How Acai Berry Fights Cancer

Acai Berry

In 2006, Stephen Talcott, an assistant professor with the University of Florida' s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, said his study showed "extracts from acai berries triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86 percent of leukemia cells tested."
"Acai berries are already considered one of the richest fruit sources of antioxidants," Talcott said. "This study was an important step toward learning what people may gain from using beverages, dietary supplements or other products made with the berries."

History of Acai

Acai berries are from Brazil and have a very short shelf life. Acai berries are relatively new to the American market, having only been here for the last five to seven years. Talcott's study was the first one done in America on Acai. He cautions, "This was only a cell-culture model and we don't want to give anyone false hope."

The Best Antioxidant

The best known evidence of acai berries fighting cancer can be found in the basic science of the fruit itself. Like blueberries and strawberries, acai berries are high in antioxidants and phyt chemicals. Antioxidant activity is key in neutralizing potentially harmful free radicals inside the body. Free radicals are a cause of aging and disease in humans. Acai has by far the most antioxidant compounds of anything else on this planet--not just 10 percent more than other fruits, but 10 times more.

Additional Benefits

Acai berries are considered a power food. They are by far one of the most nutritious foods found in the Amazon. Rich in B vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids, they also contain oleic acid (omega-9), a beneficial fatty acid, sometimes mistaken as an essential fatty acid.

Acai and Fighting Cancer

Because compounds of acai can help fight cancer in a petri dish, it is likely that ingesting acai in the form of berries, juice or liquids may have some of the same effects. However, there are a few outstanding factors to consider. What amount of the antioxidants in the acai are absorbed by the body? How quickly does each person's metabolism use up the antioxidants in the berry? The relationship between acai berry and cancer is still under evaluation; however, researchers are encouraged, as they are just beginning to understand the full benefits of acai.