Study Results Encouraging for Açaí
In a recent University of Florida (UF) research study, extracts from açaí berries triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86 percent of leukemia cells tested. According to researcher Stephen Talcott, "Açaí berries are already considered one of the richest fruit sources of antioxidants." "This study was an important step toward learning what people may gain from using beverages, dietary supplements or other products made with the berries." He cautioned that this study was not intended, however, to prove that compounds found in açaí could prevent leukemia in humans because this was only a cell-culture model. Findings are encouraging, however, and more research is needed for confirmation. Another UF study, to finish in 2006, will look at the effects of açaí’s antioxidants on healthy humans. For more information, go to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Web Release Date: January 12, 2006. Source: Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, January 12, 2006. Read More.
Nature's Perfect Food
Discover the Perfect Food — Discover the Amazing Health Benefits of the fruit from the Amazon's "tree of life"
By Judy Douglas
If you get your health guidance from mainstream media, you'd think the healthiest way to live is to guzzle red wine and drown everything in olive oil.
Study Results Encouraging for Açaí
In a recent University of Florida (UF) research study, extracts from Açaí berries triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86 percent of leukemia cells tested. According to researcher Stephen Talcott, "Açaí berries are already considered one of the richest fruit sources of antioxidants." "This study was an important step toward learning what people may gain from using beverages, dietary supplements or other products made with the berries." He cautioned that this study was not intended, however, to prove that compounds found in Açaí could prevent leukemia in humans because this was only a cell-culture model. Findings are encouraging, however, and more research is needed for confirmation. Another UF study, to finish in 2006, will look at the effects of Açaí’s antioxidants on healthy humans. For more information, go to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Web Release Date: January 12, 2006. Read More.
HealthWatch Special Report on the Açaí Berry
Referred to in almost miraculous terms, the Açaí (ah-SAH’-ee) fruit (berry) has become known as one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world. It comes from a palm plant that is widely distributed in northern South America with its greatest occurrence and economic importance in Brazil. The Açaí palm is described as being very ornamental, with multiple branches reaching up to 80 feet in height. It produces small deep purple, almost black, Açaí fruit berries that grow in groups of 3 — 8 per bunch. Read More.
Phytochemical Composition and Pigment Stability of Açaí
Anthocyanin and polyphenolic compounds present in açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) were determined and their respective contribution to the overall antioxidant capacity established. Color stability of açaí anthocyanins against hydrogen peroxide (0 and 30 mmol/L) over a range of temperatures (10-30 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 açaí 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 açaí 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. Açaí was recognized for its functional properties for use in food and nutraceutical products. Read More.
Antioxidant Activity of Dietary Frozen Fruits, Vegetables, and Commercial Frozen Fruit Pulps
Fruits, vegetables, and commercial frozen pulps (FP) consumed in the Brazilian diet were analyzed for antioxidant activities using two different methods, one that determines the inhibition of copper-induced peroxidation of liposome and another based on the inhibition of the co-oxidation of linoleic acid and -carotene. The anthocyanin-rich samples showed the highest, concentration-dependent, antioxidant activities in both systems. In the liposome system, at both 10 and 50 M gallic acid equivalent (GAE) addition levels, the neutral and acidic flavonoids of red cabbage, red lettuce, black bean, mulberry, Gala apple peel, jambolao, açaí FP, mulberry FP, and the acidic flavonoids of acerola FP showed the highest antioxidant activities (>85% inhibition). Read More.
Açaí Palm
Açaí Palm Euterpe is a genus of 25-30 species of palms native to tropical Central and South America, from Belize south to Brazil and Peru, growing mainly in floodplains and swamps. They are tall slender attractive palms growing to 15-30 meters tall, with pinnate leaves up to 3 meters long. The fruit is a small, round, black-purple drupe similar in size to a grape. Read More.
Nutrition Beyond the Trends: Açai is Just Açai
Excerpt from Wellness Foods, FoodProcessing.com
By Mark Anthony, Ph.D., Contributing Editor
A little purple berry from South America is making a big splash in beverages. Also known as the Amazon palmberry, açai fruit is considered by some to be one of the world's top "superfoods." It contains an exceptionally high concentration of antioxidants (especially anthocyanins), as well as monounsaturated fats, dietary fiber, phytosterols, several trace minerals and a number of essential amino acids.
A few years ago, to find a wide variety of pure fruit and vegetable juices, you had to go to a health food store. Then something happened: Color became popular. We were advised to “eat a rainbow,” and began using words like “antioxidant,” and “phytochemical.”
Then vs. Now: The Next Big Things for 2006
Açai: Little Berry Shows Big Growth Potential
Excerpt from Natural Product Insiderby Kerrin Rourke and Sonia Caltvedt
The açai phenomenon is spreading across America like wildfire. It was named one of the “Top Ten Superfoods for Age-Defying Beauty” by Nicholas Perricone, M.D., on Oprah Winfrey’s popular talk show as well as in his best selling book, The Perricone Promise. It has also received media attention from a wide range of outlets such as The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Oprah, Vogue, Bon Appetit, Sports Illustrated and MTV.
Acai Berry and its "Hidden Secrets"
Whole Foods Magazine The Hidden Secrets
Written By: Jeffrey Bliss
Polyphenols, Phytochemicals, Anthocyanins, what are they and what are the benefits of such compounds?
Phytochemicals characterize, or sum up the whole picture of the beneficial compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and certain teas. They are the protective living matter in which plants are able to thrive in some uncertain environments such as climate and insect infestations. When consumed by humans, these compounds act as antioxidants so vital to good health and longevity. Many studies suggest that the use of antioxidants may help in the fight against anti-aging, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and so many other age related degenerative diseases including ophthalmology.