Acai (Euterpe oleracea) is a native palm tree species found in Central and South America. Its dark, purple fruits called acai berries are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids that act as antioxidants that help our body get rid off free radicals and super oxides that damages our cells. Many people claim that the acai berry is a “miracle fruit” because of the health benefits that it provides. However, there are only few research papers available that investigates acai health benefits to humans. This article provides brief summaries of published scientific researches on acai berry health benefits with links to which you can read the whole scientific article.
What are Available and Published Acai Researches?
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Pozo-Insfran et al. found out that the polyphenols (e.g. anthocyanin) in acai have the ability to induce apoptosis or cell death in leukemia cells. They also found out that the polyphenols are able to suppress the proliferation or multiplication of leukemia cells. This research shows that acai has therapeutic potential against leukemia. (Read the whole article.)
Schauss et al. tested the antioxidant capacity of freeze-dried acai berry. They found out that the antioxidants in acai have superoxide and peroxyl scavenging activities. The ability of antioxidants to get rid off reactive superoxides and peroxyl compounds protects our body from developing diseases like cancer. (Read the whole article.)
Jensen et al. studied the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of acai berry juice blend. The researchers found out that the phytochemicals (e.g. anthocyanins) in acai act as antioxidants to protect cells from oxidative damage. Oxidative damage in cells causes tissue inflammation; hence, antioxidants in acai berry can protect our body from developing inflammatory diseases. (Read the whole article.)
Rocha et al. studied the ability of acai extract in blood vessel dilation in mice. They found out that the polyphenols in acai extract has a vasodilator effect. They concluded that acai has potential to be an effective medicinal fruit for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. (Read the whole article.)