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What are the Uses and
Benefits of the “Superfood”
Açaí?
By Melissa Stevener
Euterpe Oleracea Palm
Fruit grows on Açaí
palm trees
 Genus of palm trees
originated in tropical
Central and South
America
 Primarily found in the
Amazon Rainforest in
Brazil
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Euterpe Oleracea Fruit
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Small, round drupe
(~1 in in diameter)
Dark purple color
Grows on branches in
clusters
2 crops are produced
per year
Seed makes up about
80% of fruit
Uses of Açaí
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Traditionally consumed by Amazonian populations as a
major food source
Juice and pulp of fruit often used in beverages, such as
sodas, smoothies, and wines
Leaves used to make hats, mats, baskets, and brooms
Seeds used to make jewelry
Uses of Açaí
Pulp also used developed for facial
application as anti-aging treatment
 Fruit and pulp traditionally used to treat
gastrointestinal problems
 Currently being tested as a dyeing or
contrasting agent in preparation of MRI
scans of the gastrointestinal tract
 Anti-inflammatory
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Benefit Claims
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Support Immune
System
Increase energy,
libido, and stamina
Anti-inflammatory
agent
Alleviates diabetes
Detoxifies body
Improves circulation
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Promote healthy skin
and hair
Improves digestive
function
Helps maintain
healthy heart function
Slows down aging
process
Fights cancer?
Beauty Benefits
Acting as an
antioxidant, Açaí
fights off cellular
mutation, which
causes wrinkles
 Anthocyanins prevent
oxidants from causing
connective tissue
damage while also
repairing proteins
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Beauty Benefits
Flavanoids combat
inflammation and also
act as astringent to
tone skin
 Omega-6 and Omega9 fatty acids aid in cell
contraction and
regeneration
 Phytosterols preserve
collagen
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Health Benefits
Fruit contains one of
the highest levels of
anthocyanins of any
known edible fruit (10x
the amount of grapes)
 These anthocyanins,
which give the fruit its
deep purple color, are
powerful antioxidants
 Antioxidants reduce free
radicals
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Health Benefits
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Rich in Vitamins…
– Vitamin A
– Vitamin B1
– Vitamin E
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…and Amino acids
– Glutamic Acid
– Aspartic Acid
Health Benefits
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Great source of dietary fiber
– Helps food move through digestive system
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High monounsaturated fat content
– Oleic acid helps Omega 3 fatty acids
penetrate cell membranes
– This enables several chemical reactions in the
body to work more efficiently
Health Benefits
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Contains plant sterols (phytosterols) that help
lower cholesterol, maintain heart health, and
maintain digestive function
Health Benefits
The results of study at the University of
Florida in Gainsville give evidence that
Açaí may fight cancerous cells
 The study looked at the effects of the
polyphenolics present in the fruit on HL-60
human leukemia cells
 Anthocyanins with polyphenolics were
compared to those without polyphenolics.
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Health Benefits
Polyphenolic fractions reduced leukemia
cell proliferation by 56-86%.
 Polyphenolics with Anthocyanin did not
have additional affect.
 This reduction in cell proliferation is mostlikely due to the activation of caspase-3,
which causes apoptosis.
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Convinced?
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If you want to buy Açaí…
– It is not usually found in local supermarkets
– However, there are several sources on the
internet for the purchasing this “superfood”
– It can also be found in many health food
stores
Resources
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Dunlap, Karen. “Breakthrough ‘Acai Anti-aging Facial’ Applies Benefits of Nature’s
Super-food to the Skin”. http://0proquest.umi.com.ucark.uca.edu:80/pqdweb?did=1428938781&sid=2&Fmt=3&client
Id=8427&RQT=309&VName=PQD. Biotech Week. Feb 20, 2008.
“Superfood No. 1: Acai”.
http://www.oprah.com/presents/2005/young/life/life_acai.jhtml. 2008.
Poso-Insfran, David. Et al. “Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) Polyphenolics in Their
Glycoside and Aglycone Forms Induce Apoptosis of HL-60 Leukemia Cells”. Journal of
Agricultural Food Chemistry. January 12, 2006.
“Acai Special Report”. http://www.powersupplements.com/acai/acai-berries.html.
2007.
“Acai Berry Provides Disease-Fighting Benefits No Doctor Wants You to
Know!”. http://www.acai.vg/.