Acai

Acai

Acai is a South American berry that packs a powerful health punch. Known as a superfood, acai is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants, with a very high oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) score. ORAC scores are used to measure the strength of antioxidants. Acai berries provide superior nourishment and are packed with essential nutrients such as:

• Omega-3, -6 and -9 fatty acids
• All the essential amino acids
• Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and E
• The minerals potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, and zinc

The small purple berries can be taken in tablet, powder, and capsule form, as well as in liquid form.

Benefits of Acai

There is strong scientific evidence that acai berries can boost your physical and mental health. The following are among the diverse health benefits of this superfood:

Maintains Healthy Skin

Acai berries are believed to have anti-aging properties. Antioxidants in acai help speed up skin cell renewal and may help keep the skin looking younger according to one study.[1] Aside from its potent antioxidant properties, researchers believe that acai berries can also improve skin health through its anti-inflammatory properties.

Improves Exercise Recovery

According to a 2005 study published in the Biology of Sport, regular consumption of an acai berry-based juice blend can help reduce exercise-induced muscle damage.[2] The study included seven junior hurdlers taking part in a pre-season conditioning camp who were supplemented with 100 ml of acai berry-based juice blend for 6 weeks. After the treatment period, the athletes showed lesser muscle damage, which is indicative of improved recovery rate.

Improves Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels

A 2011 study published in the Nutrition Journal evaluated the effect of acai fruit pulp on risk factors for metabolic disorders in overweight subjects.[3] The study included 10 overweight adults who took 100 g acai pulp twice daily for 1 month. After the treatment period, researchers observed significant reductions in blood sugar levels, LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol of the subjects.

Treats Osteoarthritis

Dietary interventions involving antioxidants are highly recommended for reducing inflammation, improving joint motion, and altering pain perception in patients with osteoarthritis. In one study, researchers found that patients with age-related osteoarthritis who consumed 120 ml of acai pulp juice daily for 12 weeks had improved range of motion and experienced a significant reduction in joint pain, suggesting that acai berries can be a natural remedy for osteoarthritis.[4]

Fights Cancer

In one laboratory study, researchers found that human breast and colorectal cancer cell lines can be killed when treated with 10, 20, and 40 μg/mL of acai fruit extract.[5] According to researchers, the acai extract possesses strong anti-cancer properties that can effectively induce self-destruction of various cancer cell lines.

Prevents Cardiovascular Disease

According to a 2016 study assessing the effects of acai berries on heart health, consumption of this nutritious fruit can help prevent cardiovascular disease through various mechanisms, including reduction of blood pressure and cholesterol levels and protection against harmful free radicals.[6] Also, researchers in the study also found that acai berries can help improve blood flow to the heart through its vasodilatory effect (causes blood vessels to widen).

References:

1. Fowler JF, Woolery-Lloyd H, Waldorf H, Saini R. Innovations in natural ingredients and their use in skin care. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD. 2010; 9(6 Suppl):S72-81; quiz s82-3.
2. Sadowska-Krępa E, Kłapcińska B, Podgórski T, Szade B, Tyl K, Hadzik A. Effects of supplementation with acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) berry-based juice blend on the blood antioxidant defence capacity and lipid profile in junior hurdlers. A pilot study. Biology of Sport. 2015;32(2):161-168. doi:10.5604/20831862.1144419.
3. Udani JK, Singh BB, Singh VJ, Barrett ML. Effects of Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) berry preparation on metabolic parameters in a healthy overweight population: A pilot study. Nutrition Journal. 2011;10:45. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-10-45.
4. Jensen GS, Ager DM, Redman KA, Mitzner MA, Benson KF, Schauss AG. Pain Reduction and Improvement in Range of Motion After Daily Consumption of an Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) Pulp–Fortified Polyphenolic-Rich Fruit and Berry Juice Blend. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2011;14(7-8):702-711. doi:10.1089/jmf.2010.0150.
5. Silva DF, Vidal FCB, Santos D, et al. Cytotoxic effects of Euterpe oleracea Mart. in malignant cell lines. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2014;14:175. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-14-175.
6. de Moura RS, Resende ÂC. Cardiovascular and Metabolic Effects of Açaí, an Amazon Plant. Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology. 2016; 68(1):19-26.