Described as having a cherry flavour with a chocolatey aftertaste, they are grape sized and purplish in colour. These berries have a small amount of pulp around a large seed. The seeds are not edible, so the pulp has scientists intrigued. In a study conducted at the University of Florida in 2006, researchers found that açaí extracts triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86% of leukemia cells.
Although encouraged by the findings, they were careful not to make false or exaggerated claims about the berries since these were cultured cancer cells in a petri dish. This fruit which grows only in the Brazilian Amazon is now being labeled, marketed, and sold as the newest superfood. Current evidence suggests that they are nutritious and can help to boost energy levels and ease digestive problems.
However, some of the more outlandish claims that açaí berries can slow the aging process are somewhat harder to confirm. This article will look at what is known about these berries.
What are ORAC Fruits?
ORAC is an acronym for Oxygen Radical Absorbing Capacity, and is used to measure the antioxidant powers contained within certain fruits and vegetables. According to a study conducted in 2005 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the ORAC content of açaí berries were higher than other varieties of berries available in supermarkets today, i.e. cranberries and blueberries.
What Benefits Do They Have?
The berries have high concentrations of anthocyanins, compounds that fight heart disease. Polyphenolic flavonoids, also found in the açaí fruit, have anti-inflammatory properties.
Some other benefits include:
- Beta carotene, which zaps free radicals.
- Vitamin C, which helps ease the pain of arthritis.
- Vitamin E, which helps to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Can They Be Found in North America?
They can't be found in their natural form. The only people who can get their hands on raw açaí berries are those who live in the Brazilian Amazon because the berries are highly perishable, and will rot if shipped to foreign countries. Unless you plan to relocate to South America the only options left are to order it online or look for the nearest supermarket that sells the frozen pulp of the berries.
Who Sells Açaí Products?
Retailers will not be hard to find. There are so many different companies that are now selling açaí products in the United States and they range from ice creams, sorbets, smoothies, shakes, and juices. Health food stores also sell them in pill form. There are lots of con artists out there who will sell unsuspecting consumers açaí juices, but in fact will be nothing more than coloured water.
Look for established online companies that publish the ORAC content of their açaí products. It's a good bet the health properties of the berry will remain intact. It's unknown if this fruit can be used as a treatment for cancer. Further research will be required to give definitive answers.
References:
The University of Florida News
The U.S. Department of Agriculture
Scott Hayden - Since joining Suite101 in early 2007, I've contributed articles about travel, history and health. My speciality is writing about workplace ...
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