Acai Medicinal Uses
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FOLLOWING
INFORMATION WAS OBTAINED FROM INDEPENDENT SOURCES AND REFLECTS
THEIR OPINIONS AND BELIEFS.
The acai is also known as the euterpe palm, palmito açai,
Assai palm, pina palm, cabbage palm, juçara, palmier pinot, and
assaizeiro. The fruit is from a South American palm which can be
primarily found in areas such as Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil.
Not only are people after the palm’s fruit but the “heart of
palm” as well, which is actually a group of leaves called the
cabbage. Traditionally the fronds of the palm are used in
weaving and thatching. The fruit itself grows in bunches of 3-8
pieces of tiny, dark purple berries. These berries have often
been used as a colorant and for wines and different liqueurs.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 are essential fatty acids which can be
found in acai. Omega-9, an oleic acid, is also found in the
fruit and along with the others help lower LDL levels (Low
Density Lipoprotein). The fruit itself is an excellent
antioxidant because of its great concentrations of polyphenols
as well as its good levels of vitamin e, phosphorous, and
calcium.
At present, the medical uses of the acai include the
following:
• Cardiovascular system
• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antibacterial
• Antimutagenic
The Acai as a contrasting agent
For those requiring MRI scans, the acai is presently undergoing
tests for its usefulness as a contrasting agent for the body
when exposed to magnetic resonance imaging exams for the
gastrointestinal tract.
Below is the summary of just one particular study conducted on
the acai as a contrasting agent:
Title of Study/Scientific Paper: Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) as an
alternative oral contrast agent in MRI of the gastrointestinal
system: preliminary results.
Date: 2004 April
Author/s: Cordova-Fraga T, de Araujo DB, Sanchez TA, Elias J Jr,
Carneiro AA, Brandt-Oliveira R, Sosa M, Baffa O.
Department de Fisica e Matematica, FFCLRP, Universidade de Sao
Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirao Preto Sao Paulo 14,
040-91, Brazil.
Summary: Use of contrast agents is a common practice in medical
imaging protocols. Paramagnetic properties of certain compounds
present in contrast agents have their affects on magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) signals. For abdominal applications,
injection is the norm, however they may also be administered
orally. Because of the lack of appropriate oral contrast agents,
their use as a routine technique is limited. In the study they
presented the preliminary characterization and results for
implementation of Euterpe Oleracea (popularly named Acai) as a
possible clinical oral contrast agent for MRI of the
gastrointestinal tract. The pulp of Acai, a fruit from the
Amazon area, presented an increase in T(1)-weighted MRI signal,
equivalent to that of gadolinium-diethyltriamine pentaacetic
acid, and a decrease in T(2)-weighted images. They looked for
intrinsic properties that could be responsible for the T(1)
signal enhancement and T(2) opacification. Atomic absorption
spectra revealed the presence of Fe, Mn and Cu ions in Acai. The
presence of such ions contribute to the susceptometric value
found of chi = -4.83 x 10(-6). This finding assents with the
hypothesis that image contrast changes were due to the presence
of paramagnetic material. The first measurements in vivo
demonstrate a clear increase of contrast, in T(1)-weighted
images, due to the presence of Acai. Consistently, the
opacification in a T(2)-weighted acquisition was evident,
revealing a good contrast on bowel walls of gastric tissues.
The acai contains phytochemicals, polyphenols, and
anthocyanins which are beneficial to one’s health.
Phytochemicals actually behave as antioxidants in order to
promote longevity and proper health. Anthocyanin is actually a
polyphenol that has been studied to have a positive effect on a
number of general diseases which come with age. In the past, red
wine has taken center stage for its antioxidant/anthocyanin
content but the acai actually has a great number of times the
amount of anthocyanins which may be found in a single portion of
red wine.
The Benefits of Anthocyanins
Small and Large Blood-vessels
The anthocyanins in acai not only work against LDL oxidation but
arteriosclerosis as well. Anthocyanins may keep damaged
capillaries in those with diabetes from leaking and this in turn
keeps abnormal protein production under control.
