For several decades scientists have been conducting acai berry studies in order to better understand the health benefits of the little pulpy berries products the acai palm tree. In recent years however, acai research has increased in response to the public attention now being poured onto acai products.
Acai berries have an impressive nutritional profile. Loaded with protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, omegas and antioxidants, the dark berries from the Brazilian rain forests offer much to be studied. One of the most impressive facts about acai berries is the high concentration of antioxidants. Antioxidants are very important to human health because they fight free radicals thereby serving to boost the immune system.
Although there are many different studies currently being conducted in the field of acai berry research, one of the more interesting studies looked at the ability of the human body to absorb the antioxidants found in acai berries.
A team of scientists from Texas AgriLife Research Labs conducted a study to find out if the human body actually absorbs the antioxidants in acai berries, or if they are merely passed out as unused waste. This is a very important question to be posed by acai research because, without human absorption, all the antioxidants in the world mean nothing to human health.
Manufactures of acai products made the assumption that because acai berries are so rich in antioxidants, the fruit is very good for human health. While this is indeed a logical assumption, it is important to take a scientific look at the possibility to be sure.
The Texas scientists tested blood and urine samples at 12 and 24 hours after consumption of acai berries by their subjects. The study found "significant absorption of antioxidant anthocyanins". Further acai berry research will look at the amount of absorption and its effects on the prevention of specific diseases.
Another question that acai berry studies need to address is the serving size. The body can only absorb so much antioxidants and other nutrients at a time. Acai research will eventually be able to guide health professionals in determining how much should be taken in a given serving.
Acai berry research still has many questions to explore regarding this nutritionally packed tropical fruit. One thing were know for sure is that the nutrients in acai berries are very highly concentrated and all very beneficial to human health. Because acai berries are a natural food, we also know that there are no side effects. So while acai studies continue to search for the specific effects of acai products, we can continue to consume acai and benefit from the nutritional supplement it provides our diets.