The acai berry, pronounced AH-sigh-EE, has been touted as one of the world's new "superfoods." Acai berries grow on South American acai palm trees and are similar in size and appearance to grapes. While acai products are widely used to treat a range of health conditions, very little research has been done to support these uses. Before you rush out to buy into this latest fad, you should ask your doctor if acai is right for you.
Heart Disease
Supporters of acai berries often claim that the berries can prevent heart disease, in addition to many other health conditions, including cancer, high cholesterol, obesity and arthritis. There is little to no research supporting any of these claims, according to MedlinePlus. While some people may experience health benefits from eating acai berries, no one knows whether or not the majority of people will benefit from consuming acai.
Antioxidants
What is known for certain is that acai berries contain high levels of antioxidants, compounds that scavenge destructive molecules, known as oxidizing free radicals, from cells. A very small study of 12 people demonstrated that the human body can absorb significant amounts of antioxidants from acai berries, according to a team of researchers at the College of Agriculture and Life Science at Texax A&M University. These initial findings suggest that acai berries have the potential to provide health benefits.
Other Benefits
In addition to high levels of antioxidants, acai berries contain other beneficial nutrients. Acai berries contain high levels of dietary fiber and a type of essential fatty acid known as oleic acid, according to a study published in March 2007 in the journal "Archivos Latinoamericanos de Nutrición." The berries also contain high levels iron and protein.
Ways to Eat Acai
You can eat acai berries though variety of different means. You can eat the berries raw, like grapes, or you can drink juices made from the berries. Your best bet for finding acai berries is at a health food or gourmet food stores, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Acai berries are also purified and sold as extracts in pill form. Additionally, acai extracts are often added to other products, including energy drinks, smoothies, ice cream or jelly.
References
- MedlinePlus: Acai
- AgriLife News: Research Shows Brazilian Acai Berry Antioxidants Absorbed by Human Body; Kathleen Phillips; October 2006
- MayoClinic.com: Nutrition and Healthy Eating
- "Archivos Latinoamericanos de Nutrición"; Characterization of the Acai or Manaca (Euterpe Oleracea Mart.): a Fruit of The Amazon; S. Neida and S. Elba; March 2007
