A recent scientific study on rats has produced results that indicate the health benefits of Acai berry can be very important in the fight against cholesterol. In the battle against high levels of blood cholesterol, the results of the South American study are causing great excitement in the health and scientific community at large.
Maria Lucia Pedrosa from the Federal University of Ouro Preto, and her co-workers, used female Fischer rats and divided them into four groups: Two groups consumed a standard diet, and two groups consumed a high fat diet containing 25 per cent soy oil and 1 per cent cholesterol. One standard diet group and one high fat diet group received additional acai pulp at a level of 2 per cent.
After six weeks, it was noted by the researchers noted that in the high-fat diet animals only, there was an increase in blood levels of total and non-HDL cholesterol and a decrease in levels of HDL cholesterol. Such changes were attenuated in the acai-supplemented high-fat diet of animals.
From these findings, the researchers concluded that "These results suggest that the consumption of açai improves antioxidant status and has a hypocholesterolemic effect in an animal model of dietary-induced hypercholesterolemia,"
Bryan Nettles, Director of Communications at Pure Acai Products, offered us his view on the study:
"We’re delighted to see such positive results. Whilst the long-term health benefits of Acai Berries have never been in doubt, studies like this one can only serve to reinforce the message that quality Acai berry products are important in the fight against health problems caused by bad diets and unhealthy living."
Modern living with its unhealthy diets has long been linked with high cholesterol levels, or hypercholesterolaemia as it is correctly termed. This scourge of western lifestyles is associated with many serious and life threatening diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD), the cause of almost 50 per cent of deaths in Europe, and reported to cost the EU economy an estimated €169bn ($202bn) per year.
Acai berry (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) has long formed part of the staple diet of South American tribes. These berries have been attributed as having many health benefits including powerful antioxidant properties thanks to a high level of anthocyanins - the same pigments that are also present in red wine. Acai products are presently being sold in a number of countries, including New Zealand, Australia, South America, Japan, USA, and the Middle East.
When asked if the study could improve sales of Pure Acai Products, Nettles was very enthusiastic.
"Studies like this one which prove that there is a definite link between legitimate Acai berry products and positive health benefits. Hopefully, in the wake of such exciting results, further research will be undertaken by the scientific community."
Indeed, independent expert, Dr Schauss, from US-based contract research organization AIBMR, has indicated that further research may be planned when he noted that future studies should focus on using a better high fat mouse model.
Nettles concluded, "Further scientific study can only be for the greater good of everyone!"
