Is Acai Berry Safe While on Blood Thinners?

The acai berry is a fruit native to the Amazon rainforest. According to Diabetes Education, the berry constitutes 42 percent of the diet of the Caboclo people. Its popularity in the rest of the world is due to its antioxidant properties and its use as a dietary supplement for weight loss.

• Acai berry

Benefits

• Acai berries are a source of fibers and heart healthy fats, according to the Mayo Clinic. It also contains beta-sitosterol that reduces blood cholesterol, according to Acai Facts Online.

Potential

• If you are not on heart maintenance drugs, acai berry can help prevent heart problems due to its Omega 6 and Omega 9 contents. Omega 6 lowers LDL and HDL cholesterol, while Omega 9 works with Omega 6 to retain a good level of HDL, the "good" cholesterol.

Other Factors

• Acai berry also contains a large amount of potassium. It may, therefore, affect ACE-inhibitor drugs, certain diuretics and beta-blockers.

Vitamins

• Acai berry is rich in vitamin K, which controls coagulation of the blood. For this reason, it should not be taken with blood thinners because it may work against them.

Calcium

• Acai berries are also high in calcium, which may interfere with calcium channel blockers and digoxin.