acai berry weightloss

Archive for the ‘Acai Berry Benefits’ Category

The introduction of Acai Berry Power 400 has certainly taken the world by storm – the dieting world, that is. Everyone knows that there is a great need for weight loss supplements that actually work and preferably something that can work fast too. Anything priced at the vicinity of “affordable” is also more than welcome in this regard. Obviously, there are a multitude of weight loss supplements advertising the same thing. At the same time, there are other brands of acai capsules bearing the same promise. However, Acai Berry Power 400 still has the lead for several reasons.

1. It works! It works! It actually works!

Losing weight with Acai Berry Power 400 is relatively easy. The acai capsules of this type have the highest concentrations of acai extract necessary for the promotion of a faster metabolism and bowel movement. Organic acai, by itself, is known to carry the highest levels of oleic acids among the berry family. This is actually a monounsaturated omega9 fatty acid that is great for helping release bio toxins from the digestive tract. Aside from omega9, other essential fatty acids for faster metabolism are omega3 and omega 6 which are both found in this the Power 400 capsules.

Additionally, this tiny capsule has enough soluble fiber to help encourage our bowels to cleanse itself on a more regular basis. This is actually one important step to losing weight. A regular bowel movement helps increase the rate of digestion. After all, how can you digest your food faster when most of the undigested foods you can no longer use are still in your system?

Other essential components of the weight loss acai-based capsules include: amino acids, bioflavonoids, copper, small traces of magnesium, and potassium. All these help increase energy level that aids in faster digestion.

2. It works much faster than most weight loss supplements bearing acai extract.

One of the secrets of Power 400 is its high concentration of components. Imagine all those amino acids and minerals we just mentioned, and tripled its potency. If a single dose is strong enough, what would a triple dose afford you? This is primarily the reason why Power 400 works much faster than other more conventional weight loss pills.

Of course, the general advice is: you do not take Power 400 pills on its own without going on a diet or exercise. This is only a supplement to help you lose weight; and it cannot do that unless you do your share as well. You still need to cut down on those burgers and fries.

3. It is one of the most affordable brands in the market.

Incredibly, if you scout around the Internet, you can find a Power 400 that is most soothing to your pocket. Other weight loss pills in the market can certainly cost you a pretty penny. In the meantime, other acai-based supplements can reach as high as $150 per bottle. Power 400 is quite affordable. Depending on the distributor, a bottle of Power 400 may cost you less than $10 per bottle.

More and more nutrition aficionados are transitioning to exotic or at least different fruits to shake their smoothie concoctions. The drink mixes are undergoing a recipe revolution. Normal fruits such as peaches, bananas, and strawberries are no longer the only fruits added used in these promising juices.

Mangosteen is a tropical fruit from Indonesia. It’s about the size of a small apple and contains a sweet white core that breaks off in wedges similar to an orange. A frequent fruit often used is the Mangosteen. This fruit is not marketed for sale in the United States. Regardless, fruit enthusiasts are able to get the fruit as a juice or capsule form. This is because of the inherent risk of the Mediterranean fruit fly infestation upon its importing.

Scientists found it has anti-fatigue, anti-swelling, mood enhancing, and free radical eliminating uses. Mangosteen research is evolving and there is recommendation that this tropical wonder is full of many ingredients that improve wellness to say the least.

A clinical review shows positive fight against leukemia:

“We examined the effects of six xanthones from the pericarps of mangosteen, Garcinia mangostana, on the cell growth inhibition of human leukemia cell line HL60. All xanthones displayed growth inhibitory effects. Among them, alpha-mangosteen showed complete inhibition at 10 microM through the induction of apoptosis.”(Matsumoto K, Akao Y, Kobayashi E, Ohguchi K, Ito T, Tanaka T, Iinuma M, Nozawa Y: Gifu International Institute of Biotechnology, 1-1 Naka-Fudogaoka, Kakamigahara, August 2003)

Found in India and the Tahitian Islands, the fruit of the Noni tree has powerful antioxidant content, anti-depressant promises, and immune system enhancing properties. Something else exciting added used in smoothies is the Noni. Scientists suggest it is a free-radicals eliminator as well. This all-year-round comes from Southeast Asia as well. Scientists suggest it is a free-radicals eliminator as well.

