Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart) Consumption and Prevention of Chronic Diseases: Is There an Association? A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Background. Flavonoids from a variety of fruits, including açaí, have beneficial antioxidant activity in several diseases, including cancer. Breast cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among Brazilian women. Studies have shown the action of flavonoids on neoplastic cells, as well as on diabetes and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Objective. To analyze the relationship between the consumption of açaí and the presence of chronic diseases in women residing in the rural area of São Luís, Maranhão. Methods. A convenience sample of 150 women residing in the Maracanã neighborhood in São Luís, Maranhão, was used; the collected data included sociodemographic characteristics, habits, sexual and reproductive history, consumption of açaí, and history of cancer and other chronic diseases. The sample was divided into women who consumed açaí at least once a week (cases) and women who did not consume açaí (controls). Statistical analysis was performed to assess the relationships between those variables and the consumption of açaí. Results. A total of 141 women (94%) consumed açaí. Among these, 79.3% were aged between 20 and 50 years, 78.67% were farmers or housewives, 64.67% were Pardo (mixed race), 76.67% were nonsmokers, 70% were not receiving hormonal therapy, 40.67% had already undergone mammography, 28% had already undergone breast ultrasound, and 27.33% had a family history of cancer, with breast cancer being the second most prevalent cancer. There was a higher prevalence of hypertension among women who did not consume açaí than that among those who did; however, previous cancer, family history of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes were more prevalent among the consumers of açaí. There were no statistically significant relationships. Conclusion. Flavonoids are known to have a beneficial effect on some types of neoplastic cells and other diseases; therefore, larger studies are necessary to better evaluate the beneficial effects of consuming foods containing flavonoids on these diseases.

Nutraceutical potential of Amazonian oilseeds in modulating the immune system against COVID-19 – A narrative review

“… In vitro ↓ pro-inflammatory; ↑ anti-inflammatory cytokines; modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome protein expression Machado et al (2019) Fruit pulp Anthocyanins and phenolic compounds Clinical study with forty healthy volunteer women ↑ concentration of apolipoprotein A-I; ↓ radical oxidative stress, ox-LDL and malondialdehyde; ↑ total antioxidant capacity. Pala et al (2018) Fruit pulp Anthocyanins and phenolic compounds Cross-sectional, retrospective, and analytical study Suggests a reduction of occurrence of diabetes and hypertension in women Silva et al (2020) ; Bacaba ( Oenocarpus ssp. ) Fruit powder Total phenolics and anthocyanins In vitro Antioxidant activity Nascimento et al (2019) Fruit pulp oil Total phenolics and PUFAs In vitro Antioxidant activity Pinto et al (2018) Fruit pulp Phenolics and flavonoids In vitro Antioxidant properties Carvalho et al (2016) Fruit pulp extract Phenolic compounds Cell culture of MCF-7 cells and cell proliferation Antiproliferative capacities; induced apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells through the mitochondrial pathway; highest activation caspase-9.…”

“…They suggested that regular açaí intake can positively influence endogenous antioxidant processes, thereby protecting cells from oxidative damage. Moreover, açaí consumption can affect lipid metabolism, displaying beneficial effects on LDL-c and HDL-c control ( Aliaño-González et al, 2020 , Liz et al, 2020 , Machado et al, 2019 , Magalhães et al, 2020 , Silva et al, 2019 , Silva et al, 2020 , Souza et al, 2020 ). Furthermore, when studying the biological properties of the açaí oil, several researchers found a powerful in vitro antioxidant activity from it as well as a great content of phenolic compounds non-anthocyanins, which could be potentialized when encapsulated into micro- or nanoparticles to a controlled release in specific targets ( Pacheco-Palencia et al, 2008 , Rufino et al, 2011 , Teixeira-Costa et al, 2020 ).…”