Collagen and Inflammation
The enzymes which damage connective tissues are neutralized by
anthocyanins. The antioxidants may not only prevent the
destruction of connective tissue but it may also restore
proteins that exist in the walls of blood-vessels.
Nervous System
The anothocyanins in acai can prevent neurological diseases
because of how it can inhibit tyrosine nitration. The
Cyanidin-3-glucoside found in acai has been observed to aid in
reversing neurological deficits which come with age.
Below is the summary of just one particular study
conducted on acai and anthocyanins:
Title of Study/Scientific Paper: Phytochemical composition and
pigment stability of Acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.).
Date: 2004 Mar 24
Author/s:Del Pozo-Insfran D, Brenes CH, Talcott ST.
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of
Florida, P.O. Box 110370, Gainesville, Florida 32611-0370, USA.
Summary: Anthocyanin and polyphenolic compounds present in acai
(Euterpe oleracea Mart.) were determined and their respective
contribution to the overall antioxidant capacity established.
Color stability of acai anthocyanins against hydrogen peroxide
(0 and 30 mmol/L) over a range of temperatures (10-30 degrees C)
was also determined and compared to common anthocyanin sources.
Additionally, stability in a model beverage system was evaluated
in the presence of ascorbic acid and naturally occurring
polyphenolic cofactors. Cyanidin 3-glucoside (1040 mg/L) was the
predominant anthocyanin in acai and correlated to antioxidant
content, while 16 other polyphenolics were detected from 4 to
212 mg/L. Red grape anthocyanins were most stable in the
presence of hydrogen peroxide, while acai and pigments rich in
acylated anthocyanins displayed lower color stability in a
temperature-dependent manner. In the presence of ascorbic acid,
acylated anthocyanin sources generally had increased color
stability. Acai was recognized for its functional properties for
use in food and nutraceutical products.
The acai fruit is a major source of anthocyanins which is a
kind of flavonoid which is characteristic of its red-blue
phenols that contain antioxidant qualities.
Cyanidin-3-glucoside
Cyanidin-3-glucoside is actually the major anthocyanin found in
acai. This particular anthocyanin is actually almost 4 times
more powerful than a vitamin E analogue known as Trolox.
Cyanidin-3-glucoside also has a greater measure of antioxidants
than those found in malvadin-3-glucoside which is the popular
anthocyanin obtained from red wine.
Anthocyanins and Energy
Why is all the talk about anthocyanins? Anthocyanins have been
studied to provide therapeutic results in treating diseases such
as fibrocystic disease found in the human breast and diabetic
retinopathy. These anthocyanins have chemoprotective,
radiation-protective, anti-inflammatory, and even vasoprotective
effects on the body’s physiology.
The ratio of fatty acids found in the acai may be likened to
that in olive oil. The lower rate of heart disease in
Mediterranean areas is attributed to this nature of both olive
oil and the fruit.
Acai Health Facts
• 60 percent of Omega 9, otherwise known as Oleic which is a
monounsaturated fatty acid, aids with keeping harmful
cholesterol levels of LDL down while simultaneously keeping
beneficial cholesterol levels of HDL at a healthy level.
• 12 percent of Omega 6, otherwise known as Linoleic which is a
polyunsaturated essential fatty acid, has been studied to
maintain the levels of both LDL and HDL cholesterol.
• It’s important to note that fatty acids actually assist in the
absorption and transportation of the fat-soluble vitamins such
as Vitamins E, D, K, and A.
• Phytosterols are another important element found in acai. The
plant cell membranes contain sterols which are vital components
that aid in reducing one’s blood plasma cholesterol. These
sterols are actually presently utilized in the treatment of the
symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).
• The major sterol contained in acai known as beta-sitosterol
has been observed to prevent immune system difficulties caused
by major physical stress.
• Not only is acai an ample fiber source but aside from
enhancing one’s digestive system it may contribute to reducing
one’s susceptibility to particular kinds of cancers.
Acai Resources
Cook-Fuller C, editor. Annual Editions Nutrition 00/01 – 12th
ed. Connecticut: Dushkin/McGraw Hill; 2000.
Pegel K. The importance of sitosterol and sitosterolin in human
and animal nutrition. S African J Science. 93, 263–268, 1997.
