How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Acai berries offer luscious and refreshing relief. Frequently pureed, the electric purple berry is stunningly beautiful atop smoothie bowls. Acai's sweet taste gives an energy boost on any hot summer day.

The thirst quenching, nourishing berry originates from a palm tree growing along the Amazon. It grows through tropical Central and South America and is an important food source for indigenous people in those regions. Palms bearing the fruit are common along the Amazon river estuary. It is also cultivated on flood plains like those in the state of Para, Brazil. The name 'acai' comes from a Portuguese adaptation of the Tupian word iwaca'i, meaning the 'fruit that cries'.

The round, reddish-purple berries are 1-2cm in diameter, 80% of which is taken up by the seed! Healthwise, acai is very similar to blueberries. Its intense purple color comes from its anthocyanins, which act as antioxidants in the body. Like many berries, acai is rich fiber and antioxidants.

The cooling purple berry tastes slightly sweet, tart and astringent, like 'a cross between tangy pomegranate and raspberry'. However, acai also has a distinctly earthy undertone, more similar to cacao nibs. One taster described it as being 'like a blend of berry and chocolate'. This quality comes from the organic compounds (polyphenols) that also give cacao its distinctive bitterness.

Traditionally, a thick juice made from acai is used as a compliment for fried fish. It can also be combined with cassava flour and taken as a type of porridge. In indigenous communities, acai is given to children from a young age. Here it is commonly enjoyed in smoothie bowls.

Acai is a very perishable berry. Outside of Brazil, it is only available as a juice, puree or supplement. This is because it contains high amounts of Omega3 fatty-acids, which go rancid if they are not frozen or processed soon after picking.

Cooling Blood Tonic & Blood Cleanser

The refreshing sensation that comes with a bite of deep purple acai not only refreshes the mind, it also points to the fruit's healing qualities. The signature, dark violet shade of the acai berry is actually created by its antioxidant content (specifically anthocyanins which are a group of polyphenols). These naturally occurring antioxidants deliver those deep red, purple and blue colors we see blackberries, aubergine and red cabbage. They are also responsible for some of acai's greatest benefits.

When these antioxidants are eaten, they help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body (Pitta). During normal metabolic processes, cells produce oxygen-containing molecules called free radicals. Oxidation is a chemical process where free radicals (oxygen-containing molecules) react with other molecules in the body. Each time this happens, it damages molecules on the cellular level. Oxidative stress can occur throughout the body. When it occurs in the blood oxygen delivery is impaired, preventing the formation of healthy tissues. Over time, oxidative stress causes measurable damage to the system.

Antioxidant-rich foods like acai help prevent or slow oxidation by scavenging for these free radicals before these reactions can happen. In fact, studies on acai showed that the group that ate acai had blood-antioxidant levels 3 times that of the control group.

Certain compounds (flavonoids) found in acai also help reduce the production of reactive oxygen molecules. These are the molecules that go on to create oxidative stress, cell damage and, in turn, inflammation. So, not only can the cooling nature of acai help soothe current inflammation, it also supports the body in reducing future inflammatory reactions.

Kidney disease is a common condition that causes significant inflammation and oxidative stress. For this reason, researchers are looking at the benefits of acai for people with kidney disease. Research is ongoing, but studies are promising that the anti-inflammatory effects of acai could be helpful in this condition.

Along with these blood-clearing qualities, acai also contains blood-supporting iron. A smoothie bowl with 100g acai extract provides 1m iron. This supports the body in creating quality red blood cells which, in turn, allows for proper oxygen delivery to all the cells of the body.

Reduces Inflammation

Acai's taste, a bit like 'dark chocolate blended with berries,' offers another clue to the fruit's refrigerant, anti-inflammatory qualities. The taste similarity to chocolate comes from high levels of astringent and bitter tannins present in both foods. These tannins are also what gives cacao its bitter flavor. Plants produce these off-putting bitter-astringent tannins as protection from predators like birds. Ayurveda knows these tastes as cooling, clearing and beneficial in instances of high heat or inflammation.

The similarly drying nature of the astringent taste makes acai a useful anti-diarrheal. This is a quality long-recognised by Brazilian herbal medics who used both the oil and the seed of the fruit for this purpose.

