Acai Berry Tea Health Benefits

Acai berries come from the acai palm tree (Euterpe oleracea). Acai palms grow between 45 to 90 feet tall, and are native to Central and South America. Originally cultivated for hearts of palm, the berries of this tree have come into the public consciousness in recent years because of their health benefits. People looking for acai dietary supplements have various options, from freeze-dried acai to acai berry tea.

Antioxidants

• Acai berry tea is rich in antioxidants, with levels similar to those found in blueberries and red wine, according to an Amherst College report. Antioxidants play an important roll in offsetting the effects of age in our bodies by fighting oxidation that would otherwise damage cells. Antioxidants also support a healthy immune system, thereby lowering the risk of sickness and disease.

Nutritional Value

• Acai berries have a variety of vitamins and other nutrients that make acai berry tea good for you. These include vitamins B, C, and E, and minerals like iron and calcium. Additionally, acai has amino acids and Omega-3, -6 and -9 fatty acids. The University of Maryland Medical center tells us that the Omega-3 fatty acid is important to human growth and brain functions.

Anthocyanins

• In 2007, the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry presented research into dark-colored berry products and their healthful applications, such as acai berry tea. This research illustrates that such fruits have high levels of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins combat inflammation and bacterial infections.

Other Benefits

• The University of Florida performed studies on acai berries and found that they have the potential for fighting certain types of cancer, leukemia in particular. The study used human cancer-cell cultures. When applied to those cells, acai activated the self-destruct reaction in over 80 percent of the leukemia cells. This means that acai berry tea may protect us against cancer.