Acai Herbal Benefits

Acai berry is the fruit of the Euterpe oleracea--a palm tree native to Brazil, Columbia and Suriname. According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, acai is a more potent antioxidant than either blueberry or cranberry. The USDA began its latest comparative study of acai and the health benefits of other berries in October 2009. While there have been no reports of adverse effects of acai, more research is needed. Consult a physician before using naturopathic treatments at home.

Source of Good Nutrition

Acai is rich in nutrients. A 2006 nutritional analysis for the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry identified 19 amino acids and three sterols in acai. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins that are responsible for the structure and functions of the body. Sterols help plants fight infection and boost immune system function in people, and there is preliminary evidence that plant sterols inhibit the development of cancer. The analysis also revealed acai pulp has a small amount of trans-resveratrol--a nutrient present in the skin of red grapes that is believed to be an anti-cancer agent.

Antioxidant Benefits

Anthocyanins are the pigments that give acai its deep purple color and the source of antioxidant action in acai, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry analyzed the antioxidant properties of acai berry. Antioxidants counteract damage done to cells by free radicals--substances produced by the body's metabolic processes. Free radicals contribute to aging and diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Researchers found that acai's antioxidants entered the cells in fully functional form, and are the most potent against peroxyl radical of any food tested. These results encouraged further investigation.

Heart Health

Acai is a source of monounsaturated fatty acid--the same fatty acid present in olive oil. Replacing saturated fat with monounsaturated fat can help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Monounsaturated fatty acid promotes healthy cell development ,and there is preliminary scientific evidence suggesting it lowers cholesterol, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. The flavanoid antioxidants in acai may also contribute to vascular health. Although acai is widely used to treat heart disease, there is not enough evidence to support the use of acai for the treatment of high cholesterol.