Whilst scientists are keen to investigate and prove the benefits of so-called “super foods”, we — the consumer — are keen to reap the rewards of these investigations. With the acai berry’s popularity soaring, scientists have been working overtime to see just what it is that this unique fruit can do for as. As the multitude of proven, tangible benefits offered by the humble acai berry mount almost daily, so the popularity of the berry grows even quicker in response.

It was with great excitement that I read a University of Florida study on the effects of the acai berry upon leukemia cells. The lab tests executed by the boffins in the Florida labs showed that extracts from acai berries triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86% of leukemia cells tested. The tests were, it seems, in direct response to some of the claims made by manufacturers, distributors and retailers of acai-based products. Stephen Talcott is quoted in the article as saying:

Acai berries are already considered one of the richest fruit sources of antioxidants. … This study was an important step toward learning what people may gain from using beverages, dietary supplements or other products made with the berries.

Acai berries are not alone in having the properties necessary to attack leukemia in controlled lab tests. Grapes, guavas, mangoes and many other fruits contained the antioxidants which were identified as being responsible for the startling results. Berries — and acai berries in particular — are renowned for having a very high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity — the measure used to determine the antioxidant capacity of different foods) rating, and may be particularly effective at combating the cells.

The type of antioxidant that produces this behavior is the anthocyanin. Anthocyanins are particularly effective against molecules called ‘free radicals’ which are harmful to some of our body’s cells. Free radicals are produced either as by products of the body’s functions or introduced into our system by pollutants such as cigarette smoke and gas fumes. At the very extreme free radicals can actually change the DNA of a cell and thus introduce a cancer into the body.

Talcott went on to explain that although the test results were very encouraging and showed good activity against the cancer cells, it did not necessarily mean that acai berries could prevent or cure leukemia in people. When active leukemia in people was considered, there are too many variable factors that come into play which may influence the antioxidants’ chemical activity. This is, of course, not to say that it doesn’t help against leukemia cells in humans, just that scientists are unable to prove anything as yet.

This is undoubtedly a very exciting discovery, but why has it taken until now for scientists to uncover the potential benefits of acai berries? Stephen Talcott again:

One reason so little is known about acai berries is that they’re perishable and are traditionally used immediately after picking. Products made with processed acai berries have only been available for about five years, so researchers in many parts of the world have had little or no opportunity to study them.

It is generally recognized that an increased consumption of fruit and vegetables of most types can be closely associated with a decreased risk of contraction of a number of afflictions including heart disease and cancer. Finding that the acai berry is super-charged with the necessary antioxidants is a very exciting step toward to making the world a healthier place.

References

  1. Nordlie, Brazilian berry destroys cancer cells in lab, UF study shows, University of Florida News. Source [retrieved 19 Feb 2009]
  2. Sterling, Got Anthocyanins?, NewHope.com. Source [retrieved 19 Feb 2009]

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