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Research discovers a possible Leukemia Cure in the Acai Berry

by: MarcusC.Evans
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A recent University of Florida study has demonstrated the cancer fighting benefits of an extract from the acai berry. This extract has proven effective on cancer cells which have been unaffected by other therapies. This is only the first of many planned studies on the effects of acai berries on cancer.

When testing leukemia cells with the extract from this berry, a staggering 86% of the cells self-destructed. Although the benefits of acai berries were already known as a great source of antioxidants, this has been an astounding discovery. An assistant professor at University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Services has confirmed that 86% in not an exaggeration.

There may be other fruit-based antioxidants and other compounds which are effective against leukemia and other cancers, but all of the research done so far is preliminary since there are many other factors which must be accounted for in these studies. The data from the University of Florida acai study, however, shows great promise thus far.

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 Brisbane, Australia study from March of this year researched the differences between antioxidant compounds found in fruits and fruit juices and those present in olive leaves. While this study concluded that olive leaves contain some antioxidant properties, the studies performed on acai berries have had far more conclusive results.

The most exciting of these studies on fruits are those which have focused on their effects on various forms of cancers, particularly leukemia. Researchers both in the U.S. and in Australia have been working towards a cure for some time for this lethal cancer which is the largest killer of those aged under 20 in the world.

Because only basic research that has been done up to a certain point, more studies are warranted. The acai berries have anywhere from 50 to 75 compounds that have not been established yet. The main reason the berries are so hard to study is that they are very perishable.

Roughly the same size as a blueberry, the acai berry ripens to a dark purple and contains a seed. These berries if not used or frozen quickly after picking begin to decompose. The Acai berry is from the Amazon basin, so freezing or using it immediately is not always an easy thing to accomplish.

The most accessible option for importing into Australia is the acai powder which results from the pulp being dehydrated and freeze-dried. The resulting powder is easier and cheaper to export and can be used to make pure acai supplements that have all the nutritional benefits of the original fruit. Moreover, the freeze-dried powder has all the health-giving properties of the berry itself.

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.

About the Author

About the author: Marcus C. Evans is an expert on the medicinal properties of the high performing Super-Fruit. Go to the "AmazonPower" website for more information on the health benefits of the Acai Berry from the tree topsof the Amazon Jungle.

Research discovers a possible Leukemia Cure in the Acai Berry

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