“In laboratory research, Noni has shown antioxidant, immune-stimulating, and tumor-fighting properties. The National Cancer Institute is funding preliminary research on Noni for breast cancer prevention and treatment.” (NCCAM Publication No. D398, 2007)

The fruity surprise from western tropical areas, the Acai berry, flourishing in Central and South American tropical regions is another fruit smoothie drinkers’ blend. This fruit is grape-sized and a dark bluish-red color. The Acai Berry is high in fiber and is believed to have the properties that cleanse the body of toxins. Investigations into this berry’s content show it is also best for increasing the circulatory system, promoting vitality and reduction of inflammations.

The above fruity riches are added ingredients one can use to invent their own custom recipe. These are medicinal that one can add-in in combination with blueberries. Blueberries contain Vitamin C and Vitamin E. They also contain anthocyanins and phenolics, which contain inhibiting cancer-cell properties. Blueberries also have properties to inhibit chronic diseases.

With all the options available today from health food stores offline and online, the ingredients one needs are obtainable, even if not in whole fruit form. While blueberries are easily attainable, the other fruits and berries are not so easy to obtain. A good mix of tropical goodness created with far-east-Asian or South American exotics can start a new lifestyle with health and wellness. Some of the fruits can be found in processed juice or powder form, which can be added into one’s smoothie beverage.

Exotic energizing fruits can enhance system wellness that enables them to be more productive throughout their life. The dynamic body-lift resulting from smoothie drinks rich with antioxidants are reason enough for trying them. Men and Women that feel better about themselves are capable to develop more positive thinking and action. As a result they increase their ability to change and gain improved social skills. When a person feels energized, they feel they can take on the world. This leads to a better mental attitude, which can halt depression in its tracks.

Ultimately, foods with Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) rating are best to add-in with your smoothies. ORAC will help you build up your immune system and through antioxidants in these foods, berries, vegetables, or fruits; it will help you feel well. These mixes of ORAC-rich ingredients are also pretty tasty.

Does it really matter where you buyAcai Berryproducts? Absolutely! Notall Acai products created equal! There so many factors that go into the processing of the Acai Berry, that customers should know what to look for before buying!

Given the sudden popularity of this purple gem, many companies are jumping on the band wagon to produce as many Acai products as they can. That means the consumer needs to do their homework to find a manufacturer that hasnt taken any shortcuts in their processing and ingredients. If we are not careful, we could end up with a product that has lost its active properties, is full of fillers or has unwanted chemicals.

Before you purchase Acai products,make sure the product lines up with these standards:

1) Certified Organic Ingredients. When using non-organic fruits, you could be exposed to pesticides and other chemicals. A legitimate company will produce a certificate to prove their product is Certified Organic. Non-organic antioxidant products can contain chemical pesticides, herbicides and other toxins.

2) Acai Must Be Processed Within 24 Hours. Safely transporting this little gem, often called The Crown Jewel of the Amazon, across the world is not an easy task! This highly potent berry starts losing its active properties within 24 hours of being picked. As you can imagine, for companies that care about producing a quality product, this is no simple feat.

3) Acai and Other Ingredients That Are Not Processed in China. Many products on the market today are processed in China, where they are known for using harsh chemicals and they do not have any regulations for pesticide use, nor do they have organic guidelines. Acai processing plants in China often use unregulated soy, fillers and/or chemicals in the extraction process.

4) Freeze-Dried and Not Spray Dried Acai. To preserve the berrys nutrients, Acai must be freeze-dried. Spray drying involves heating the berries at high temperatures, which destroys the active properties. In this process, they are also sprayed with a carrier such as maltodextrin to dry them out. When this occurs, a large portion of the resulting Acai powder is actually maltodextrin.

5) Acai Should Never Be Overheated. During normal pasteurization, high heat is involved. Any Acai juice product should only be flash-pasteurized, which does not harm the enzyme level of the berry and is FDA approved.

6) No Fillers Such as Soy or Maltodextrin in Processing. During the extraction of the pulp from the pit, fillers, chemicals and carriers should not be used. These items used in the manufacturing process remain a part of the end product, but are not required to be listed on the label because they are not considered to be an added ingredient.

7) No Fillers or Water Added to the Product. Adding fillers makes the Acai fluffier and bulks it up, so you are not getting as much Acai. Check the label for such fillers as soy, corn, maltodextrin, water and lots of other concentrated fruit juices. After all, when we buy Acai, we want Acai.

