O Consumo do açaí para diminuição do estresse oxidativo: uma revisão integrativa

Abstract

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) is a native Brazilian fruit, derived from the açaí tree, found mostly in the Amazon rainforest. Some studies already indicate the possibility of açaí being part of the functional food groups, due to the high content of polyphenols, mainly anthocyanins, presenting several properties – anti-inflammatory and pharmacological – associated with combating diseases triggered by reactive oxygen species (EROS). The present study aims to analyze the influence of açaí on reducing oxidative stress caused by physical exercise. An integrative review was carried out using three databases: National Library of Medicine (NIH/PubMed), Brasil Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo) and Virtual Health Library of the Ministry of Health (VHL), databases with the descriptors “açaí”, “euterpe”, “physical exercise”, “physical activity” and “oxidative stress”, using the Boolean operator “and” in the month of December 2023. Articles published in the last 5 years, with free full text, were included and systematic review articles and articles that did not fit the theme. After using the criteria and reading the works, 7 articles were selected. The accumulation of ROS can promote the formation of oxidative stress, and consequently increase peroxidation levels, causing cell membranes to malfunction; obstruction of function or damage to the cellular skeleton; immune system dysfunction; damage to organelles such as mitochondria and DNA, increasing the propensity for tumors and cancers; change in structure and function or even denaturation of proteins; inhibition of contractility in muscle fibers and worsening of conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, aging, inflammation, cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the articles evaluated the improvement of antioxidant capacity, reduction of oxidative stress and reduction of markers of muscle damage due to the use of açaí in environments favorable to the accumulation of ROS - diseases and constant practice of physical exercise, especially aerobic -. It is concluded that the dietary use of açaí in athletes after a training session is capable of reducing muscle damage induced by exercise, improving performance, reducing markers of oxidative stress and muscle damage, in addition to helping with recovery.