Mangosteens and açaí berries are tropical fruits that offer a variety of health benefits. These fruits contain nutrients, such as vitamins A and C, and other compounds, such as phytochemicals, which may be beneficial in protecting against the development of cancer in humans.
Vitamins A and C
Mangosteens are a good source of vitamin C, providing 7.2 mg, meeting roughly 12 percent of the recommended daily allowance for this vitamin. Açaí berries are rich in vitamins A and C, meeting about 25 and 100 percent of the recommended daily value for these vitamins, respectively, per 100-gram serving. While, according to the National Cancer Institute, antioxidant supplementation, such as with vitamins C, A and E, has not been shown to prevent cancer in human trials, these nutrients may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radical damage can lead to cancerous changes in the body's cells. Antioxidants may help prevent some of this damage.
Mangosteen and Cancer
Scientific research indicates activity against several cancer cell lines, including breast cancer, liver cancer and leukemia. Mangosteen xanthones are effective at helping prevent abnormal breast cancer cell division and promote death of human breast cancer cells. In a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in January 2004, the breast cancer cell line SKBR3 was cultured in the presence of mangosteen extract at various concentrations. Researchers observed a dose-dependent inhibition of cellular proliferation. The conclusion of this study was that mangosteen extract inhibited breast cancer cell growth by causing changes in the DNA of these cells.
Açaí Berry Phytochemicals
The açaí fruit offers the highest phytochemical content of any fruit or vegetable. According to an article published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research in February 2010, phytochemicals are plant compounds that offer disease-fighting properties and may benefit health in other ways. Powdered, freeze-dried açaí fruit pulp and skin is rich in two classes of phytochemcials: anthocyanins and phenolics.
According to an article published in the Journal of Biomedical Technology in December 2004, anthocyanins are found in red and purple produce; they help maintain a healthy circulatory system, ensure proper nerve function and may offer anticancer benefits. Phenolics offer similar benefits and can be found in other foods like grapes and red wine. According to the National Cancer Institute, phenolics help protect body cells from damage caused by free radicals, from such sources as pollution, tobacco and other toxins.
References
- Nutrition & You: Mangosteen Nutrition Facts
- Everything About Acai: Acai Freeze Dried
- National Cancer Institute: Antioxidant Fact Sheet
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology: Antiproliferation, antioxidation and induction of apoptosis by Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen) on SKBR3 human breast cancer cell line
- Journal of Biomedical Technology: Anthocyanins--More Than Nature's Colours
