific research into the fruits properties, is quite substantial. Acai is a rich source of anthocyanins and other phenolics and phyto-nutrients. Acai berries are amongst the most nutritious foods of the Amazon, rich in B vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Acai also contains oleic acid (omega-9), a beneficial fatty acid (often mistakenly referred to as essential).

    Minerals found in Acai Berry: Potassium is the mineral most abundant in the Acai. Acai is also rich in copper, and unusually high in manganese. Only a small portion supplies far more than the body needs of this ultra-trace mineral.

    Acai Phytonutrients: Anthocyanins are compounds that have potent antioxidant activity, allowing for the neutralization of potentially harmful free radicals. The famous research regarding the "French Paradox" attributes anthocyanins as being the antioxidant that protects the French from heart disease. The French are known to consume large amounts of coffee, nicotine, sugar, white flour, cheese and saturated fats, yet they have a very low rate of heart disease compared to neighboring countries like the UK and Denmark. The red wine grape, due to its anthocyanins is what is believed to be responsible for the very low incidence of heart disease. While red wine has good quantities of anthocyanins, the Acai berry has been shown to contain many times the anthocyanins levels of red wine.

    By neutralizing these free radicals, anthocyanins from the Acai berry may actually serve to maintain the healthy function of numerous systems and organs. Some of the anthocyanins that have been found in Acai include cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-glucoside-coumarate. Other phenolics include catechin and epi-catechin (the same compounds in green tea), quercetin derivatives and other flavonoids. It is likely that the synergistic effects of these compounds, as present in Acai fruit are responsible for its potent antioxidant activities.

    ORAC Scale: The Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity (ORAC) assay measures the total antioxidant activity of a biological sample. It’s a test developed for the USDA by scientists at Tufts University to measure the antioxidant speed and power of foods and supplements. The ORAC scale is used in human, agricultural, food and pharmaceutical products, as well as food ingredients and is quickly becoming the accepted standard for comparing antioxidant potential in foods and supplements.

    Acai Antioxidant Benefits: For the average Western person to cope with all the reactive oxygen and free radicals they will encounter on a daily basis, foods and beverages totalling an ORAC value of at least 2000 units per day are needed. It’s been estimated that 80-90 percent of the world’s population fails to consume even half of this level. Acai is reputed to be extremely high on the ORAC scale and provides levels multiple times that of many anthocyanin-rich fruits and vegetables, such as cherries, cranberries and mulberries.

    Aging Population: As the population ages, 80% of older people in Western countries will develop at least one chronic metabolic disease. If the USDA says that high-ORAC foods may slow aging and prevent metabolic disease from occurring, isn't it about time you increased the quantity of antioxidants in your diet to prevent this process from occurring in the first place?

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  25. lee dont worry anyone w/ half a brain would know that you dont look like that with juice its bs but i understand how it would piss you off

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  26. Lee, this is Jerry from Texas and I don't blame you for getting pissed off, but all of us that know you, know better than that as you always show us the only way with hard work and proper technique.

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  27. Thanks Lee. I guess anyone who follows your info will know those ads dont make sense. Don't worry.

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  28. lee i agree strongly ive been wanting 2 say something about that article it really pisses me off when they say in 4 weeks witch is totally impossible.ive been busting my ass off in the gym 4 about a year now and i dont look like that. i think it just shows a bad impression.i listen and watch u and vince all the time,and i try not to get caught up in all the bs.both u and vince have taught me a lot. thanks

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  29. Thanks for this Lee. I never even *look* at ads, and I don't need anyone telling me how to weightlift, but it's good to know that you don't support this BS.

    BTW, there are certain "jumpstarts" some people might not be aware of...little boosters that you might not think of. First off, (this one works best if you don't include much caffiene in your diet), a can of diet pop (without aspartame if you trying to lose fat) 45 minutes before a workout is a great boost!

    Second, I find adding a bit of fiber to my post-workout drink to really be a great all-around health buster.

    Thirdly, I have found that a good multivitamin + omega 3/6/9 are all the supplements you need, plus your regular protein. Stores will try to hawk a lot of stuff on you, but the bottom line is that metabolism can only be tweaked so much, and no supplement does the weightlifting for you! I have made anywhere from 20-100% gains in around a year in all my lifts, just taking an Opti-Men once a day, along with a Seal Oil capsule, and a protein drink with a quarter spoonful of sugar or gatorade mix thrown in.

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  30. Hi Lee

    This could be one of the sick guy out there who has nothing to do.

    Your advise and research are logical and reasonable. i have reference them with what i see in my daily life and it matches. Like the one about construction workers..

    So ya dun worry. they would be jealous..

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  31. its not only the acai berry scam.they also tryna promote these pills. so b.s. waste of time and waste of ad space.

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  32. Try not to let those dirty rats get the best of ya. But if they are taking pictures of you and putting them in advertisement to sell their product I'm sure you can take legal action against them yeah?

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  33. thats messed up mayne. but anybody that watches ur totalfitness bodybuilding shows and gets ur emails knows that you beleive in hard work. we all know you wouldnt endorse some new shitberry and you've said in your broadcasts that you havent tried and and you wait for a supp to survive the test of time. keep ya head up brah
    -Dan

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  34. I don't blame you for getting pissed off, but all of us that know you, know better than that as you always show us the only way with hard work and proper technique.That guy suffers from the small man syndrome .......thanks for your stuff
    chris ..south africa

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  35. When people look for short cuts there will other people waiting there to scam them. Most of the bodybuilding supplements have no independent proof that they work at all. Some like Pro-hormones are just dangerous but they still manage to get these fantastic claims on line and in the magazines. You should really be pissed off with the whole supplement industry and the superstars that promote the junk.

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  36. Hi lee.. this is vishnu from chennai... dont ever worry for these Lee. come on cheers. There are lot of followers of you like me. So try to make us happy. You as a trainer and friend of mine should not worry, this makes me sad.

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  37. Hey Lee,
    You have done us all a great service with your guidance. As they say, "Don't sweat the small stuff." We all know it aint the berries, it's the time and effort. Keep up your good work and let the scam artists look for other dummies to follow their B.S. advice.

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  38. You are right in being pissed and they are scam artists. I fell for it had 3 random charges on my credit card for 39.95. Called and got them all removed and taken off their calling list. But actually did take the stuff they sent and it did work but I have also been working out pretty hard so I am sure that was what did most of it. It did help though.

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  39. Hi lee John and sue here from England / Spain Dont let this crap' get to you, you know and we, thats all your post bag, know its total shit what they say. I use egg beaters and it helps but not without your help and advice and im 68 years old and still learning from you thanks pal see you on line .john and sue Stent.

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  40. @ Organic Health report: What a post! Let me just say that - What pisses Lee off, pisses me off. Anyone who eats a substantial amount of healthy food is bound to get into better shape even without additional physical activity. Also most of these Acai berry products are not going to have real acai berries due to the difficulty in transporting them. So people are looking for their 'magic bullet' and getting scammed. Look what happened with pomegranate as the chosen fruit?

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  41. As all of the above say Lee dont let it get to u..if they hav a brain they'd know the differance.. we hav a sayn in Belfast/Ireland..Dont let the basterds grind u down.loL..KAL

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