The Acai (ah-sigh-EE) berry is a grapelike fruit harvested from acai palm trees, which are native to the rainforests of South America. Like other berries, acai berries contain antioxidants and fibre. Açai berries are one of the best sources of antioxidant polyphenols and may contain as much as 10 times more antioxidants than blueberries. When consumed as a juice or pulp, Açai berries can increase blood antioxidant levels and reduce chemicals involved in oxidative stress.
What is Açai?
The acai berry is a small grape like fruit that is an 2.5cm (1 inch) long and deep purple fruit. It comes from the açai palm tree, which is native to Central and South America.
What does it taste like?
Açai tastes like a combination of wild berries and chocolate.
Is it healthy for you?
There are studies that show that açai fruit pulp is even richer in antioxidants than cranberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, or blueberries. The average Açai Bowl is filled with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fibre, protein, and healthy fats. Açai berries also have a pretty unique nutritional profile for a fruit — they are low in sugar and higher in healthy fats (which is why an açai bowl fills you up for much longer than a smoothie bowl). *
What are the benefits of Açai Bowls?
They’re loaded with antioxidants, are suggested to improve cholesterol levels, have been implicated to have an anti-cancer effect, and have been linked with boosted brain function. The benefits, of course, depend on what you’ve added in and topped your bowl with. And like all ‘superfoods’ a balance diet is always critical.
How many calories are in an Açai Bowl?
It completely depends on what you put in it! Use your common sense, avoid obviously unhealthy options, and remember the ‘açai’ is the superfood additive – a little goes a long way.
Are Açai Bowls good for weight loss?
Not necessarily. While they’re loaded with healthy ingredients, they are still high in sugar. (Fruit has a lot of natural sugar.) Ultimately, to lose weight, you need to control calories with a balanced, healthy lifestyle approach that includes a variety of nutritious foods, plenty of physical activity, and quality rest.