No Added Sugar, Artificial sweeteners, Fructose or Stimulants. Look to see that the Acai does not have added sugar. Sugar is not good for our immune systems, weight and it can cause inflammation. Also, some products may have added stimulants like caffeine or guarana.

9) No Chemical Preservatives. If we are seeking a nutritional product for our health, why would we want to consume chemicals along with it? For example, Sodium Benzoate appears in our soda and snack cakes, but why would we want it in our health foods? In 2006, the FDA re-opened their investigations into the use of Sodium Benzoate in soft drinks, because of the discovery of thebreakdown into Benzene that can occur when mixed with ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

10) ORAC Lab Testing Done on Actual Product. Make sure the companys reported ORAC (antioxidant) levels are based upon tests done on their actual Acai product and not just reports from Acai right off the tree. Just because Acai Berries have a high ORAC score when picked, does not mean it still does after the manufacturing.

As we can see, not all Acai products are created equal. In fact, a person will have a hard time finding Acai that can measure up to all 10 standards! So far, we have only found one Acai product line that passes all of these tests and that is Amazon Thunder!

Resources and Further Reading:

Amazon Acai Berry.net – All About the Acai Berry: www.AmazonAcaiBerry.net

FDA re-opens probe into benzene contamination of soft drinks – by Chris Mercer, 2/15/2006 www.foodnavigator-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=65840-soft-drinks-fda-benzene

It’s official-the Acai fruit is officially an energy fruit. A particular celebrity show host has said so. Don’t worry if you haven’t heard of acai fruit before, most people are still discovering the little berry. This little berry, though, is soon going to be world famous and in high demand. This fruit is actually a berry that comes from an Amazonian palm tree that is harvested in the Brazilian rainforest.

The acai fruit is a drupe that measures about an inch in diameter and looks sort of like a grape but does not have as much pulp. It grows in panicles of seven hundred to nine hundred and two crops of these fruits are produced each year. The fruit has a seed that is less than ten millimeters in diameter. The fruit is harvested as a food and is considered to be one of the most important species of three different Caboclo tribes in Brazil. The juices from the fruit are often blended into sodas, smoothies and other drinks and are traditionally served in a gourd alongside tapioca and sugar. In Brazil it is popularly served in a bowl where it is mixed with granola. This concoction is often thought of as an energy meal. The fruit has also been made into ice cream.

It is a very nutritious fruit. One hundred grams of this powder contains almost five hundred and forty calories, fifty two grams of carbohydrates, eight grams of protein and thirty two grams of fat. It has forty four grams of fiber, which makes it incredibly valuable as a macronutrient. It is also rich in fatty acids like oleic acid, palmitic acid and linoleic acid. It is thought to reduce blood cholesterol. It contains nineteen amino acids and is very high in aspartic acid and glutamic acid content.

The most important part of this fruit, though, is its anti-oxidant content. Anti-oxidants can slow down the aging process by keeping our cells healthy. Many authorities find that acai fruit is one of the most powerful anti-aging foods in existence. This small fruit contains more antioxidants than grapes and blueberries.

This fruit also has the potential to help people’s digestion (thanks to its high fiber content), keep their cardiovascular system healthy, and helps with muscle regeneration and contraction.

Acai-rich foods are hard to find, as the fruit is rare. You probably will not find anything with acai as an ingredient in your local grocery store, but you might be able to find it in a health food store or a gourmet store. Because the fruit is becoming more popular, largely thanks to a popular magazine, it will slowly start becoming easier to find and people might find ways to grow the “super fruit” somewhere outside of Brazil.

The acai fruit is probably one of the healthiest fruits on the planet. It may help your muscles, your heart, your digestion, your energy levels and even can prevent early aging and slow down the rest of the aging process.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The Aai (ah-sigh-ee) Berry is found in the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest. This little dark, purple berry boasts an ORAC (antioxidant) score of about 10 X the power of red grapes and up to 30 X times the anthocyanins of red wine! Its incredible power pack of antioxidants produce high levels of anthocyanins and polyphenols. These antioxidants are the substances that protect the cells against the damage from oxidation caused by “free radical” molecules. In addition to the anthocyanins potent antioxidant capabilities, anthocyanins are reported to have strong anti-viral properties.

Did you know that the antioxidants in the Aai Berry destroyed cultured human cancer cells in a recent University of Florida study? According to Stephen Talcott, an assistant professor with UFs Institute of Food and agricultural Sciences, the study showed extracts from Aai Berries triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86 percent of leukemia cells tested. (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, January 2006). “In this type of experiment we look for two things. We try to see if the cancerous cells are dying, and we try to see if the cells release an enzyme known as caspase-3.” Caspase-3 is an enzyme released by cancerous cells as they die.

