Acai Guide

A study that was recently conducted in Gainesville, Florida has shown that the acai berry extract is killing cancer cells that have up to now have been resistant to other experiments. This study at the University of Florida is among the first to study what the acai berry can do.

Leukaemia cells were exposed to the acai berry extract in this study – and 86% of these cells self destructed! Already known as a good source of antioxidant compounds, this study has shown yet another possible use for these nutritional powerhouses. This figure of 86% was confirmed for us by an assistant professor at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Studies.

Other fruits may also contain antioxidants which can kill leukaemia cells, but all of the research done to date is only preliminary, as there are other things which need to be taken into account. The figures yielded by this first study, however show great promise.

Australia has jumped on board, promoting a diet that is derived from exotic fruits, namely acai, noni, goji, and mangosteen. Promotions here are running high for various juices made with all natural fruits. Antioxidant properties have been found in many of these native fruits.

A study from March of this year in Brisbane, Australia focused on the differences between the antioxidants sourced from olive leaves and those occurring in these tropical fruits and juices. This study showed some antioxidant properties to be present in olive leaves, but those done on acai berries have been more conclusive in their results.

One study in particular that is yielding very interesting results is on these fruits and cancer. Just as the United States is working very hard to find a cure for cancer, leukaemia in particular, Australia is doing so as well. The hard, cold facts are that leukaemia is the number one killer of children under the age of 20 the world over. Studies have not been conducted yet on the effects of preventing leukaemia or any other cancer.

Because only basic research has been done up to a certain point, more studies are warranted. The acai berries have anywhere from 50 to 75 compounds that have not been established yet. The main reason the berries are so hard to study is that they are very perishable.

The acai berry is roughly the same size as a blueberry and is dark purple when ripe. They contain a single seed and decompose rapidly if not frozen or used straightaway. Since this berry is native to the Amazon River basin, freezing these berries for a long trip is not always a viable option.

For importation to Australia, acai powder is the best alternative. This powder is produced by dehydrating and freeze drying acai pulp. This powder is far easier and cheaper to export, yet gives all of the health benefits of the fresh berries. This powder is used to make various nutritional supplements and as an ingredient in various foods.

The research is still very much in its infancy, but the hope is there that someday leukaemia will meet its match in the form of a cure. Leukaemia is a disease which strikes more children than adults – and this is spurring the world to search especially hard for a cure to this form of cancer.

Author: Americo Tognetti is amazed by the acai berry because it supplies such a boost to everyone in the Acai Fruit Powder.