So called ‘super-foods’ are constantly being given press attention.  One moment it is broccoli, the next it is blueberries.  Recently there has been a lot of enthusiasm for a Brazilian berry called the Acai Berry, pronounced ah-sigh-ee.  These berries are available as drinks, supplements and dried snacks and commonly used in mixed juices, smoothies, frozen treats and dietary supplements.

Acai palms grow in the Brazilian rainforest and can reach great heights, in excess of 60 feet!  The acai fruit, or berry, is about the size of a large blueberry and only the outermost layers of the fruit (the pulp), which surround the large seed inside, are edible.

The berry has gained interest in the health arena since it is packed with antioxidant bioflavonoids, chemically active plant compounds, that may protect against many ills (please see my numerous posts discussing antioxidants for more information).  Until now there has been very little scientific research to support the health claims surrounding the acai berry.  However, in a recent issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry three papers were published which investigate the antioxidant properties of the Acai Berry (1,2,3).  The findings are important since they show that the antioxidants from the berry are easily absorbed for utilisation in humans and the berries were also found to have anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties. 

In laboratory cell studies it also appears that the berry shows activity against cancer cells.  However, like vitamin C, the body can only absorb a certain amount of the antioxidants from the berry in one go.  The researchers of the papers say that their results are preliminary but interesting and lots of further research studies will be needed before any specific health claims for the berry can be made.

Acai berries are naturally low in sugar and the flavour has been described as a tasty mixture of red wine and chocolate!  Again, it is a matter of dietary balance.  Eating an abundant variety of different vegetables and fruits will provide the body with a whole host of different vitamins, minerals and bioflavoids and therefore provide us with the best defence against illness.  Variety is very important, acai berries can certainly be a very delicious and nutritious part of that variety but cannot be seen as a stand-alone superfood cure all.  Acai containing foods and supplements cannot act as an overall substitute for a healthy diet, but can rather be seen as an added antioxidant boost for the body.

Making the berry a part of your well-balanced and healthy diet and lifestyle could certainly prove to be a scrumptious option!

(1)Jensen GS et al.  2008.  In Vitro and in Vivo Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Capacities of an Antioxidant-Rich Fruit and Berry Juice Blend. Results of a Pilot and Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study.  J Agric Food Chem.  56:8326-8333
(2)Mertens-Talcott SU et al.  2008.  Pharmacokinetics of anthocyanins and antioxidant effects after the consumption of anthocyanin-rich acai juice and pulp (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) in human healthy volunteers.  J Agric Food Chem.  56:7796-7802
(3)Pacheco-Palencia LA et al.  2008.  Absorption and biological activity of phytochemical-rich extracts from Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) pulp and oil in vitro.  J Agric Food Chem.  56:3593-3600

Written by Ani Kowal