Rogez H. Açaí: Preparo, Composiçao, e Melhormento da Converaçao.
Belem:EDUFPA; 2000.
Seager S, Slabaugh M. Chemistry for Today: General Organic and
Biochemistry-4th ed. California.
Sillberberg S. Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of matter and
Change – 2nd ed. USA: McGraw-Hill; 2000. 1086p.
Studies have presently shown that the acai fruit can actually
fight cancer cells. It has been reported that chemical compounds
from the fruit have been observed to fight against cultured
leukemia cells from human beings. Since the fruit became more
accessible to areas beyond Brazil in the current years, its
advantageous effects on cancer have only very recently been
tested. The testing of a fruit and its effects on cancer may go
about with 2 main objectives—discovering if the substance
results in the termination of cancer cells and if caspase-3 (a
particular enzyme which is dispelled with cell-death) is
released by the cells.
Success: A Ray of Hope seen in the termination of
leukemia cells!
In scientific studies, 25 to 84 percent of the cultured leukemia
cells were terminated through application of the various
concentrations of chemical compounds from the fruit. These are
hopeful results and may lead to even further developments once
the data from human subject testing is tabulated and analyzed.
If the data result in lowered cholesterol as well as lowered
blood pressure then we are going in precisely the right
direction.
Raising the bar of natural fruit benefits!
Studies such as the one mentioned above, raise the reputation of
the berry and its health benefits. The results observed in the
models prepared show positive reactions which may lead to just
the natural break scientists have been looking for from a fruit.
The importance of continual study
But it’s important not to get too excited. There are still a
number of other factors that can affect the activity of chemical
compounds in a human’s system such as metabolism or nutrient
absorption, so continual study is vital. Studies which also
involve healthy humans may take matters such as the fruit’s
compound absorption into focus.
Below is the summary of just one particular study conducted
on acai and its cancer-fighting effects:
Title of Study/Scientific Paper: Acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.)
polyphenolics in their glycoside and aglycone forms induce
apoptosis of HL-60 leukemia cells.
Date: 2006 Feb 22
Author/s: Del Pozo-Insfran D, Percival SS, Talcott ST.
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of
Florida, P.O. Box 110370, Gainesville, Florida 32611-0370, USA.
Summary: This study demonstrated that acai offers a rich source
of bioactive polyphenolics and confirmed the importance of
investigating whole food systems when evaluating the potential
health benefits of individual phytochemical compounds.The
effects of acai polyphenolics on the antiproliferation and
induction of apoptosis in HL-60 human leukemia cells were
investigated. Interactions between anthocyanins and non-anthocyanin-polyphenolics
in both their glycosidic and their aglycone forms were also
investigated to determine additive or nonadditive responses.
Polyphenolic fractions at 0.17-10.7 microM were found to reduce
cell proliferation from 56 to 86% likely due to caspase-3
activation (apoptosis). Anthocyanin and polyphenolic fractions
were nonadditive in their contribution to the cell
antiproliferation activity. At equimolar concentrations, the
glycosidic forms of phenolic acids and flavonoids induced a
higher magnitude of change in cell parameters (proliferation and
apoptosis) than their respective aglycone forms, while the
opposite trend was observed for anthocyanin aglycones.
Title of Study/Scientific Paper: Total oxidant scavenging
capacity of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (acai) seeds and
identification of their polyphenolic compounds.
Date: 2006 Jun 14
Author/s: Rodrigues RB, Lichtenthaler R, Zimmermann BF,
Papagiannopoulos M, Fabricius H, Marx F, Maia JG, Almeida O.
Institute of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Department of Food
Chemistry I, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 11-13, D-53115
Bonn, Germany.
