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.

In this test, leukaemia 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.

There are other fruits that have antioxidants that may be able to kill leukaemia cells. However, all research is preliminary because there have to be other influences factored in the process. Still the percentages are quite impressive.

In Australia, the acai berry has swiftly grown in popularity, as have diets rich in this fruit, noni, goji and mangosteen. One sees a lot of promotions for juices and other products made from these fruits. These fruits, not coincidentally have also been shown to be high in antioxidant content.

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 have very promising results when it comes to containing antioxidants, the studies with the acai berry are far more conclusive.

The most exciting of these studies on fruits are those which have focused on their effects on various forms of cancers, particularly leukaemia. 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.

Because only basic research 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. This berry is from the Amazon basin, so freezing or using it immediately is not always an easy thing to accomplish.

For importation to Australia, acai powder is the best alternative. This powder is produced by dehydrating and freeze drying acai pulp. This powder is far easier and cheaper to export, yet 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.

The research is still very much in its infancy, but the hope is there that someday leukaemia will meet its match in the form of a cure. Leukaemia is a disease which strikes more children than adults - and this is spurring the world to search especially hard for a cure to this form of cancer.

About the author: Americo Tognetti is amazed by the acai berry because it supplies such a boost to everyone in the Acai Fruit Powder.

Posted under Allergies