On the Oprah Winfrey Show, special guest Dr. Nicholas Perricone, author of the best-seller, The Perricone Promise presented Aai as number one of the Top 10 Superfoods on the planet. He called it, one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world!

Its no wonder people are going nuts over this amazing fruit from the Amazon. The Aai Berry is also loaded with vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12, as well as beta-carotene, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, fiber, protein and amino acids. It contains anti-inflammatories, anti-mutagenics and anti-bacterials. This berry is packed with phytonutrients which have been found to have potent antibacterial and anti-viral effects. Its phytosterol elements are made up of sterols which are components of plant cell membranes providing numerous reported benefits to the human body, namely the reduction of blood plasma cholesterol.

Unlike other fruits, the Aai Berry also contains essential fatty acids with a ratio that resembles that of olive oil. It has about 60% Omega 9 (Oleic acid) and 12% Omega 6 (Linoleic acid). Research shows that Omega 9 fatty acids can help to lower LDL and maintain HDL (beneficial cholesterol) levels, while Omega 6 can help lower both LDL and HDL levels.

Fruit juices are often avoided by diabetics and people watching their sugar intake. Yet, another unique quality of the Aai Berry is its low-glycemic factor, high protein and high fiber content. In The Insider’s Guide to America’s Worst & Best Supplements, Dr. Juliann Whitaker never thought he would ever recommend drinking a fruit juice. Nevertheless, when he discovered the Aai Berrys contents, he gave it a thumbs-up!”

Buyer beware! Consumers must be careful when shopping for Aai, because this little gem has to be freeze dried within 24 hours or it loses its active properties. Spray drying the berries also destroys most of its nutrients. To make matters worse, most Aai products contain non-organic ingredients, fillers, stimulants, water or chemical preservatives, as well as added sugar, artificial sweeteners, fructose or lots of other fruit juices. When buying Aai, be sure to only purchase products that have passed the 10 Acai Product Quality Tests.

Hidden in the mysterious depths of the Amazon are said to be found natural cures to several of the modern man’s ailments and because of the incredible size of the Amazonian rain forest most of these natural cures remain hidden, waiting for someone to come across and discover their wonderful properties. Today we’re going to talk about one of those natural miracle cures that we have been lucky enough to find, that cure is called Acai.

Acai grows at the top of many palm trees in the Amazon basin and it has been used for many purposes such as promoting cardiovascular health, improving energy but most importantly it has recently been discovered that this particular fruit is able to do a lot more than that. Let’s take a look at some of the compounds and natural ingredients that are found in this fruit.

Compounds

– High fiber with a low glycemic index.

– 10 to 30 times more anthocyanins than the concentration found in red wine. This high concentration of anthocyanins delivers equivalent levels of energy in a healthy manner which doesn’t rely on caffeine and a concentration of sugar to produce this effect. Most energy drinks in the market not only contain caffeine and sugar but several other chemicals that may cause an unbalance which is felt as a jittery burst and then a sudden crash.
– More than 16 types of antioxidants and phytonutrients
– A fatty acid compound similar to that of olive oil, this particular compound is beneficial to the skin.
– Several traces of macro-minerals and compounds which help regulate the levels of cholesterol

The Acai berry contains both omega-6 and omega-9 chemical compounds which control and regulate levels of cholesterol, controlling cholesterol levels can help prevent cardiovascular complications such as stroke and heart attacks.

Fatty acid as well as omega-3 can have a positive impact when it comes to people who are concerned about their age and their skin appearance, these chemical compounds and ingredients that are naturally found in this fruit and help slow down the skin aging process.

Testing Acai – Findings

A recent study conducted by the University of Florida revealed what is believed to be the most important benefit of the antioxidant mixture found in this particular fruit; an extract of the Acai berry triggered what is believed to be a self-destructive sequence amongst 86% of the leukemia cells tested, these are very encouraging results.

Media Coverage

Not only has Acai shown to have properties capable of treating cellular diseases but it also has been successfully used in order to create better dietary supplements and help people lose weight. Because of the many health-related benefits that this fruit provides it has been featured as one of the super foods on the Oprah Winfrey show.