Summary: The antioxidant capacity of methanol and ethanol seed
extracts from Euterpe oleracea Mart. (acai) against the reactive
oxygen species (ROS) peroxyl radicals, peroxynitrite, and
hydroxyl radicals was studied with the total oxidant scavenging
capacity (TOSC) assay in a modified and automated version. Cold
methanol digestion was the most efficient extraction method with
respect to the antioxidant capacity. The extracts exhibit good
antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals, similar to the
capacity of the pulp. The antioxidant capacity against
peroxynitrite and hydroxyl radicals is even higher. The main
antioxidants identified by HPLC-MS and HPLC-CEAD are five
different procyanidins (di- through pentamers); furthermore,
protocatechuic acid and epicatechin were identified as minor
compounds. Determination of TOSC values of HPLC seed extract
fractions indicates that the procyanidins contribute
substantially to the overall antioxidant capacity. Other
compounds that have not yet been identified are responsible for
a large part of the observed antioxidant capacity.
Title of Study/Scientific Paper: Acai (Euterpe oleracea
Mart.) polyphenolics in their glycoside and aglycone forms
induce apoptosis of HL-60 leukemia cells.
Date: 2006 Feb 22
Author/s: Del Pozo-Insfran D, Percival SS, Talcott ST.
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of
Florida, P.O. Box 110370, Gainesville, Florida 32611-0370, USA.
Summary: This study demonstrated that acai offers a rich source
of bioactive polyphenolics and confirmed the importance of
investigating whole food systems when evaluating the potential
health benefits of individual phytochemical compounds.The
effects of acai polyphenolics on the antiproliferation and
induction of apoptosis in HL-60 human leukemia cells were
investigated. Interactions between anthocyanins and non-anthocyanin-polyphenolics
in both their glycosidic and their aglycone forms were also
investigated to determine additive or nonadditive responses.
Polyphenolic fractions at 0.17-10.7 microM were found to reduce
cell proliferation from 56 to 86% likely due to caspase-3
activation (apoptosis). Anthocyanin and polyphenolic fractions
were nonadditive in their contribution to the cell
antiproliferation activity. At equimolar concentrations, the
glycosidic forms of phenolic acids and flavonoids induced a
higher magnitude of change in cell parameters (proliferation and
apoptosis) than their respective aglycone forms, while the
opposite trend was observed for anthocyanin aglycones.
Title of Study/Scientific Paper: Total oxidant scavenging
capacities of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (Acai) fruits.
Date: 2005 Feb
Author/s: Lichtenthaler R, Rodrigues RB, Maia JG,
Papagiannopoulos M, Fabricius H, Marx F.
Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences, University of Bonn,
Bonn, Germany.
Summary: The antioxidant capacities of 11 commercial and
non-commercial samples of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (acai) fruit
pulp were studied with the total oxidant scavenging capacity
assay in a modified and automated version against three reactive
oxygen species. The antioxidant capacities of all purple acai
samples were found to be excellent against peroxyl radicals,
good against peroxynitrite and poor against hydroxyl radicals
compared with common European fruit and vegetable juices
recently analyzed. In all cases the correlation between sample
concentration and antioxidant capacities was non-linear. The
antioxidant capacities against all three reactive oxygen species
of the fruit pulp from one white acai variety were very low. The
phenolic compounds in purple acai fruit pulp were identified by
high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and
the two major anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-glucoside and
cyanidin-3-rutinoside, were quantified by high-performance
liquid chromatography-visible spectrometry. The contributions of
the anthocyanins to the overall antioxidant capacities of the
fruit were estimated to be only approximately 10%. Compounds not
yet identified are responsible for the major part of the
antioxidant capacities of the acai fruit pulp.
Title of Study/Scientific Paper: Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) as
an alternative oral contrast agent in MRI of the
gastrointestinal system: preliminary results.
Date: 2004 April
Author/s: Cordova-Fraga T, de Araujo DB, Sanchez TA, Elias J Jr,
Carneiro AA, Brandt-Oliveira R, Sosa M, Baffa O.
Department de Fisica e Matematica, FFCLRP, Universidade de Sao
Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirao Preto Sao Paulo 14,
040-91, Brazil.
