Study shows human body absorbs acai berry antioxidants
Oct 07
Dr. Susanne Talcott from Texas AgriLife Research, and her partner/husband Dr. Steve Talcott have concluded a study using 12 healthy individuals that tested the human body’s ability to absord acai berry antioxidants. The results are a good sign for the Brazilian berry and the industry growing around it.
Blood and urine samples at 12 and 24 hours after consumption showed significant increases in antioxidant activity in the blood after both the acai pulp and applesauce consumption, she said. Both acai pulp and acai juice showed significant absorption of antioxidant anthocyanins into the blood and antioxidant effects. The research couple said future studies hopefully will help determine whether the consumption of acai will result in any disease-preventing health benefit and the proper serving sizes for a beneficial dose for people.
Talcott, who is assistant professor with the Texas A&M University’s nutrition and food science department, says the next step is to conduct studies that might link the benefits of acai berry consumption with any possible disease-fighting qualities. Afterall, a product often being sold under the title of “super food” should definitely have some science behind it’s claim.
Audio interview (mp3 format)
provided by AgNews by AgriLife
