IJCS | Volume 32, Nº2, March/April 2019

DOI: 10.5935/2359-4802.20180077 190 VIEWPOINT International Journal of Cardiovascular Sciences. 2019;32(2)190-192 Mailing Address: Heitor Oliveira Santos Av. Pará, 1720. Postal Code: 38400-902, Umuarama, Uberlância, Minas Gerais, MG - Brazil. E-mail: heitoroliveirasantos@gmail.com, heitor13cam@hotmail.com Effect of Açaí ( Euterpe Oleracea ) Intake on Vascular Function and Lipid Profile: What is the Recommendation? Heitor Oliveira Santo s Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG - Brazil Manuscript received December 27, 2017, revised manuscript April 14, 2018, accepted April 30, 2018. Euterpe; Hypertension; Phytochemicals; Lipids; Cholesterol, HDL; Flavonoids. Keywords Introduction The açaí palm tree ( Euterpe oleracea Mart.) is mostly native to Brazil, and its fruit, açaí berry, is very popular among physically active individuals. The açaí berry pulp, very pleasing to the taste buds, has gained adepts in Brazil, Europe and USA in recent years, being even considered a “superfruit”. 1 The açaí berry pulp is rich in anthocyanins, which is reflected on its deep purple color, in addition to other bioactive substances, such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Because of its content of such substances, the açaí fruit has been claimed to have a significant pharmacodynamic effect, mainly on the cardiovascular physiology, affecting dyslipidemia and arterial hypertension. Thus, considering the pharmacodynamic substances and nutritional composition of the açaí berry, understanding the impact of its intake on the lipid profile and blood pressure is necessary. Development Nutrition facts The pulpof the Brazilian açaí has a considerable amount of fats and dietary fibers. When compared to popularly consumed foods, whose cardiovascular benefits have been well established, vitamin E is the nutrient of açaí that stands out. The amount of carbohydrates in the açaí pulp alone, without syrup or any dietary item added, is low (Table 1). The lipid composition of the Brazilian açaí berry is as follows: polyunsaturated fatty acids, 11.1%; monounsaturated fatty acids, 60.2%; and saturated fatty acids, 28.7%. 3 Of the monounsaturated fatty acids of the açaí berry, 53.9% are oleic acid, 3 a substance found in avocado and olive oil and that can improve the lipid profile. 4 Bioactive substances of cardiovascular importance A significant amount of anthocyanins is present in the açaí berry, which also contains other antioxidant phytochemicals important to the cardiovascular system, such as sterols, mainly beta-sitosterol, 3 which, similarly to monounsaturated fats, is also found in olive oil and avocado. 4 Beta-sitosterol acts mainly on lipidmodulation, 4 while anthocyanins actmainlyby reducingbloodpressure. 5 Impact of açaí intake on vascular function The most important effect of the açaí berry on vascular function is vasodilation, mainly via the anthocyanins. An easily accessible clinical parameter to monitor the açaí effect on vascular function is blood pressure. Despite the expectations, Aqurashi et al., 6 and Udani et al., 7 have not found any improvement in blood pressure deriving from the açaí intake, but their sample was formed by normotensive individuals. However, Aqurashi et al., 6 have reported a 1.4% increase in the flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery resulting from the intake of 150 g of açaí pulp in an acute test, which reflects a significant improvement in vascular function. Effect of açaí intake on lipid profile Despite not finding any improvement inbloodpressure, Udani et al. have shown a reduction in total cholesterol