Supportive Tonic for the Liver

The sweetness in acai acts as a soothing salve to an overworked liver. Bitters and sours act as a cholagogue, flushing toxic bile out of the liver and gallbladder, which refresh the liver. You can experience this refreshing quality as a cooling effect on the eyes and forehead.

The fresh sourness of acai can be supportive to an inflamed liver, unlike ferments which can increase liver heat and spoil the blood. Sour fruits help to decongest the liver and support proper bile flow, relieving stagnation and irritation in the liver. Like many berries, acai has a mildly sweet taste which soothes the liver.Ayurveda recognises sweet for its cool, heavy, nourishing nature. These qualities ease excess heat and inflammation which can occur in the liver.

The blood-clearing bitterness of the berry comes from its antioxidant-packed polyphenols (anthocyanins). These antioxidants take stress off the liver as they reduce toxins in the blood. These cooling compounds have been shown to reduce distress-signals (ALT) coming from the liver. ALT is a liver enzyme that is released when there is damage in the liver, so a reduction in ALT levels indicates a healthier liver. Certain forms of antioxidants (such as luteolin) are also able to enter the cells of the liver and prevent them from that inflammatory, damaging oxidative stress.

Acai is also high in Vitamin C, which gives it some of its sour taste. This vitamin is an antioxidant that is particularly supportive to the liver where it reduces cellular damage due to free radicals, improves overall liver health and supports the organ as it metabolizes glucose.

This makes acai a cooling, tasty option for individuals with a stressed liver or Pitta imbalance such as yellowing sclera, irritability or redness.

An Antiviral with Potential for Treating Cancer

Acai's blood clearing effects may be beneficial for cancer. Acai has been shown to be anti-inflammatory, prevents tumor cell overgrowth (anti-proliferative) and supports proper programmed cell death, to help the body easily eliminate unwanted cancer cells (pro-apoptotic). This supports healthy cell growth in the body and may help prevent abnormal cell development, as occurs in conditions like cancer.

Studies on acai's polyphenols have shown that they prevent overgrowth of tumor cells in the system, when taken in the right dose and timing. In fact, in a test on rats, a specific type of polyphenol (ellagitannin) was shown to reduce initial formation of esophageal tumors by supporting healthy immune function, increasing antioxidant levels in the blood and encouraging anti-viral immunity. This healthy immune response is supported by the Vitamin A levels in acai (15% RDA/100g frozen pulp). Research continues into the potential anti-cancerous nature of acai to examine its effects in humans.

Showing awareness of these medicinal qualities, herbal medics in the Amazon have used the acai berry to combat viral and bacterial borne diseases like the flu, malaria, coughs and fever.

Nourishing & Sweet, But Blood Sugar Balanced

The fresh, gentle sweetness of acai lingers on the tongue after the bitterness passes. Acai's rich fatty acids complement the sweet taste of the sugars - and give the berry juice a smooth, oily mouth-feel. Additionally, Acai's ample fiber supports the feeling of satisfaction after eating the sweet fruits.

While acai tastes sweet, the high fiber content keeps blood sugar balanced. Studies on acai have shown that the fruit can reduce fasting glucose and insulin levels. Acai's polyphenols change how the body processes carbohydrates, helping to draw glucose out of the blood.

Studies on humans have shown that taking frozen acai pulp twice per day for a month successfully reduced fasting glucose by 5.3% compared to baseline. Subjects in these studies also experienced a reduction in blood-insulin levels.

Studies on acai have also shown that the fruit may reduce cholesterol levels. Important for this action are acai's sterols. These organic compounds are similar in structure to cholesterol and often categorized with antioxidants. They prevent the absorption of cholesterol into the system. One 2011 study had subjects take frozen acai pulp, twice per day for one month and saw that their LDL and total cholesterol were reduced, without causing a drop in HDL, or the 'good' cholesterol.

These qualities make acai a better choice for Kapha-dominant individuals than sweeter fruits like banana. It could also point to acai as a supportive choice for those monitoring their blood sugar due to conditions like diabetes.

Contraindications

Acai's naturally hydrating sweetness, fatty acids, and sourness are ideal for nourishing and nurturing dry Vata. The fiber content keeps Vata regular. However, Acai's coldness can be Vata or Kapha aggravating, especially in cold winter months. To remedy this, add some ginger and turmeric to warm up Acai for Vata.

