Açaí berry can help stem severe Covid-19 symptoms

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) – With various health threats and an ongoing pandemic, it is critical for people to protect their immune systems and maximize all the wellness support they can get.

A study made by University of Toronto researchers found out that Brazilian açaí super berry extract can help mitigate severe inflammation problems among COVID-19 patients.

Dr. Ana Andreazza, associate professor of pharmacology and psychiatry at the university, also made a research discovery that açaí berry extract can significantly decrease NLRP3-mediated inflammation that triggers the body's response to ward off infections and stress.

A previous study by Dr. Andreazza also revealed that açaí may even prevent mental stress, another problem brought about by the pandemic and its socio-economic consequences such as financial uncertainty, economic slowdown, and long bouts of isolation during lockdowns.

Although much of the research is at its early stages and clinical trial tests are slated to wrap up by the end of the first quarter of 2021, the researchers remain positive that a superfood like açaí berry can potentially open doors in fighting COVID-19 worldwide.

"Within the next six months we can see if it can be shared globally as an efficient treatment. We can see if it can treat the virus, and if ever, be used for prevention, as well as for the actual symptoms," said Dr. Michael Farkouh, lead researcher and director of the Peter Munk Centre of Excellence in Multinational Clinical Trials.

Cathy Salimbangon, president and chief executive officer of Philippine wellness company Organique Inc., hopes the açaí berry is the best solution in preventing more COVID-19 infections. Organique organized a virtual forum last Dec. 1 to present the latest findings by the University of Toronto researchers.

"Organique has always believed in 'prevention over cure.' This is what has continuously compelled us to provide an affordable, safe, and effective immunity-boosting supplement powered by the acai super berry," Salimbangon said during the virtual forum.

Oganique's premium health products harness the powers of the Brazilian açaí super berry, touting benefits for anti-aging, weight-loss support, immunity-boosting, and more.

"We at Organique have been believers of the powers of açaí since 2009, and we will continue to spread awareness about it until more people have more access to these supplements. Maintaining good health means good nutrition-and that could possibly be achieved with supplements like Organique," Salimbangon added.

For more information, visit www.organique.com.ph.

Organique Açaí is available in Mercury Drug stores and other leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.