The acai berry is used for many different reasons. Some people are looking to lose a few pounds, others want more energy and some just like the way their skin looks younger when using Acai. However, one of the more interesting and controversial uses of Acai is for cancer treatment.
Acai Berries and Their Effect on Cancer
Alternative Cancer
There are many companies out there who will try to take advantage of people who are suffering with cancer. Numerous supplements are marketed as a natural way to fight cancer, when in fact there is little research to back up the claims. So, right from the start we want to be very honest about the lack of long term human studies done with Acai and cancer. It is possible that 5 years down the road we will have specific human studies to report on, but for now we are in the very early stages of research on the impact of Acai and cancer.
The Acai Berries and Leukemia Cells Study
On 1/12/2006 a University of Florida study on Acai and Leukemia cells was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. The study found that acai berries triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86 percent of leukemia cells tested in vitro. While this is an incredibly positive start - we want to stress that this study was done in test tube. Numerous substances have positive effects on killing cancer cells in a test tube, but then when it comes to human trials, they do not have the same positive effect.
Indirect Evidence on the Impact of Acai and Cancer
Over the next 5 to 10 years we expect to see many more human studies done specifically on the Acai Berry and various cancers. What we do know now is that a diet rich in antioxidants can decrease the risk of contracting numerous diseases such as cancer. There' is strong evidence that a high intake of fruits and vegetables reduces risk of cancer and that a low intake of fruits and veggies increases the risk.
As the Acai Berry is one of the highest antioxidant fruits in the world, it stands to reason that a diet high in Acai and other healthy fruits can help reduce the free radicals in the body. Free radicals have been linked to many types of cancer and this is one reason the USDA recommends we eat plenty of fruits and vegetables - to get antioxidants that can keep free radicals in check.
The Acai Berry and Its Impact on Chemotherapy
One of the major side effects of chemotherapy is that it creates incredible fatigue. As the Acai Berry can help increase energy levels, many cancer patients who are going through Chemotherapy will take Acai supplements to try to counter the side effects of the chemo. Again, more studies need to be done in this area.
Consult With Your Doctor and Play It Smart
If you or a loved one have cancer, beware of the incredible claims being made about the Acai Berry or any other fruit. You should consult with your Doctor and see if trying the Acai is something that your Doctor thinks could be helpful for your specific situation.
Alternative Treatments - The Effects of Acai Berries on Cancer Alternative Cancer
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