Acai has a low glycemic index score but acai bowls, with their combinations of fruit and nuts, can still have high sugar levels and could be problematic for diabetics. Acai is not advised, in large amounts, for those experiencing candida due to it's levels of natural sugar, which can feed candida.

Raw acai juice can be a source of trypanosoma cruzi, the blood-sucking parasite that transmits the inflammatory, infectious Chagas disease. The WHO reports this disease impacting about 8 million people annually. Symptoms can include swelling, rashes and fever. However, this is more common in freshly juiced acai, rather than processed pulps or supplements. Local authorities are also increasing precautions around harvesting and processing to combat this.

Acai contains high levels of potassium and is often combined with other high potassium foods (banana, mango etc). If a person is on a low potassium diet try pairing it with apples or other berries. As per the Ayurvedic principles of food combinations, fruit like acai should not be mixed with other foods.

Dosage

• Clinical evidence on supplemental dosage is lacking.
• 1/2c or 100g is a commonly suggested serving size.

VPK, biocharacteristics, prabhav

• Vata: potentially aggravating (cold, astringent) but its sweetness nourishes Vata.
• Pitta: Due to its cooling sweetness, Acai is the ideal Pitta reducing food.
• Kapha: Acai's sweetness is tempered by its fiber content. However in excess it will still aggravate Kapha. Its coldness can aggravate Kapha congestion. Its sweet taste can aggravate sugar addictions.
• Biocharacteristics: cold, oily, heavy
• Prabhav: Sweet but without raising blood sugar.

Additional Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Content / 100g acai puree , or just under half a cup	General RDA (M = male, F = Female)
Carbohydrate	6g	130g
Fat	5g (4.4g polyunsaturated)	44g-77g
Protein	2g	.8g/kg body weight (~54.4g for 150lbs person)
Fiber	3g	38g (M); 25g (F)
Sodium	7mg	<2,300mg
Potassium	105mg	3,500-4,700mg
Vitamin A	1000IU	3,000IU (M); 2,333IU (F)
Vitamin C	9.6mg	90mg (F); 75mg (F)
Calcium	40mg	800mg
Iron	1.08mg	8mg (M/ F postmenopause); 18mg (F premenopausal)

Other nutritional information not Mentioned Above

• Macronutrients
  • 52.2g carbs (44.2g of fibre); 8.1g protein; 32.5g total fat
  • Very little total protein, but 19 amino acids
  • Sugar
  • Fiber
• Micronutrients
  • Fatty acids, especially oleic, palmitic, and linoleic acids.
  • The antioxidant phytochemicals in acai berries include mainly
  • anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins (types of polyphenols).
  • Contains several sterols (a class of compounds related to cholesterol), including campesterol, stigmasterol, and beta-sitosterol.
  • Electrolytes
  • Flavonoids
  • Sterols
• Anticancer:
  • Polyphenolic fractions of frozen acai pulp suppressed proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner
  • Anti-diabetic:
  • Anthocyanin compounds: Anti-inflammatory:
  • In vitro research - freeze dried acai powder displayed selective inhibitory activity against COX-1, COX-2 enzymes. Acai inhibited lipopolysaccharide(LPS) induced production of nitric oxide (dose-dependent)
• Anti-oxidant
  • Anthocyanins (group of polyphenols);
  • Also attributed to its conjugate forms - glucuronate, sulfonate, aglycone, methylate
  • Immune stimulant
• Grated rind used as topical wash for skin ulcers // infusion of seeds used for fevers
  • In the Peruvian Amazon it is used for malaria, diabetes, liver disorders, hair loss, hemorrhage, and kidney diseases, as well as menstrual and muscle pain.

About Acai

Acai means fruit that cries. Acai is a sweet & juicy fruit with a satisfying purple pulp. It provides rich nutrition, high antioxidant value, and fiber.

SERVING SIZE: 1/2 c

SPECIES: Euterpe oleracea

FAMILY: Arecaceae

MEAL: BREAKFAST, DRINK

STYLE: LATIN-AMERICAN

PREPARATION: PUREE, SMOOTHIE

EAT IN: SUMMER

Metabolic Nature of Acai

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.

