Acai, popularly considered as a super fruit, has historically been used to treat digestive problems including intestinal parasites, diarrhea and dysentery, and it has also been used to boost energy and strengthen the immune system.  Acai has been used in cooking, and it has long been used in many countries for its medicinal benefits.

In addition to these time-tested remedies and uses for acai, new research suggests that the dark purple berries may also help slow prostate and breast cancer, reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, alleviate arthritis pain and discomfort, aid weight loss, and improve dental health andcardiovascular health.  In recent studies, acai’s health benefits have also been studied in relation to joint health, and specifically its effects on osteoarthritis.

Characteristics of Osteoarthritis:

• Progressive, degenerative changes in cartilage structure
• Proteoglycans break down, losing their ability to form tight clusters
• Water content of cartilage increases
• Chondroitin sulfate shortens in length
• Cartilage loses the ability to repair itself
• Cartilage develops clefts and crevices that eventually extend to the underlying bone
• Weak, stiff, and deformed joints

A study was performed which sought to measure the benefits of drinking acai juice for joint health. The participants in the study consumed 120 mL of acai juice daily for 3 months, and when they were evaluated at the conclusion of the study, they were found to have an improved range of motion, decreased joint pain and increased levels of antioxidants.

The subjects were evaluated several times throughout the course of the study, and their range of motion and levels of antioxidants were found to have improved more each time they were checked, as did the decrease in joint pain.  This suggests that acai can continually provide health benefits and reduced symptoms for those who suffer from osteoarthritis.