DELRAY BEACH, Fla. -- It's believed 80 percent of Americans do not eat the daily recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables. Many of them take all kinds of supplements and a variety of natural products to try to make up for the deficit.

Now there's a fruit getting a lot of attention for the powerful antioxidants it contains. Deep in Brazil's Amazon rainforest grows a berry that's taking the world by storm. It's called the acai berry and it's considered the most beneficial fruit thanks to its abundance of antioxidants.

Dozens of products claim to contain the acai berry, including something called MonaVie.

Holly Dresson, 30, was feeling run down. The mother of four started taking an acai berry juice blend.

"Now I have the energy I need, the sleep that I need; it's healthy," said Dresson.

Now her entire family drinks it.

Diane Eden, 40, heard about the benefits and gave it to her oldest son who's had digestive problems since birth.

"It's been very controlled. We have not had to do his prescription anymore. It's been helping him immensely," said Eden.

Internist Dr. Jose Allongo said numerous studies are under way on the benefits of the acai berry.

He's been suggesting it to his patients with great results.

"What I found is they tolerate and absorb their medications better and the side effect of this is their cholesterol overall is dropping about 20 percent extra," said Allongo.

Allongo said he's also seen patients with diabetes and high blood pressure benefit. However, he warns acai products might not be for everyone, because some contain a variety of juices and ingredients like glucosamine. Those allergic to certain fruits or shellfish need to check the ingredients.

Frank Cochran, 72, has had trouble with his knees for 25 years. He is a believer in the health benefits of acai. He gave it a try to see if it could help with several ailments.

"Within three or four weeks I could tell the difference with my knees, with my stomach," said Cochran.

Nutritionist Marilyn Gordon with Memorial Hospital in Hollywood says consumers should be aware not all acai products are made the same. And she warns half the antioxidants in the acai berry are lost within 24 hours of picking the berry.

Gordon said eating fives fruits and vegetables a day is still the best way to get the daily recommended servings.

By the way, products such as MonaVie can be pricey. A bottle can cost $45. It is cheaper to buy it in bulk.