INCREASES Increases These Biocharacteristics (Gunas) Functional Ayurveda helps you assess imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating these characteristics weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which characteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct imbalances before you get sick. Every characteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite characteristic. Learn More	COLD ABOUT COLD BIOCHARACTERISTIC Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow. LEARN MORE ABOUT COLD
TASTES The 6 Tastes Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below? Learn More	ASTRINGENT ABOUT ASTRINGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying. LEARN MORE ABOUT ASTRINGENT SOUR ABOUT SOUR BIOCHARACTERISTIC Sour refers to anything fermented or acidic. LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUR SWEET ABOUT SWEET BIOCHARACTERISTIC Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats. LEARN MORE ABOUT SWEET
DOSHAS The Three Doshas / Body Types According to the biocharacteristic theory of medicine, people tend to get sick, over and over again, due to habitual causes and imbalances that are unique to the person. Your body type summarizes this tendency, showing you the 'type' of conditions and imbalances that frequently challenge your health & wellness. Using body type, you can also identify remedies likely to improve your strength and resiliency. Your body type identifies physical and mental characteristics as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses. The calculation of your body type is based on your medical history. The 3 functional body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha). Catabolic individuals tend to break down body mass into energy. They are easily stimulated, hyperactive, underweight and dry. Metabolic individuals tend to burn or use energy. They tend to be rosy-cheeked, easily irritated, focused, driven, and easily inflamed. Anabolic individuals tend to store energy as body mass. If they store too much energy, they could gain weight easily and have congestion. Anabolic people tend to be stable and grounded. Learn More	PACIFIES
HAS THE FOLLOWING	Moves Energy: Downward DOWNWARD Downward-moving (Adho Gati Marga) substances move food downward in the GI tract, settle the nervous system, and relax muscles. SEE ALL 'DOWNWARD' FOODS / HERBS Affinity: Heart Circulation Blood, Energy Vitality ENERGY-VITALITY Includes vitality improving foods, herbs, and exercises by dosha. SEE ALL 'ENERGY-VITALITY' FOODS / HERBS , Liver Gallbladder Family: Arecaceae
HERBAL ACTIONS (see all)	Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Acai Experiences are Personal Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition. Digestion: Appetite Suppressant APPETITE-SUPPRESSANT Suppresses hunger without causing weight gain. SEE ALL 'APPETITE-SUPPRESSANT' FOODS / HERBS , Quenches Thirst QUENCHES-THIRST An herb or substance that relieves thirst. SEE ALL 'QUENCHES-THIRST' FOODS / HERBS Bowel Health: General Laxative GENERAL-LAXATIVE Promotes a bowel movement. General laxative is an umbrella term that refers to several different types of laxatives. SEE ALL 'GENERAL-LAXATIVE' FOODS / HERBS , High Fiber Laxative HIGH-FIBER-LAXATIVE A class of laxative that adds bulk and water to stools. The large size of the stool stimulates peristalsis so the stool can pass more easily through the colon. It is important to drink plenty of water when using high fiber laxatives, as they can be dehydr SEE ALL 'HIGH-FIBER-LAXATIVE' FOODS / HERBS Mind, Stress & Sleep: Nerve Relaxant Grounding NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING Encourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth. Reduces agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts. SEE ALL 'NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING' FOODS / HERBS , Relaxes Eyes RELAXES-EYES Eases tension in eye muscles, so the eyes feel less strained, often by supporting the liver. SEE ALL 'RELAXES-EYES' FOODS / HERBS , Relaxes Solar Plexus RELAXES-SOLAR-PLEXUS Soothes and comforts the muscles of the upper abdomen, reducing any tension or pressure in the solar plexus area. SEE ALL 'RELAXES-SOLAR-PLEXUS' FOODS / HERBS , Wakes You Up WAKES-YOU-UP Invigorates the body and nervous system, increases energy. SEE ALL 'WAKES-YOU-UP' FOODS / HERBS , Antidepressant ANTIDEPRESSANT Herbs that lift feelings of depression, benefit the mind and improve mental function. SEE ALL 'ANTIDEPRESSANT' FOODS / HERBS , Brain Tonic BRAIN-TONIC An herb that strengthens the brain and thereby enhances memory or other cognitive functions and improves mental stamina or stability. SEE ALL 'BRAIN-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS , Improves Focus IMPROVES-FOCUS Reduces scattered thoughts. Creates a steady mind. Includes herbs that relax (for Vata) and herbs that stimulate (for Kapha). SEE ALL 'IMPROVES-FOCUS' FOODS / HERBS Energy Vitality: Refreshing REFRESHING Stimulates and wakes up the body, leaving it feeling cool, fresh, and energized. SEE ALL 'REFRESHING' FOODS / HERBS , Nutritive NUTRITIVE An herb that is strengthening and nourishing. SEE ALL 'NUTRITIVE' FOODS / HERBS Immune System: Anti Inflammatory ANTI-INFLAMMATORY Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems. SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS , Anticarcinogenic ANTICARCINOGENIC Herbs that inhibit or prevent the activity of a carcinogen or the development of cancer. SEE ALL 'ANTICARCINOGENIC' FOODS / HERBS Heart & Circulation: Alterative STRONG ALTERATIVE Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter. SEE ALL 'ALTERATIVE' FOODS / HERBS , Antioxidant STRONG ANTIOXIDANT An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals that lead to a chain reaction causing damage or death to cells. Antioxidants terminate these oxidation reactions. SEE ALL 'ANTIOXIDANT' FOODS / HERBS , Hypotensive HYPOTENSIVE An herb that lowers blood pressure. SEE ALL 'HYPOTENSIVE' FOODS / HERBS , Refrigerant REFRIGERANT An herb or substance that strongly cools the body. Can be helpful in cases of heat conditions. SEE ALL 'REFRIGERANT' FOODS / HERBS Liver & Gallbladder: Cholagogue CHOLAGOGUE Cholagogues stimulate the production & release of bile from the liver & gallbladder. This refreshes and cleanses these organs, as well as increases bile in the small intestines. SEE ALL 'CHOLAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS , Livotonic LIVOTONIC An herb that strengthens the liver. It is helpful for people with a history of substance abuse, chronic liver issues from hepatitis and hemolytic anemias. Generally, liver tonics are oily, cool, sweet, mildly sour, or contain beta-carotene. SEE ALL 'LIVOTONIC' FOODS / HERBS Constituents: Flavonoids STRONG FLAVONOIDS Flavonoids are a colorful type of polyphenol. As all polyphenols, they have a strong antioxidant effect. Many flavonoids have an anti-inflammatory, and/or antiallergen effect. SEE ALL 'FLAVONOIDS' FOODS / HERBS , Anthocyanins ANTHOCYANINS Anthocyanins are a type of polyphenol. As all polyphenols, they have a strong antioxidant effect. SEE ALL 'ANTHOCYANINS' FOODS / HERBS , Iron IRON Iron is necessary for the transport of oxygen in red blood cells. SEE ALL 'IRON' FOODS / HERBS , Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Polyphenols POLYPHENOLS Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants seen in many fruits and vegetables. There are more than 8,000 types. SEE ALL 'POLYPHENOLS' FOODS / HERBS , Potassium, Soluble Fiber, Vitamin C

