Ed Blonz: 'New' fruits not necessarily better

Oakland Tribune, Oct 27, 2008 by Ed Blonz

Q: I wanted to know if you have any knowledge of and insight into a juice product made from the acai berry plus other items. I've been hearing a lot about it lately but I'd like to separate fact from hype, if possible. It sounds almost too good to be true. Can you enlighten me?

A: The acai berry comes from the Acai palm, a tree that is native to Central and South America. The berry is the guardian for the seeds of the plant, and like most berries, it grows in the sun. As a result, the berry requires nutrients for the seed, along with antioxidant compounds to protect against the destructive rays of the sun. The acai berry has all the appearances of a healthful food. But does it bring a health effect utterly unique to the table that we could not get from red or black raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, pomegranate or even a glass of orange juice?

The September 24, 2008, issue of the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry contained an article that tested a product made from the acai berry. It reported that drinking the juice product increased antioxidant capacity and decreased lipid peroxidation, both beneficial effects. While it sounds impressive, it must be kept in mind that there are similar studies for other healthful foods. Each new fruit brings its novelty and its own brand of marketing. Enjoy them all, but keep things in perspective. Simply because a fruit is new doesn't make it more healthful than the ones we're already familiar with.

Q: I read an article you wrote about triglycerides. I had very high triglycerides readings after my heart attacks 22 years ago. No one could come up with an answer about how to lower them until a nurse practitioner come up with the answer. She suggested that I try taking Tricor. The effect was almost immediate. My numbers dropped from very high to very low. I know that you are a nutritionist and recommend diet, but the use of Tricor was almost a miracle since no one for 20 years had any suggestions on how to lower my triglyceride numbers.

A: Tricor is the brand name for a prescription medication based on the compound named fenofibrate. It is one of the medications that can be used to lower elevated blood triglyceride levels. I am pleased that you have experienced this success. I hope you have had a chance to read through the accompanying documentation about this drug. If not, I suggest you visit a Web site such as drugs.com where there is consumer information on this compound. Touch base with your health professionals if you have any questions.

Having very high triglycerides is not good, and the fact that you have already experienced a heart attack naturally heightens your concern. It is great that you have a nurse practitioner who has helped. I trust that you appreciate the fact that while the medication has lowered your triglyceride level, it has not lessened the importance of diet and lifestyle factors. Your nurse practitioner or physician have likely mentioned this. Continue to live that healthy life and there will be more of it to enjoy. I wish you well.

Kensington resident Ed Blonz has a Ph.D. in nutrition from UC Davis. E-mail him at cctimes@blonz.com.