The Promise of Acai

Açai berries have become a popular nutritional supplement. Despite its popularity, though, there has not been much research on this berry. Now a new study provides some evidence that açai berries can be helpful for blood fats and as an antioxidant. . . .

Though not extensively researched, açai berries have always been full of promise because they are full of good ingredients. Açai berries are the edible fruits of the açai palm, and they have been traditionally used in Brazil. The berries are rich in vitamins and minerals as well as essential fatty acids, fiber, enzymes, amino acids, phytosterols and, most intriguingly, the powerfully antioxidant anthocyanins.

Earlier research has shown that açai berries can significantly increase antioxidant capacity (J Agric Food Chem 2008;56:7796-802), and one uncontrolled pilot study suggests that they can improve glucose and insulin levels as well as total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in overweight people (Nutr J 2011;10:45).

Now a new study adds a little more evidence for the açai berry. This small, pilot study gave 100mL of an açai berry based juice (it also contained several other fruits and berries as well as glucosamine HCL) to seven elite hurdlers. Strenuous exercise increases free radical damage and, therefore, muscle damage. The question was whether or not açai berries would help.

The açai berries did not improve athletic performance. But, they did significantly improve polyphenol content and, importantly, antioxidant activity. The berries were able to slightly reduce exercise-induced muscle damage. Açai berries were also able to significantly improve total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

So this study adds to the evidence that açai berries can help to improve heart health and to fight free radical damage. These benefits of the berry may also make them useful for athletes.

Biol Sport 2015;32:161-8

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