Research Shows the Acai Berry Combats Cancer and Leukemia
A recent study done by the University of Florida on the South American acai berry found that it has enough antioxidants to actually destroy cancer cells.
The results showed that the acai berry destroyed leukemia cells 86 percent of the time where it triggered a self-destruct response according to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry where the information was initially published.
Acai berry’s provide a rich source of antioxidants which are key to fighting harmful radicals that can lead to cancer. The study was important in showing the importance of reasons why the acai berry should be part of a daily diet.
An very important thing to note here is that this study did not intend to demonstrate that the elements found in the acai berry can prevent leukemia in humans.
The results were never intended to raise any false hope of a cure for leukemia as the trials were performed under the cell-culture model. The findings still are very promising. Cases have shown that compounds that prove well in a cell-culture model have also done well when tested on humans.
Antioxidants have not been directly proven to fight cancer cells in the human body because of other factors such as biochemical processes. However, research has shown that fruits such as guavas, grapes, and mango’s’ have antioxidants that have been known to kill cancer cells as well.
Acai berries is are perishable and must be eaten immediately after picking. The process to preserve 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.
The Euterpe oleracea is the palm tree that produces the acai berry, and are commonly found along the flood plains of the amazon river. The color of the berry is a dark purple and the size of a blue berry. There is a large seed that is surrounded by an edible pulp encased in a thin layer.
Historically, Brazilians have used acai berries to treat digestive disorders and skin conditions. Acai berry can help in reducing weight, lowering cholesterol and gaining more energy.