Acai for Fertility
Written by Ben Bunting: BA(Hons), PGCert.
--
While acai berry consumption is not necessary for fertility, it may help with conception. Researchers have discovered that this superfruit may improve fertility outcomes through IVF. It contains antioxidants and healthy omega-3 fatty acids such as oleic, palmitic and linoleic acids. Acai berries also contain amino acids and sterols.
What is Acai Berry?
The acai berry is a fruit from the acai palm tree, which is native to the rainforests of Central and South America. It is a round, deep purple berry with yellow flesh and a large seed. It is sweet, tart, and goes great with chocolate and other tropical flavors.
This superfood is also rich in antioxidants. It is more nutritious than other berries and is also a good source of fiber and heart-healthy fats. Its antioxidant effects are believed to be caused by phenolic compounds, which neutralize free radicals that cause disease. Acai can be eaten fresh or dried. It can also be powdered and added to cereal or oatmeal. It can also be added to homemade granola bars.
Acai berries contain omega-3 fatty acids, which may lower the risk of coronary heart disease and improve cholesterol levels. Acai berries are also known to improve blood sugar levels and may help to prevent heart disease.
Acai berry is available in many forms, including frozen puree. This is easily prepared and can be blended with water or coconut milk for a richer texture. You can add it to granola, smoothies, or to your favorite dessert. Many juice bars, vegan restaurants, and wellness cafes offer acai products.
The Nutritional Content of Acai Berry
The acai berry is an antioxidant-rich superfood. Its antioxidants help protect the body from free radicals and promote bone and tooth health. The fruit is also high in fiber and essential amino acids. This fruit has also been shown to promote wound healing.
Acai berries are grown on palm trees in tropical Central and South America. The indigenous people of the Amazon region have long relied on them as a staple of their diet. The fruit has now boomed and considered a health food in the U.S.
➡️READ: Natural treatments for male infertility
The acai berry contains many antioxidant compounds, including anthocyanins. These compounds are thought to protect against cancer and other illnesses. The acai berry contains several times the antioxidant power of blueberries. It also beats out cranberries, blackberries, and goji berries in antioxidant content.
Other purported health benefits of the acai berry are thought to include improved memory and overall brain health. A study in mice found that the pulp of the acai berry had protective effects on brain cells and improve motor functions. Additionally, the antioxidants in acai berries increase cell efficiency.
The acai berry is rich in polyphenolic anthocyanins, including resveratrol. It also lowers total cholesterol and glucose levels. Its high fiber content may help to curb appetite and prevent overeating by making the consumer feel fuller.
Antioxidants improve oocyte quality
The antioxidants found in Acai improved oocyte quality in a mouse study. The study found that acai improved the ROS levels in the ovary, egg, and uterus. The antioxidant activity of acai was higher than that of aged mice's serum.
This antioxidant treatment reversed the aging-related reduction in oocyte quality. It also enhanced blastocyst development and implantation potential. These results may be due to the restoration of redox balance in ovarian cells and increased activity of the endoplasmic reticulum. Further studies are needed to investigate how antioxidant treatments affect the different ovarian cell types.
What is Oocyte?
An oocyte is a seed cell found within an ovary. It is produced during the oogenesis process, and develops into an ovum after fertilization. It contains a haploid nucleus and is surrounded by a secretory sac called a follicle. Once fertilized, an oocyte will produce an embryo and then a newborn baby.
The oocyte is the first of two types of germ cells found in the female reproductive system. This immature egg develops from a follicle, which is located in the outer layer of the ovaries. One follicle can develop multiple oocytes per reproductive cycle. However, only one matures into a fully formed ovum. This process is called ovulation, and the fully developed ovum can be seen with the naked eye. The mature ovum is about 0.1 mm in diameter, and is about the size of a period.
The oocyte is a complex, large cell that must be supplied with many different types of molecules in order to develop into a fertilized embryo. These molecules help direct the growth of the embryo and control multiple cellular processes. The mother's contribution is immense, and the supply of various molecules is essential for the proper development of a fertilized ovum.
Fortunately, there are methods for preserving oocytes for future use. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is a common procedure used to prolong the birth of a child. It is a popular method for postponing child-rearing in women who are not yet ready to conceive. While unfertilized oocytes were once thought difficult to freeze, recent advancements have made oocyte storage of high-quality oocytes possible.
Acai is alleged to help improve fertility because it can help reverse oxidative damage to oocytes. This antioxidant also helps improve the quality of eggs, which may lead to better conception rates. Another benefit of acai is its high concentration of antioxidants and fiber. Some acai proponents have even labeled the berry a superfood. It has also been shown to improve ovarian function and reduce cholesterol levels.
Folic acid increases phosphorylated PRKN
Acai contains folic acid. Acai has been used for fertility in several studies, with some evidence supporting its benefits. One study found that acai increased phosphorylated PRKN in the oocytes of aged and acai-treated mice. However, these results did not reach statistical significance. The serum from acai-treated mice had higher antioxidant power than the aged mouse serum.
The acai fruit has been known for its high antioxidant content and may be superior to blueberries and raspberries. In addition, it contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids. This means that it may help improve the outcome of IVF treatments.
CoQ10 improves insulin sensitivity
The recent CCRM study on acai and fertility showed promising results. Eighty-one percent of study participants achieved ongoing clinical pregnancies. Acai's antioxidant properties may support healthy ovarian function. It is possible to improve insulin sensitivity by incorporating it into your diet.
The study also found that acai supplementation reduced fasting plasma glucose, insulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, and exhaled nitric oxide metabolites. It also decreased the level of serum superoxide dismutase.
The National Institues of Health (NIH)
Nevertheless, The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health heeds a warning over the use of Acai berries for any medicinal purpose.
They state that there are very few studies available for acai berry use and that there is no confirmed or conclusive 'gold standard' evidence available that would support acai being consumed for any health benefits.
Conclusion
Acai berry contains a wealth of nutrients that may have a beneficial effect on your health when incorporated as part of a healthy diet and balanced lifestyle.
Some studies have also demonstrated positive effects on perameters of fertility, that said, the NIH doesn't recommned that acai berry or any of its constituents are consumed soley with the intention of treating a condition or believing that it can cure infertility due to the lack of human based studies.