AMAZING ACAI! BENEFITS OF ACAI

Açaí (pronounced Ah-sigh-EE) is one of our favourite superfoods here at Love Taste.

Benefits of Acai

Açaí berries are 2.5cm round fruits that grow on Açaí palm trees in the Amazon rainforests. These Brazilian beauties look like a cross between a grape and a blueberry and have a large seed. To make them edible, they are soaked to soften the tough outer skin and then mashed to form their gorgeous dark purple paste.

They have a delicious earthy taste reminiscent of blackberries and unsweetened chocolate but they are also packed full of goodness – so much so that they are now one of the most popular super-fruits out there. Here are a few of their amazing Amazonian qualities:

Acai is Nutrient-Dense

Açaí berries are super nutritious. At only 70 calories per 100g they’re low-ish in sugar but also contain healthy fat. They are also full of Vitamin C and contain Vitamin D too. Açaí berries also contain trace minerals, including chromium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. They are a true super food!

Acai is loaded with Antioxidants

Antioxidants neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals throughout the body. Free radicals harm cells and lead to a number of diseases, including diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Açaí berries have an amazingly high amount of antioxidants, even more than fruits such as blueberries and cranberries. But that’s not all…

They are good for Cholesterol and Heart Health

It’s believed that the anthocyanins in açaí (which give them their deep purple colour) could be responsible for their positive impact on cholesterol levels, since studies have linked this plant compound to improvements in HDL and LDL cholesterol. Açaí contains plant sterols, which prevent cholesterol from being absorbed by your body. Açaí berries are also full of omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower your risk of heart disease and improve your cholesterol.

Acai is High in Fibre

Açaí berries are high in fibre, which is not only great for your digestive health but also keeps you feeling full for longer and helps level out blood sugar.

Due to their stunning colour and thick consistency açaí berries are very popular in Smoothie Bowls. To make your own Acai Bowl take some frozen acai puree and blend with a banana, some berries and some apple juice. If you’re using acai powder pre-chop and freeze your banana and berries before making your Smoothie Bowl. (Acai puree tends to have a better flavour than powder, though).

Blend the ingredients and pour into a bowl. Add toppings of your choice such as sliced fruit or berries, toasted coconut flakes, nut butters, flax or chia seeds.

If you don’t have time for all the prep work why not treat yourself to a Love Smoothies Açaí Bomb Smoothie Bowl, our delicious and nutritious blend of açaí puree, blueberries, mangoes, strawberries and Flaxseed. Yum yum!

Love Taste Team x