Summary: Use of contrast agents is a common practice in medical
imaging protocols. Paramagnetic properties of certain compounds
present in contrast agents have their affects on magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) signals. For abdominal applications,
injection is the norm, however they may also be administered
orally. Because of the lack of appropriate oral contrast agents,
their use as a routine technique is limited. In the study they
presented the preliminary characterization and results for
implementation of Euterpe Oleracea (popularly named Acai) as a
possible clinical oral contrast agent for MRI of the
gastrointestinal tract. The pulp of Acai, a fruit from the
Amazon area, presented an increase in T(1)-weighted MRI signal,
equivalent to that of gadolinium-diethyltriamine pentaacetic
acid, and a decrease in T(2)-weighted images. They looked for
intrinsic properties that could be responsible for the T(1)
signal enhancement and T(2) opacification. Atomic absorption
spectra revealed the presence of Fe, Mn and Cu ions in Acai. The
presence of such ions contribute to the susceptometric value
found of chi = -4.83 x 10(-6). This finding assents with the
hypothesis that image contrast changes were due to the presence
of paramagnetic material. The first measurements in vivo
demonstrate a clear increase of contrast, in T(1)-weighted
images, due to the presence of Acai. Consistently, the
opacification in a T(2)-weighted acquisition was evident,
revealing a good contrast on bowel walls of gastric tissues.
Title of Study/Scientific Paper: Phytochemical composition
and pigment stability of Acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.).
Date: 2004 Mar 24
Author/s:Del Pozo-Insfran D, Brenes CH, Talcott ST.
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of
Florida, P.O. Box 110370, Gainesville, Florida 32611-0370, USA.
Summary: Anthocyanin and polyphenolic compounds present in acai
(Euterpe oleracea Mart.) were determined and their respective
contribution to the overall antioxidant capacity established.
Color stability of acai anthocyanins against hydrogen peroxide
(0 and 30 mmol/L) over a range of temperatures (10-30 degrees C)
was also determined and compared to common anthocyanin sources.
Additionally, stability in a model beverage system was evaluated
in the presence of ascorbic acid and naturally occurring
polyphenolic cofactors. Cyanidin 3-glucoside (1040 mg/L) was the
predominant anthocyanin in acai and correlated to antioxidant
content, while 16 other polyphenolics were detected from 4 to
212 mg/L. Red grape anthocyanins were most stable in the
presence of hydrogen peroxide, while acai and pigments rich in
acylated anthocyanins displayed lower color stability in a
temperature-dependent manner. In the presence of ascorbic acid,
acylated anthocyanin sources generally had increased color
stability. Acai was recognized for its functional properties for
use in food and nutraceutical products.
Have you ever heard of a magic berry that could actually
improve your sex life? Well, the acai may be exactly what you
and your lover may need to put that extra oomph between the
sheets—except that it’s not magic! Yes folks, a natural berry
actually exists in the tropics which can help you with your
sexual needs or wants.
Gently pushing your mate’s hair aside, your lips kiss her right
ear lobe as you breathily whisper into her ear. She lets out a
naughty giggle, and you go on to stroke her arms, bit by bit
inching your way up to her shoulders. With a firm grip, you take
her shoulders in your hands and rub in circular waves. Your
fingertips graze upon her neck, trickling down until they reach
her back. Your hands slowly caress her powder soft skin, moving
to the tips of her toes up to her calves, up, up until her
thighs….CUT! Just about when you are getting to the race, you
can’t seem to keep things going! As much as we don’t want to
admit it, sometimes we do need a little help pleasing our
lovers. Sad to say, the present-day virility drugs can
definitely put a whole in your pocket. But this may not be their
only problem, like other medications, they may induce a number
of side effects. You could try meditation, but let’s be honest,
by the time you’ve done singing your mantra in your mind your
honey may just be up and outta there. Luckily, there is another
solution for your bedroom woes. The acai fruit is actually an
aphrodisiac that can help with your problems down under.
Acai Fruit—a handy tool in the bedroom!
Even as the acai has only been recently popularized in the
mid-eastern countries, it has been a constant part of the
natives of the Amazon for hundreds of years. Their warriors even
took advantage of its energy boost by taking a dose of their
daily dose of the fruit before heading out to war. At present,
you can think of this fruit as a handy tool not in a war against
others but in a war in the bedroom! And even there, it will rise
victorious.
