Acai Fruit Benefits

Acai berries have become very popular. A quick Web search turns up claims that taking regular acai supplements can do everything from extending your life span to improving sexual performance and reversing diabetes. While scientific studies have shown that acai berries contain many beneficial nutrients, there is no evidence to back up many of these claims.

Claims

• Acai proponents claim that eating the berries promotes weight loss, increases energy and stamina, fights heart disease and cancer, boosts the immune system, reduces the effects of aging, and boosts sex drive.

Chemicals in Acai Berries

• Acai berries contain several chemicals that may affect human health, mainly anthocyanins and flavonoids. These chemicals produce red, blue and purple hues in plants, and the dark color of the acai berry shows that they are present in high concentrations. Both of these compounds have been shown to be powerful antioxidants.

Antioxidant Benefits

• Antioxidants are chemicals that stop potentially damaging reactions in the human body. While there is scientific evidence linking antioxidants to health benefits, it has been suggested that a diet high in antioxidants could protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. It has also been suggested that antioxidants could help prevent heart disease and cancer, but there is no scientific evidence to support this. No one is claiming that antioxidants are harmful, however. Most evidence suggests that it is best to increase them in your diet by ingesting fruits, vegetables or tea rather than dietary supplements.

Acai and Cancer

• One study performed at the University of Florida found that chemicals from acai berries were effective in treating leukemia in a laboratory setting. This discovery does not necessarily mean that taking acai will reduce the risk of cancer, however. The human body is a very different setting from a laboratory.

The Verdict

• Most claims about the benefits of acai berries seem to be the result of effective marketing rather than effective science. On the other hand, acai berries do have some health benefits. While these benefits may not be worth the price some companies are asking for acai products, adding more berries to your diet will not harm you and might make you healthier.