Foods with a Similar Nature to Acai

Strawberries

Strawberries has these Actions in Common

Anti-inflammatory, General-laxative, Quenches-thirst, Wakes-you-up, Anticarcinogenic, Improves-focus, Refreshing, Alterative, Antioxidant, Livotonic, Relaxes-eyes

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Blueberry

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Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Livotonic, Refrigerant, Anticarcinogenic, Brain-tonic, Nutritive, Alterative, Antidepressant, Improves-focus, Refreshing

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Honey Dew

Honey Dew has these Actions in Common

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Hibiscus

Hibiscus has these Actions in Common

Antioxidant, Hypotensive, Relaxes-eyes, Anti-inflammatory, Appetite-suppressant, Refreshing, Relaxes-solar-plexus, Anticarcinogenic, Cholagogue, Refrigerant

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Cherry

Cherry has these Actions in Common

Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Livotonic, Anticarcinogenic, General-laxative, Nutritive, Antidepressant, Improves-focus, Quenches-thirst

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Apple (cooked)

Apple (cooked) has these Actions in Common

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Carrot

Carrot has these Actions in Common

Antioxidant, High-fiber-laxative, Nutritive, Alterative, Cholagogue, Hypotensive, Anticarcinogenic, General-laxative, Livotonic

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Sorghum Flour

Sorghum Flour has these Actions in Common

Brain-tonic, Livotonic, Relaxes-eyes, Anti-inflammatory, High-fiber-laxative, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Antidepressant, Hypotensive, Nutritive