But it must be emphasized that intake of the acai does not just
benefit your carnal desires, when you take your daily portion of
the fruit it is your whole body that is affected by its
healthful benefits.The guarana and sugar content of the fruit,
along with its healthy fats, can keep you up on an energy-high
for a number of hours after intake. But it isn’t just energy
we’re talking about here; your mental reflexes and overall
feeling of well-being are also enhanced by intake of the fruit.
Added Energy and Enhanced Performance
You may very easily surprise your spouse with your added energy
and performance. If previous sessions in the sack may have
finished with her responding with a “That’s it?” Then say
goodbye to leaving your wife unsatisfied because you won’t be
hearing this line again, and will probably have to get used to
other more positive reactions once she gets her own taste of the
fruit’s effects through you. The acai’s sexual benefits have
actually become so popular that even a drink has been concocted
in a number of New York’s hottest clubspots. It has aptly been
titled “sex on the roof”—a mixture of vanilla, acai, and Kahlua.
Not only popular to New York, but drinks of this kind have also
been the latest hits in Los Angeles, Chicago, and even Toronto.
The sexual oomph of this fruit has been attributed to the
guarana, which reportedly results in longer endurance as well as
improved frequency and sexual passion!
Natural Acai!
The fact that the acai is a natural fruit cannot be emphasized
enough. Compared to well-known virility mediations, this natural
fruit will not leave you with backbreaking side-effects. The
effects of the fruit not only last for just the right amount of
time, they also gradually occur (rather than jumpstart you with
a surge of energy that will last way past the bedroom romp).
This is just the right mix for you and your mate.
Now people are acquiring the fruit in great quantities as its
market grows throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, and North
America.
The aroma of acai makes its way to her nose as the wetness
slides down her fingertips. She takes her tongue and slicks it
over her index and middle fingers. As soft as the tender color
is to the eye, the flesh feels like a new born baby’s. She stops
for a moment and stares down. Bringing her warm lips to the dark
purple wetness, squirts of sensation burst in her mouth. Again
and again, she brings the fruit’s taste to her lips. Each
blackish purple berry dissolves almost instantaneously and her
taste buds are left with nothing but a nuance of acai.
After one to two weeks of intake of acai, you may experience
the following benefits:
• More energy and better endurance
• Enhanced digestion
• Enhanced mental concentration
• Improved sleep (That means no more sleepless nights for you!)
• A number of your body’s required nutrients from one fruit
• The acai can give you more than the amount of protein your
body can receive from an egg
• Enough lipids to keep you energized for the day
• Ever hear of the saying “an apple a day, keeps the doctor
away”, well the acai can do just that and even enhance your
current state of health.
• Vital minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, and potassium
are all found in the acai.
• This fruit also contains vitamins such as Vitamin E (Tocopherol),
Vitamin C, Vitamin B1 (Thiamin), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), and
Vitamin B3 (Niacin).
• Enhanced sex-life
• It contains more Anthocyanin (anti-oxidant) than that found in
the grapes which compose of a glass of red wine.
• It will provide you with enough fiber to aid with any
digestive problems which spring up in the elderly.
• Omega 9 (Oleic acid) and Omega 6 (Linoleic acid) are key fatty
acids that are found in the acai which help in maintaining
healthy cholesterol levels
• Anti-oxidants in the acai are key elements in the upkeep of
one’s vascular cardiac system. They aid in the circulation of
blood.
• The acai is packed with vital amino acids along with essential
trace minerals which aid in muscle regeneration and
contractions.
• The sugar content in the acai is surprisingly low compared to
other fruits.
• It aids in detoxification and the natural cleansing of the
body.
• It will give your immune system a natural boost.
These benefits may differ as every individual’s body has its own
unique reaction to the fruit. After reading about these
benefits, no wonder the acai is seen as one of the top
nutritious fruits of the Amazon!
