Acai Nutrients

According to MayoClinic.com, acai berry has recently gained status as a super fruit; in fact, the fruit is touted as a superior source of antioxidants and other nutrient benefits. Acai berries also offer phytochemicals, which promote health benefits beyond basic nutrient value. Before using acai berry products, talk with a health care provider.

Research

A 2006 study in the "Journal of Agricultural Food and Chemistry" identified the acai berry as having a diverse nutrient profile. This tiny berry comprises anthocyanins, flavonoids, proanthocyanins, fatty acids, amino acids, sterols and other nutrients. Within this nutrient profile, the researchers identify cyanidin as the most abundant phytochemical.

Cyanidin's Importance

Cyanidin is found in many of the berries of red, blue and purple colors. The skin contains the highest amounts of cyanidin within acai berry fruit. Phytochemicals such as cyanidin produce the deep color of many fruits like the acai berry. Cyanidin has an antioxidant profile that is more powerful than vitamin C or E and may have antioxidant potential near pharmacological concentrations. Acai berry has the highest oxygen radical absorbance capacity value of any edible berry, due in large part to the phytochemical profile of cyanidins.

Other Nutrient Findings

The "JAFC" study provides the most comprehensive data on acai berry nutrient content to date. Anthocyanins, ACNs, were found in the greatest concentrations, which researchers believe provide the acai berry with its great antioxidant power. Three minor ACNs and several flavonoids were also detected for the first time. Researchers identified a dozen flavonoid-like compounds but labeled them unknown due to the lack of standards for these fruits. Proanthocyanidins were discovered for the first time, possessing a profile comparable to blueberries. Finally, three plant sterols were detected in the acai berry not previously found: B-sitosterol, campesterol and sigmasterol. These sterols have specific anti-cancer properties and exert other health benefits.

Caution

Scientific data on the acai berries' phytochemical and nutrient composition is still incomplete, which calls into question the health claims made about acai berry products. Use caution in evaluating the claims of acai supplement makers. Always consult your physician before using supplements.