Many other health related TV programs have covered the breakthrough that Acai represents for people who want to loose weight in a more natural and controlled way as well as for those who are interested in the medical benefits that the antioxidants found in this Brazilian fruit can provide.

First off what is the Acai Berry, for you not to have heard of this super food you almost have to have been living in complete isolation, as it is one of the most talked about and written about foods out there today.

Some facts you may not know about Acai Berries: The acai berry is very rich in protein and is known to have as much as an egg. They are high in vitamin B3 which is niacin, and that can play an important part in cellular energy production by assisting in the transfer of electrons in oxidation-reduction. In addition to these here is a partial list of amazing things this little berry can do for you:

Promotes sound sleep
Cleanses and detoxifies the body of infectious toxins
Enhances sexual desire and performance
Helps to clear skin of warts
Minimizes inflammation
Fights general depression

Where does the Acai Berry come from? It comes from the Brazilian Rain Forest in Northern Brazil and the people living there have been eating these berries for hundreds of years. It is a highly valued medicinal food and the actual healthy properties of the berry is active for 24-48 hours after being picked, so that means they need to be freeze dried or made into juice or powder within that time of harvesting/picking.

The acai berry is smaller in size than a grape and is produced in clusters by the palm trees called Euterpe Oleracea. This berry is definitely the jewel of the Brazilian Rain forest and it is one of the most powerful yet delicate fruits in the world.

Some of the better know benefits of this powerhouse food are; it is loaded with antioxidants, amino acids, essential omegas, fibers and vital vitamins.
Studies have shown that the acai berry is one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world. It is thought to have a great impact on heart and on the entire cardiovascular system and is considered to be helpful in reducing the risk of heart disease. Helps relieve arthritis, can help reduce and speed up the recovery from injuries, helps stabilize normal blood sugar and assists in diabetes; strengthens your immune system; assists in eyesight and helps with vision sharpness; promotes younger looking skin; slows down the aging process; boosts your energy; improved the digestion; relieves arthritis pain.

Even though this seems like it could be considered a miracle food the acai berry is not a license to eating anything and everything you want and the consume some acai berry to be healthy. So the rule is if you smoke, drink, eat fast food and not exercise this little berry is not going to keep you in optimal health. But if you do all the right things it will gives you the energy from your youth, with added vitality, and increased stamina.

Found prospering in the swampy Amazon Rainforest, acai berries provide nutrients our bodies need. In the tropical floodplain areas of Central and South America, the acai palm berry, grows in bunches of 700-900 berries.

Acai has an astounding number of health benefits due to its sizeable amounts of fiber, antioxidants, fatty acids, and proteins. The acai berries require humidity and wetland conditions to grow well. Thousands of palm trees per acre have been recorded in areas of the rainforest.

Acai berries begin as a green color and ripen to a deep purple. Each acai palm stem usually produces four to eight bunches of fruit during the average year with fruits ripening the heaviest in the dry season from July to December.

The acai palm thrives throughout the lowland flood areas where it forms in large groves. In one of natures wonders, when one of acai’s stems is cut, more stems will grow back and the cutting encourages more fruit to grow on the remaining stems.

Acai palm is now also the world’s main source of palm hearts. In Brazilian herbal medicine, the oil of the acai berries is used to treat diarrhea; the grated berry rind is used as a topical wash for skin ulcers; and the fruit seeds are crushed and made into a treatment for fevers.

Scientists are currently studying acai to determine just how nutritionally valuable it is. The researchers are discovering ways to use the acai berries to fight such diseases as diabetes, cancer, digestive issues, obesity, blood clotting ailments, obesity, and much more.

Experts are uncertain how much effect antioxidants have on cancer cells in the human body, because factors such as metabolism, nutrient absorption, and other biochemical processes may influence the antioxidants’ chemical activity.

Brazilians have long used acai berries to treat skin conditions and digestive disorders. Current medical research suggests acai products can help consumers lower cholesterol, get energized, and lose weight.

We are just beginning to understand all the health benefits of the acai palm. It can also be harvested for its delicious heart-of-palm, which tastes great in salads. In Colombia, where the acai palm grows along the Pacific coast, acai berries are turned into a popular drink.

In a University of Florida study, six different chemical extracts were made from acai fruit pulp and each extract was prepared at seven separate concentration levels. When applied for 24 hours, four of the extracts were shown to kill a significant number of leukemia cells. The UF study shows that research on foods not commonly found or consumed in the United States is extremely important, because it may lead to undiscovered health benefits of food nutrition.