The acai berry acts as the following:
• an aid to the cardiovascular system
• an antioxidant
• an antibacterial
• an anti-inflammatory
• an antimutagenic
The Nutritional makeup of the Acai berry
>Anthocyanins: about 30x the amount found in red wine
>Phytosterols
>Polyphenols: 16 (14 - 212 mg/L)
>Polyunsaturated fatty acids: Omega 6 (Linoleic)
>Monounsaturated (healthy) fats (fatty acid ratio likened to
olive oil):
essential omega fatty acids: Omega 9 (Oleic)
>Alpha-tocopherol: natural Vitamin E
>Dietary Fiber: 7 grams / 100 grams
>Trace minerals: calcium, manganese, cobalt, iron, chromium, and
copper
>Low glycemic index
>Protein: amino acid profile resembling that of an egg
For every 100 grams of Acai there is:
Acid- 0.13%
Brix- 45.90g
Calcium- 9.0 mg
calories- 247
Fiber- 16,90g
Iron- 11. 80 mg
Niacin- 0.40 mg
pH- 5.21
Phosphorous- 58.0 mg
Protein- 6%
Vitamin B1- 0.36mg
Vitamin B2- 0.01 mg
Vitamin C- 9.0 mg
Acai Resources:
• Berges B, et al. Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind
clinical trial of beta-sitosterol in patients with benign
prostatic hyperplasia. Lancet 345: 1529–1532, 1995.
• Cook-Fuller C, editor. Annual Editions Nutrition 00/01 – 12th
ed. Connecticut: Dushkin/McGraw Hill; 2000.
• Henman AR. Guaran• (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis):
Ecological and social perspectives on an economic plant of
the central Amazon basin. J. Ethnopharmacol, 1982 Nov.
• Miura T, et al. Effect of guarana on exercise in normal and
epinephrine-induced glycogenolytic mice. Biol Pharm Bull. 1998
Jun;21(6):646-8.
• Pegel K. The importance of sitosterol and sitosterolin in
human and animal nutrition. S African J Science. 93, 263 –268,
1997.
• Rogez H. AÁaÌ: Preparo, ComposiÁao, e Melhormento da
ConveraÁao. Belem: EDUFPA; 2000.
• Seager S, Slabaugh M. Chemistry for Today: General Organic and
Biochemistry-4th ed. California.
• Sillberberg S. Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of matter and
Change – 2nd ed. USA: McGraw-Hill; 2000. 1086p.
• Wardlaw G, Insel P. Perspectives in Nutrition – 2nd ed. Saint
Louis: Masby – Year Book, Inc; 1990.
Tribes in the Amazon used the acai as a healing fruit for a
number of different ailments. Just one of these indigenous
tribes is the Shuar tribe which has traditionally utilized
fruits and plants such as the acai for their medicinal
qualities. The uwishin (Shuar medicine men/women) have the
knowledge of the Amazon rainforest and its medicinal value. The
fruit itself was discovered to suppress the negative form of
cholesterol in one’s blood while enhancing one’s good
cholesterol. The tribe also realized the fruit’s benefits to the
heart, its ability to control infection and prostate enlargement
as well as its power to aid the body’s immune system. The palm
fruit was able to do all this and improve the health of the
tribes-people because of the tradition of making the palm fruit
into a wine.
Other historical medicinal uses
Another disease/ailment which the acai fruit was found to be
useful for is schistosomosis. Schistosomosis may actually be
passed on by snails and affects millions of those in Brazil. The
fruit is also used to make an antibiotic for an infection seen
in various hospitals—Staphylococcus aureus.
Originally the acai fruit was hand-picked by the tribes-people
as they would climb the trees and chop its branches.
The Present: Acai as an energy fruit!
Now, let us speak of the present. Once the fruit was introduced
to other parts of the world in the 1990’s, it became popular
along Brazilian beaches as an energy fruit which natives would
add to drinks. It’s actually come to a point where Oprah Winfrey
is even talking about the fruit’s great health benefits on
national television. Vital minerals like calcium, phosphorus,
iron, and potassium are all found in the acai. The sugar content
in the acai is surprisingly low compared to other fruits, and it
aids in detoxification and the natural cleansing of the body.
The fruit has now even been recognized for its sexual boosting
qualities! That’s a long journey from the Amazon jungle where it
first began.
