A Cure for Cancer Could Be Found In a Humble Berry
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 are other fruits that have antioxidants that may be able to kill leukemia cells. However, all research is preliminary because there have to be other influences factored in the process. Still the percentages are quite impressive.
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.
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.
So far, all of the research is still preliminary and there is much more to be learned about the anti cancer properties of these fruits. The acai berry, for example, contains nearly 75 chemical compounds and the exact properties of many of these are as yet unknown. The acai berry is a difficult fruit to study due to its extremely short shelf life.
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.