A study recently conducted at the University of Florida in Gainesville on the properties of an extract of the acai berry produced some surprising results. When exposed to acai berry extract, cancer cells died. These were cancer cells which have proven to be resistant to other treatments. This was the first of many studies planned on the properties of the acai berry in cases of 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. Other fruits may also contain antioxidants which can kill leukemia cells, but all of the research done to date is only preliminary, as there are other things which need to be taken into account. The figures yielded by this first study however show great promise. Australia has jumped on board, promoting a diet that is derived from exotic fruits, namely acai, noni, goji, and mangosteen. Promotions here are running high for various juices made with all natural fruits. Antioxidant properties have been found in many of these native fruits. A study from March of this year in Brisbane, Australia focused on the differences between the antioxidants sourced from olive leaves and those occurring in these tropical fruits and juices. This study showed some antioxidant properties to be present in olive leaves, but those done on acai berries have been more conclusive in their results. One study in particular that is yielding very interesting results is on these fruits and cancer. Just as the United States is working very hard to find a cure for cancer, leukemia in particular, Australia is doing so as well. The hard, cold facts are that leukemia is the number one killer of children under the age of 20 the world over. Studies have not been conducted yet on the effects of preventing leukemia or any other cancer. 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. Acai berries are similar in size to a blueberry, when ripe are a dark purple colour, and have a seed inside. When they are picked, if they are not used immediately or frozen, they decompose. Because they come from the Amazon River floodplains the options for freezing them for a long journey are not as viable as the alternative. To be imported all the way to Australia, acai powder works best. This is produced from acai berries by dehydrating and then freeze-drying acai pulp. Far easier and cheaper to export than the ripe berries, this powder can then be used in all sorts of nutritional supplements and foods. The powder contains all of the same nutritional and health benefits of the fresh berries. While the research is still very much a work in progress, this super fruit, along with other newer therapies give researchers hope that someday there may be a cure developed for the scourge of leukemia.
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