Title of article :
Acai ̧ ́ (Euterpe oleracea Mart) Consumption and Prevention of Chronic Diseases: Is There an Association? A Preliminary Study
Author/Authors :
Ferreira Silva, Dulcelena Morphology Department - Federal University of Maranhao - Sa ̃ o Lui ̃ s - Maranha ́ o - Brazil , Custódio Neto da Silva, Marcos Antonio Post-Graduate Program in Internal Medicine - Medical Science School - State University of Campinas - Campinas - Sao Paulo - Brazil , Meirelles Rodrigues, Gabrielle Federal University of Maranhao - Sa ̃ o Lui ̃ s - Maranha ́ o - Brazil , Branco Vidal, Flávia Castello Morphology Department - Post-Graduate Program in Adult Health - Federal University of Maranhao - Sa ̃ o Lui ̃ s - Maranha ́ o, Brazil , Lacerda Barbosa, Maria do Carmo Medicine I Department - Federal University of Maranhao - Sa ̃ o Lui ̃ s - Maranha ́ o - Brazil , Oliveira Brito, Luciane Maria Medicine III Department - Post-Graduate Program in Adult Health - Federal University of Maranhao - Sa ̃ o Lui ̃ s - Maranhao - Brazil , de Barros Bezerra, Geusa Felipa Pathology Department - Post-Graduate Program in Adult Health - Federal University of Maranhao - Sa ̃ o Lui ̃ s - Maranha ́ o - Brazil , Muniz Filho, Walbert Edson Pathology Department - Federal University of Maranhao - Sa ̃ o Lui ̃ s - Maranha ́ o - Brazil , Assunca̧ ̃o Borges, Kátia Regina Federal University of Maranhao - Sa ̃ o Lui ̃ s - Maranha ́ o - Brazil , Rosa, Ivone Garros Pathology Department - Health and Environment Post-Graduate Program - Federal University of Maranhao - Sa ̃ o Lui ̃ s - Maranhao - Brazil , de Carvalho, João Ernesto Pharmaceutic Science School - Post-Graduate Program in Internal Medicine - State University of Campinas - Campinas - Sao Paulo - Brazil , Brandão Nascimento, Maria do Desterro Soares Pathology Department - Post-Graduate Program in Adult Health - Federal University of Maranhao - Sa ̃ o Lui ̃ s - Maranha ́ o - Brazil
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.
Keywords :
Acai ̧ ́ (Euterpe oleracea Mart) , Chronic Diseases , Preliminary Study
Journal title :
The Scientific World Journal
