Acai bowls, acai smoothies, they’re all the rage. They look adorable for your instagram and they taste pretty good, too! But is acai actually good for you, or is it just like eating ice cream?
First of all, acai berries are fruits that grow on acai palm trees in Central and South America. Because of their short shelf-life, they are often ground and then frozen into packets for use in smoothies and açaí bowls. Some people say acai tastes like a cross between blackberries and unsweetened chocolate, but the flavor can be altered by blending it with something else, such as bananas or pineapple. Since acai comes in both sweetened and unsweetened kinds, if you are looking for the healthier option you should go with the acai without the added sugar. Surprisingly, acai contains even more antioxidants than the well-known cranberries and blueberries, and these antioxidants protect the body’s cells against damage. Damaged cells can lead to many issues, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, so it is important to consume antioxidants to fight against these.
Acai is also generally low in fat and contains many vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, zinc, copper, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. Several studies have shown that acai may help in lowering cholesterol levels in the blood. Additionally, many companies have claimed that açaí can assist in weight loss, though this has yet to be scientifically proven.
So how can you consume this berry that has so many health benefits? Most smoothie shops and nutrition stores sell açaí, and you can enjoy it by having it in a smoothie or a bowl with toppings. Açaí oil is even used in beauty products, such as creams and shampoos. Any dose of antioxidants will be beneficial for your health, and you also will get a dose of vitamins and minerals-all in a tasty smoothie!
Stop by and visit our organic juice and smoothie cafe Vitality Tap, featuring the best Acai bowls in San Diego according to Yelp, located just inside of SD Discount Nutrition!