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Research discovers a possible Leukemia Cure in the Acai Berry

by: MarcusC.Evans
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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.

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.

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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About the Author

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

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