Research discovers a possible Leukemia Cure in the Acai Berry

A study that was recently conducted in Gainesville, Florida has shown that the acai berry extract is killing cancer cells that have up to now have been resistant to other experiments. This study at the University of Florida is among the first to study what the acai berry can do. In this test, leukemia cells were exposed to acai berry extract, with the surprising result that 86%of the cancer cells self-destructed. Acai berries were already known as one of the best sources of antioxidant compounds, but this study's findings are truly extraordinary. An assistant professor at the University of Florida (in the Institute of Food and Agricultural Services) was able to confirm for us that this figure of 86% was indeed the case. 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. The Australian public has quickly jumped on the acai bandwagon, with great popularity for a diet rich in tropical fruits such as acai, noni, goji and mangosteen.

There are quite a large number of ongoing promotions for juice products made from these fruits. Many of these fruits have been found to be high in antioxidants. A study in Brisbane, Australia in March of 2008 has focused on the differences between the juice type antioxidants and the olive leaves antioxidants. While the results found in the olive leaf has very promising results when it comes to containing antioxidants, the studies with the acai berry are far more conclusive. 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 transport to Australia, acai powder is the best alternative. This powder is produced by dehydrating and freeze drying acai pulp. Far easier and cheaper to export, the powder still gives all of the health benefits of the fresh berries. This powder is used to make various nutritional supplements and as an ingredient in various foods. Although studies are only preliminary for now, the hope that one day leukemia and other cancers will be cured is still alive.

The sad fact is that leukemia strikes more children than adults. For the children who suffer from this disease, the day that such a cure is found will be a great day indeed.