Açaí research brings good news to superfruit market

A new clinical pilot study by açaí manufacturer Sambazon and Medicus Research could position the superfruit to leave its bad press behind. The study, published in Nutritional Journal, found that açaí may reduce certain risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome including heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Sambazon's co-founder Jeremy Black said the study gives scientific voice to the positive feedback consumers have shared with the company for years. "All these critics were saying that there's no proof that açaí does anything for you," said Black. "Well, now there is."

A group of 10 overweight, yet otherwise healthy adults consumed 100 grams of Sambazon acai frozen fruit pulp twice daily before meals for four weeks without otherwise changing their diet. After 30 days, fasting glucose, post-meal increases in blood glucose, insulin, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were significantly reduced.

Açaí is rich in antioxidants (notably anthocyanins), healthy omega fats similar to an olive oil and contains almost no sugar. The açaí in the study is Sambazon's pure açaí pulp, which is the basis for all of Sambazon's juices, smoothies, sorbets and powders.