AƧaĆ
-
Blood Sugar and Diabetes Support
Metabolic Syndrome
Preliminary evidence suggests acai berry may improve metabolic health.Metabolic SyndromeAƧaĆ berries are high in polyphenols and therefore have a strong antioxidant action.1 In a pilot study, supplementing with 100 grams per day of aƧaĆ berry pulp for 30 days was found to lower blood glucose, insulin, and total and LDL-cholesterol levels in ten overweight adults with metabolic disease.2 However, in a placebo-controlled trial with 37 participants with metabolic syndrome, treatment with 325 mL of an aƧaĆ berry beverage (providing 370 mg of gallic acid) twice daily did not improve markers of glucose and lipid metabolism.3Type 2 Diabetes
Preliminary evidence suggests aƧai may have benefits in type 2 diabetes.Type 2 DiabetesAƧai berry is reported to be a traditional remedy for diabetes. A pilot trial in ten overweight but otherwise healthy adults found taking 100 grams of aƧai pulp per day for one month led to decreases in fasting glucose and insulin levels as well as after-meal blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol levels.4 Positive metabolic and anti-diabetic effects have been demonstrated in animal models of type 2 diabetes.5,6 Clinical trials evaluating aƧaiās effect in people with type 2 diabetes are needed.Type 1 Diabetes
AƧaĆ is rich in antioxidants and has been used traditionally to treat diabetes.Type 1 DiabetesAƧaĆ is reported to be a traditional remedy for diabetes. Oxidative stress may contribute to diabetes onset and its complications, and aƧaĆ is rich in antioxidant polyphenols such as anthocyanins. Studies in people without diabetes show aƧaĆ consumption can raise antioxidant status in the body and improve lipid levels and blood vessel function.7,8,9 In animal research, aƧaĆ extract reduced diabetes-related kidney damage and dysfunction; however, direct evidence for aƧaĆās benefits in people with type 1 diabetes is lacking.10 -
Menstrual and PMS Support
Dysmenorrhea
AƧaĆ is a traditional remedy for dysmenorrhea, and there is preliminary evidence that some anthocyanins found in aƧaĆ may help with dysmenorrhea symptoms.DysmenorrheaĀAƧaĆ is reported to be a traditional remedy for dysmenorrhea. There is preliminary evidence that anthocyanins from bilberry, some of which are also found in aƧaĆ, may help with dysmenorrhea symptoms.11 However, there have been no clinical trials investigating aƧaĆās effect on dysmenorrhea.
-
Women's Health
Dysmenorrhea
AƧaĆ is a traditional remedy for dysmenorrhea, and there is preliminary evidence that some anthocyanins found in aƧaĆ may help with dysmenorrhea symptoms.DysmenorrheaĀAƧaĆ is reported to be a traditional remedy for dysmenorrhea. There is preliminary evidence that anthocyanins from bilberry, some of which are also found in aƧaĆ, may help with dysmenorrhea symptoms.12 However, there have been no clinical trials investigating aƧaĆās effect on dysmenorrhea.
-
Heart and Circulatory Health
Anemia
AƧaĆ, which contains small amounts of iron, has been traditionally used to help treat anemia.AnemiaĀAƧaĆ contains iron (approximately 1.5 to 5 mg per 3.5 ounces of fruit).13 Although it has been traditionally used to help treat anemia, the amount of iron in aƧaĆ is not likely to be abundant or absorbable enough to have a significant effect.
-
Immune System Support
Fever
Roasted, crushed açaí seeds, consumed as tea, are a traditional remedy for fever.FeverRoasted, crushed açaí seeds, consumed as tea, are a traditional remedy for fever.
Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
AƧaĆ juice is a major dietary component of Brazilian diets, especially in the ParĆ” region. It is often eaten at breakfast with cassava meal (manioc) or with tapioca and sugar. The aƧaĆ fruit is rich in nutrients and is found in many Brazilian prepared foods. The fruit is most popularly used to make juice, but is also found in ice cream, popsicles, and various desserts.
AƧaĆ seeds can be crushed to produce a green oil that has been used as a folk remedy for scrofula (a type of tuberculosis). The roasted, crushed seeds, consumed as tea, are a traditional remedy for fever. Tea made from the root is a folk remedy for jaundice and anemia. Tea made from the grated fruit rind has been used topically as a wash for skin ulcers. Boiled preparations of aƧaĆ root have been used traditionally to treat many diseases, including diabetes, hepatitis, malaria, kidney disease, and dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain).
No clinical trials of aƧaĆ for the prevention or treatment of any health condition have been published in the medical literature.