The Acai fruit is actually a type of berry. It is of a
blackish purple color and may be likened to the grape, yet
tinier and darker in color. A large seed is found within and
only a small amount of pulp. At present the acai is used in a
number of health foods, drinks, energy bars and the like.
Fresh fruit!!
The trick behind getting the healthiest acai lies in how fast
one can get the fruit from harvest to its actual processing. The
fruit itself has an antioxidant known as anthocyanin which helps
control cholesterol and free radicals. You must have heard of
the line “a glass of red wine, straight from the vine, is good
at nine.” This actually comes from the fact that grapes also
contain this healthy antioxidant, but the acai has 33 times as
much anthocyanin! Think of exactly how beneficial that makes
this fruit! You may be replacing your daily glass of wine with a
daily intake of the acai berry.
Fiber-rich!!
The acai fruit has actually become known for its iron-rich
properties. But this is not all it’s rich in; it has also been
suggested intake for those with digestive problems or the
elderly because of its fiber. The fiber found within this berry
is a vital tool in aiding with the body’s digestion as it helps
food along the digestive tract. It is definitely a fruit of the
Amazon that is packed with nutrition.
Freedom for the tastebuds!!
It is also interesting to note that there has been no known food
which may cause a diverse reaction when combined with the fruit.
This leaves a lot of leeway for experimenting with different
flavors or recipes for acai taste buds. There are a number of
recipes which make use of the acai from smoothies, all the way
down to various soups.
Color and Health
Because of the wide variety of colors that anthocyanins provide
(blue, red, and orange) along with their nutritional benefits,
the agricultural food industry has presently found interest in
the acai. The anthocyanins in the acai contain pigments which
come from the flavonoid group with an increased level of
antioxidants.
Some Acai Benefits:
• More energy and better endurance
• Enhanced digestion
• Enhanced mental concentration
• Improved sleep (That means no more sleepless nights for you!)
• Enough lipids to keep you energized for the day
• Enhanced sex-life
The acai fruit grows from a palm tree originally from
northern Brazil. The natives have come to know the fruit by the
calling– “fruit that cries.” The Amazon forest is abundant with
the palm tree of the acai. Yes, it has been known that this
fruit has been one of the traditional fruits of the Amazon
natives and it has been included in the native folklore, as a
legend even. The folktale of the acai goes as follows:
The daughter of a tribal chief of the Amazon was known as Iaca.
The tribe of Iaca’s father had become quite big and they were
encountering difficulty finding food for all. This led to the
tribal chief’s decree of killing all the newborns. But the
tribal chief’s daughter Iaca became pregnant with her own child,
and he had this child killed as well when it was born. Iaca
resorted to the solace of her hut and mourned the death of her
baby. One day she heard cries from a baby outside. Searching for
the sound, she caught site of a palm tree growing from the
ground which was full of fruit. In misery, she dropped at the
base of the tree and there died. She was found the next morning
by tribesmen beneath the freshly grown tree. The fruit of the
tree answered the tribesmen’s hunger and provided them with a
jolt of energy. This led the chief to abolish his decree and
name the tree’s fruit—acai, in memory of his daughter. The tribe
continued to grow with the energy of the acai and has now been a
fruit that the people of Brazil have benefited from for years.
Historical medicinal uses
Originally the acai fruit was hand-picked by the tribes-people
as they would climb the trees and chop its branches. The fruit
is also used to make an antibiotic for an infection seen in
various hospitals—Staphylococcus aureus. Another disease/ailment
which the acai fruit was found to be useful for is
schistosomosis. Schistosomosis may actually be passed on by
snails and affects millions of those in Brazil.
Energy for the day ahead
Normally the fruit is eaten at breakfast to provide energy for
the day ahead. The medical benefits of the acai may have
initially been given proper notice by medical professionals in
the 1950’s. The Gracie jiu-jitsu family backed up the amazing
benefits of the acai in the 1960s by using it as a pre- and
post-workout food. At present, medical research about the
fruit’s health benefits are growing in both Europe and the U.S
OXIDATIVE
STRESS
BASIC NUTRITION
CELL NUTRITION
THE ACAI BERRY
ACAI BERRY ARTICLE
ACAI BERRY
BENEFIT
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