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Grape

Grape has these Actions in Common

Brain-tonic, Livotonic, Anti-inflammatory, General-laxative, Nutritive, Antioxidant, High-fiber-laxative, Quenches-thirst, Alterative

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Lemon

Lemon has these Actions in Common

Refrigerant, Cholagogue, Quenches-thirst, Relaxes-eyes, General-laxative, Refreshing, Wakes-you-up, Alterative, Improves-focus

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Herb Supplements with a Similar Nature to Acai

Amalaki

Amalaki has these Actions in Common

Quenches-thirst, Alterative, Refreshing, Anti-inflammatory, Refrigerant, Antioxidant, Relaxes-eyes, Brain-tonic, Wakes-you-up, General-laxative, Improves-focus, Nutritive

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Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has these Actions in Common

Antidepressant, Antioxidant, Brain-tonic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Nutritive, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Anticarcinogenic

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Brahmi - Gotu Kola

Brahmi - Gotu Kola has these Actions in Common

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Eleuthero Ginseng

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Licorice Ghee (9oz)

Licorice Ghee (9oz) has these Actions in Common

Nutritive, Refrigerant, Relaxes-eyes, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Anticarcinogenic, Livotonic

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Licorice Root (Yastimadhu)

Licorice Root (Yastimadhu) has these Actions in Common

Nutritive, Refrigerant, Relaxes-eyes, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Anticarcinogenic, Livotonic

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Pitta Shirodhara Oil

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Impact of Acai

In each clinical research trial below, students from the Joyful Belly School of Ayurveda ate the selected food for 3 days and reported the pharmacological effects. See other clinical research trials for diet & herbs at Joyful Belly.

TEMPERATURE/CIRCULATION

How did Acai affect your temperature?

0	11	11	0	0
Much colder	Slightly colder	Same	Slightly warmer	Much warmer

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your ear temperature?

0	16	6
Hotter	No Change	Cooler

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your sweat quantity?

0	1	21	0	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect the color of your skin?

0	1	0	0	21
Yellower/Greener	Paler	Redder	Grayer	No Change

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect the color of your tongue body?

4	2	5	11
Paler	Redder	Bluer	No Change

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect the swelling of your tongue body?

1	2	19
More Swelling	Less Swelling	No Change

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your appetite/hunger?

3	7	9	3	0
Much less hungry	Slightly less hungry	Same	Slightly hungrier	Much hungrier

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your digestion speed?

0	7	10	5	0
Much faster	Slightly faster	Same	Slightly slower	Much slower

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

TOXINS

How did Acai affect the amount of gas & bloating?

0	6	13	2	1
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your stool smell?

0	3	18	1	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

0	6	11	5	0
Much smaller	Slightly less	Same	Slightly larger coating	Much larger

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect the color of your tongue coating?

0	0	3	2	17
Yellower	Browner	Grayer	Whiter	No Change

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your throat soreness?

0	19	3
More sore	No Change	Less sore

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your urine smell?

0	2	19	1	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

0	0	22	0	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Many more

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your sweat smell?

0	2	19	1	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your acne?

0	21	1
More acne	No Change	Less acne

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your freckles/moles?

0	22	0
Darker	No Change	Lighter

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?

0	0	0	0	3
Redder/Bloodshot	Yellower	Grayer	Browner	Whiter
19
No Change

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect the color of the lower eye lid?

0	0	21	1
More green/dark green	More purple	No Change	Less green/purple

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

HYDRATION

How did Acai affect your urine frequency/quantity?

0	0	18	3	1
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect the dryness of your skin?

1	3	18
Drier	Oilier	No Change

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?

0	20	2
Puffier	No Change	Less Puffy

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect the cracks on your tongue?

0	1	17	4	0
Larger/longer/more cracks	Slightly more	Same	Slightly less/smaller/shorter	Much less

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

FLUID-THICKNESS

How did Acai affect your ear pressure?

0	19	3
More pressure	No Change	Less pressure

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your congestion?

2	19	1
More congestion	No Change	Less congestion

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?

2	18	2
More thick	No Change	Less thick

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

NERVOUS-SYSTEM

How did Acai affect your energy levels?

0	1	11	10	0
Much less energy	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more energy	Much more

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your muscle tension?

