According to Jonny Bowden, author of The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, there are some real potential benefits with acai berries. The berry is rich in antioxidants, and also very rich in anthocyanins, a class of flavonoids that have extremely high antioxidant activity and can reduce inflammation and protect blood vessels and the nervous system, including the brain. The berry contains a rich diversity of polyphenols, plant compounds that may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Though there are no published human trials, one study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that extracts from acai berries triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86% of leukemia cells in a test tube. Other studies are underway at the University of Florida to investigate the effects of acai's antioxidants on healthy human subjects.
Even though the acai berry shows a lot of promise, the compounds contained in the berry are also included in other fruits and vegetables and in tea and wine. Bowden cautions that the acai berry should not be look upon as a magic bullet even though it is a great food.
Bowden would like us to know that the acai berry itself-which is difficult to find and not usually consumed outside of Brazil-is rich in a number of compounds, including healthy fats. Which of these compounds-specifically the fats-survives in the juice depends on the philosophy and methods of the manufacturer.
Though there are no published human trials, one study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that extracts from acai berries triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86% of leukemia cells in a test tube. Other studies are underway at the University of Florida to investigate the effects of acai's antioxidants on healthy human subjects.
Even though the acai berry shows a lot of promise, the compounds contained in the berry are also included in other fruits and vegetables and in tea and wine. Bowden cautions that the acai berry should not be look upon as a magic bullet even though it is a great food.
Bowden would like us to know that the acai berry itself-which is difficult to find and not usually consumed outside of Brazil-is rich in a number of compounds, including healthy fats. Which of these compounds-specifically the fats-survives in the juice depends on the philosophy and methods of the manufacturer.
Of course I tasted the berry! I eat it in my smoothies... ;)
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