OPINION: Dr Ken Romeo 775-870-6942
Acai fruits are rich in an antioxidant known as anthocyanins.
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Commercial marketers continually push Acai fruit consumption as having anti-aging benefits as well as cardiovascular and many other health benefits. But does acai consumption have the scientific evidence to prove these claims?
Detailed scientific investigations are limited in terms of the Acai fruit (Euterpe precatoria). However, a recent study investigated an anthocyanin-rich extract from the Acai fruit with regards to its antioxidant and anti aging properties.
The results showed that Acai fruit consumption did protect worms against oxidative stress and ameliorated the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in vivo.
It is highly unclear whether this evidence can translate into actual benefits in humans. But I certainly have hope and would not hesitate to include Acai fruit in an anti aging diet. The science is circumstantial at best.
The study also showed that the expression of stress-response genes, such as sod-3:GFP, was upregulated while hsp-16:GFP was down-regulated after Acai fruit consumption. It also showed that Acai fruit consumption modulated the development of age-related markers, such as pharyngeal pumping in worms.
The most important thing to note from this study is that although Acai fruit apparently increased antioxidant activity, no lifespan-prolonging effect was observed.
Yours in Health!
Dr. Ken Romeo
Dr. Ken Romeo is a Principal and Chief Clinical Data Coordinator for the Healthy Aging Research Foundation (HARF) in Reno, NV.
Though each article and/or opinion contained on this Blog is derived from published Clinical and Research data contained in various national and international databases with links provided, if used,
NO ARTICLE OR CONCLUSION IS MEANT TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, PREVENT OR CURE DISEASE.
CONSULT YOUR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL BEFORE MAKING ANY CHANGES TO YOUR HEALTH REGIMEN.
Contact: DrKenRomeo1@yahoo.com (Reno, NV) 775-870-6942
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