Eating a balanced diet of at least five servings a day of fruits and vegetables is recommended for promoting optimal health. Research on the effects of diet on chronic diseases show an increased consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with decreased risk for many illnesses.

One of a kind, acai berries also has a high concentration of essential acids, specifically monounsaturated oleic acid. This nutrient helps diminish inflammation, which is the leading cause of the detrimental health we experience, as we get older.

The acai berry has seen its popularity evolve tremendously over the last year. Oprah Winfrey, along with Dr. OZ and Rachel Ray are likely most responsible for bringing this incredible fruit into the spotlight. These three high visibility personalities have the general public jumping on the bandwagon. With these sorts of endorsements, it’s no wonder this superfood is being discussed every where you look. You’re in all likelihood wondering if there is something to this, or if it’s all hoopla.

Believe it or not, all the hoopla that is going on about acai berries is for the most part legitimate. The berry is simply extraordinary and is one of the most nutritious fruits known to exist on our planet. It is an excellent source of Vitamin C while containing the polyphenols rutin, catechins, and anthocyanins. These are probably nutrients you have never heard of. That’s alright, all you have to remember is that they help protect delicate tissues from free radical attack. Healthy looking skin is the result of these nutrients, which is good for you.

Your immune system will get plenty of aid due to all of the antioxidants and nutrients found in acai berries. It was learned a long time ago by Brazilian natives that this berry had the power to promote wellness and energy, all while having a very pleasant taste. It also regulates NO output and healthy vascular reaction to tension. This has a significant impact regarding the support of blood vessels and a healthy heart. This stuff is really that good for you.

By now, it’s probably safe to say you’ve viewed all kinds of advertisements that offer a free bottle of acai berry. The catch, if there is one, is that you’ll have to pay a low shipping and handling fee to receive that free bottle. When you consent to this free bottle, you are normally put into a continuity arrangement with the merchant. What this means is you’ll be sent another bottle at full cost along with shipping and handling fees usually once every month. Your credit card is automatically charged for this procedure. It will be your responsibility to cancel this arrangement, so remember to do this if you don’t want to get any more bottles.

To sum it all up, the acai berry is a true superfood that sports a lot of healthy qualities. And yes, you can actually receive a free bottle from many good companies. So many companies are now offering the free bottle deal, that you could obtain a free bottle each month of the year simply by ordering from a different merchant. The key thing to remember is you have to cancel the automatic shipping arrangement that you have to enter into. If you don’t, your costs are going to add up quickly.

A recently completed University of Florida study has added to the buzz surrounding the Brazilian acai berry. The study is one of the first to research the many claims attributed to the acai fruit.

In it’s study, six different chemical extracts were made from acai berry pulp, and each extract was prepared in seven concentrations.

At least 4 of the extracts killed a great many cancer cells when applied for 24 hours or more. Anywhere from 35 percent to 86 percent of the cancer cells were destroyed, depending on the particular extract and concentration.

According to Stephen Talcott, an assistant professor with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, the study showed extracts from acai berries triggered a self-destruct response (apoptosis) in up to 86 percent of leukemia cells tested

Talcott, however, cautioned against reading too much into the results, noting that the tests were run against cancer cell cultures and not on human test subjects.

Still, the results are exciting. In the last year, the Brazilian berry has really taken off in the United States. It has also caught the attention of many companies who are now creating products that include the acai berry.

Although, acai berries are thought to be one of the richest fruit sources of antioxidants, other antioxidant rich fruits have been shown to kill cancer cells in similar studies.

Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radical damage is theorized to be one of the main causes of cancer. A sufficient amount of antioxidants are thought by many to short-circuit this process by interacting with and stabilizing the free radicals and may stopping the damage that they do to healthy cells.

Experts are divided on just what effect antioxidants have on cancer cells in the human body, because of the many other lifestyle factors that have to be factored into the equation.

Many anecdotal claims have been made for the acai berry. And traditionally Indians in the Brazilian rain forest have used it in ways as diverse as food, house thatching, drink, diarrhea, jaundice, fevers, and as treatment for many other health diseases.

The University of Florida study is a welcome step towards getting away from some of the claims of acai and subjecting it to controlled studies.

“A lot of claims are being made, but most of them haven’t been tested scientifically,” Talcott said. “We are just beginning to understand the complexity of the acai berry and its health-promoting effects.”