Acai Found to Kill Cancer Cells

by: MarcusC.Evans
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A recent University of Florida study has demonstrated the cancer fighting benefits of an extract from the acai berry. This extract has proven effective on cancer cells which have been unaffected by other therapies. This is only the first of many planned studies on the effects of acai berries on cancer.

Leukemia cells were exposed to the acai berry extract in this study - and 86% of these cells self destructed. Already known as a good source of antioxidant compounds, this study has shown yet another possible use for these nutritional powerhouses. This figure of 86% was confirmed for us by an assistant professor at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Studies.

There may be other fruit-based antioxidants and other compounds which are effective against leukemia and other cancers, but all of the research done so far is preliminary since there are many other factors which must be accounted for in these studies. The data from the University of Florida acai study, however, shows great promise thus far.

In Australia, the acai berry has swiftly grown in popularity, as have diets rich in this fruit, noni, goji and mangosteen. One sees a lot of promotions for juices and other products made from such fruits. These fruits, not coincidentally have also been shown to be high in antioxidant content.

A study in Brisbane, Australia in March of 2008 has focused on the differences between the juice type antioxidants and the olive leaves antioxidants. While the results found in the olive leaf has very promising results when it comes to containing antioxidants, the studies with the acai berry are far more conclusive.

The most interesting of these studies are, of course, the ones which have been done on fruits and cancer. U.S. researchers are working tirelessly to find a cure for cancer, especially leukemia. Australia is doing the same in regard to cancer research. Leukemia is the most common disease related cause of death in children aged 20 and younger worldwide. For this reason, leukemia research is a priority for many nations around the globe.

The research done thus far is very rudimentary and more studies must be done to learn more about the properties of these fruits in fighting cancer cells. The acai berry alone contains somewhere between 50 and 75 compounds, many of which are relatively unknown. The acai berry is extremely perishable, which makes it a difficult subject for study.

Roughly the same size as a blueberry, the acai berry ripens to a dark purple and contains a seed. These berries if not used or frozen quickly after picking begin to decompose. The Acai berry is from the Amazon basin, so freezing or using it immediately is not always an easy thing to accomplish.

To transport to Australia, acai powder is the best alternative. This powder is produced by dehydrating and freeze drying acai pulp. Far easier and cheaper to export, the powder still gives all of the health benefits of the fresh berries. This powder is used to make various nutritional supplements and as an ingredient in various foods.

The research is still very much in its infancy, but the hope is that someday leukemia will meet its match in the form of a cure. Leukemia is a disease which strikes more children than adults - and this is spurring the world to search especially hard for a cure to this form of cancer.

About the Author

author: Marcus C. Evans is an expert on the healing properties of the high performing Super-Fruit. Visit the "AmazonPower" website for more information on the health advantages of the Acai Berry from the tree topsof the Amazon Jungle.  

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