Acai palm trees grow in the South American rainforests. They produce berries that are a good source of fiber, heart-healthy fats and antioxidants, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Since fresh acai berries spoil quickly and are difficult to import, the fruit is mostly available in juices and supplements. While the berry has not been proven to have any weight loss or energy boosting properties, acai berry products have a number of benefits.
Heart Health
The acai berry has high levels of anthocyanins, the same chemicals found in red wine that provide heart healthy nutrition. Anthocyanins are responsible for the red, purple and blue coloring in many heart-healthy fruits like acai berries, grapes and blueberries. Anthocyanins are flavanoid compounds that can prevent strokes and improve circulation for healthier blood flow to and from the heart, report doctors at the Linus Pauling Institute. Acai berries also are rich in omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, which protect the heart and cardiovascular system. Omega fatty acids also can lower cholesterol levels.
Anti-aging
Because of the high levels of antioxidants in acai berries, they can help to slow down the aging process by ridding the body of free radicals that can slow down metabolism and cause wrinkles, sagging skin and age-related diseases, such as impaired vision and arthritis. Chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes and muscle weakness strike as many as 80 percent of the aging adult population. Antioxidants found in acai berries can help to prevent the disorders, report researchers at the Organic Health Report. Acai berries have 10 times as much antioxidant as grapes and twice as much as blueberries.
Cancer Fighting
Researchers at the University of Florida report that research on the South American berry is relatively new and has been ongoing since the early 2000's, when the berry was first introduced to mass markets in the United States and Europe. Initial studies, however, have shown that the antioxidants in acai berries can destroy cancer cells. The studies did not support any claims that the berries can prevent cancer, but they could kill nearly 86 percent of leukemia-causing cancer cells in patients studied.
Digestive Health
The antioxidants in acai berries can help relieve symptoms of digestive disorders by destroying the free radicals that enter the system through the digestive process. In patients with irritable bowel syndrome, free radical levels may be controlled through the body's own antioxidant production. Doctors at Life Extension report that supplements containing antioxidants can help to fight off the excessive free radical compounds that cause inflammation in the gut.
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