0	7	15	0	0
Much less tension	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more tension	Much more

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your anxiety?

1	7	13	1	0
Much less anxiety	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more anxiety	Much more

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect the stillness of your tongue?

5	17	0
More still	No Change	More Trembling / Jittery

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

DIGESTION

How did Acai affect the amount of gas & bloating?

0	6	13	2	1
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your appetite/hunger?

3	7	9	3	0
Much less hungry	Slightly less hungry	Same	Slightly hungrier	Much hungrier

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect burning sensations in digestive tract (do not include acid reflux)?

2	5	15	0	0
Much relief	Slight relief	Same	Slightly more burning	Much more burning

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your digestion speed?

0	7	10	5	0
Much faster	Slightly faster	Same	Slightly slower	Much slower

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

TONGUE

How did Acai affect the stillness of your tongue?

5	17	0
More still	No Change	More Trembling / Jittery

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

0	6	11	5	0
Much smaller	Slightly less	Same	Slightly larger coating	Much larger

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect the cracks on your tongue?

0	1	17	4	0
Larger/longer/more cracks	Slightly more	Same	Slightly less/smaller/shorter	Much less

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect the color of your tongue body?

4	2	5	11
Paler	Redder	Bluer	No Change

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect the color of your tongue coating?

0	0	3	2	17
Yellower	Browner	Grayer	Whiter	No Change

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect the swelling of your tongue body?

1	2	19
More Swelling	Less Swelling	No Change

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

STOOL

How did Acai affect your stool smell?

0	3	18	1	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your stool consistency?

0	6	11	5	0
Much softer	Slightly softer	Same	Slightly harder	Much harder

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your stool frequency/quantity?

0	0	16	6	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your stool color?

2	0	2	0	18
More yellow	More gray	More green	More orange	Same

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your stool lightness?

0	0	17	5	0
Much lighter	Slightly lighter	Same	Slightly darker	Much darker

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

URINE

How did Acai affect your urine smell?

0	2	19	1	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your urine lightness?

1	1	17	3	0
Much lighter	Slightly lighter	Same	Slightly Darker	Much Darker

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your urine frequency/quantity?

0	0	18	3	1
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

0	0	22	0	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Many more

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your urine clarity?

1	20	1
More cloudy	Same	More clear

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

SWEAT

How did Acai affect your sweat smell?

0	2	19	1	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your sweat quantity?

0	1	21	0	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

SKIN

How did Acai affect the dryness of your skin?

1	3	18
Drier	Oilier	No Change

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect the color of your skin?

0	1	0	0	21
Yellower/Greener	Paler	Redder	Grayer	No Change

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your freckles/moles?

0	22	0
Darker	No Change	Lighter

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your acne?

0	21	1
More acne	No Change	Less acne

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

EYE

How did Acai affect the color of the lower eye lid?

0	0	21	1
More green/dark green	More purple	No Change	Less green/purple

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?

0	20	2
Puffier	No Change	Less Puffy

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?

0	0	0	0	3
Redder/Bloodshot	Yellower	Grayer	Browner	Whiter
19
No Change

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

ENT

How did Acai affect your congestion?

2	19	1
More congestion	No Change	Less congestion

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your ear pressure?

0	19	3
More pressure	No Change	Less pressure

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your throat soreness?

0	19	3
More sore	No Change	Less sore

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?

2	18	2
More thick	No Change	Less thick

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your ear temperature?

0	16	6
Hotter	No Change	Cooler

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

SYSTEMIC

How did Acai affect your anxiety?

1	7	13	1	0
Much less anxiety	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more anxiety	Much more

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your temperature?

0	11	11	0	0
Much colder	Slightly colder	Same	Slightly warmer	Much warmer

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your energy levels?

0	1	11	10	0
Much less energy	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more energy	Much more

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your muscle tension?

0	7	15	0	0
Much less tension	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more tension	Much more

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

HEART

How did Acai affect your heart pain/pressure/cramping?

0	2	20	0	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your heart rate?

0	5	17	0	0
Much slower	Slightly slower	Same	Slightly faster	Much faster

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

How did Acai affect your heart rhythm?

0	20	2
More palpitations	Same	Less palpitations

Total Responses: 22 Study ID:96 (2022-04-25 - 2022-05-02)

Joyful Belly is a recognized school of biocharacteristics medicine.