We see the purple sign as we drive past 50% of the cafe's in the city these days. "Amazonia Acai smoothies sold here". It's fair to say the Central/South American grown Acai berry has gained an increasing amount of popularity over the past 5+ years, touted as one of the worlds finest super foods. While Acai berries are indeed nutrient-dense, it is important to remember there are many berries, herbs and plants that comprise of powerful constituents, yielding an assortment of health benefits and these foods shouldn't be ignored just because they aren't labelled as a trendy food item.
Nevertheless, I do love Acai, specifically Acai bowls, thus I have created a recipe to share with y'all, so you can make these from scratch instead of spending the sometimes inflated prices you will see at your local cafe.
But firstly, the medicinal food science geek in me can't let you read on without disclosing some interesting facts about the vibrant purple mud that we know of as Acai.
Health benefits of Acai
Acai berries are loaded with antioxidants, and due to their high ORAC value, (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), have the ability to quench oxidative stress; an important factor for those suffering from endometriosis and mood issues.
The phytonutrients responsible for this antioxidant capacity are:
Antioxidants including anthocyanins, polyphenols, vitamins A, C and E
Fatty acids including monounsaturated fats and omega's 3, 6 & 9 fatty acids
Dietary fibre
Specific essential amino acids
Electrolytes such as magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and manganese
Plant sterols such as B-sitosterol, campesterol and sigmasterol
Trace minerals including iron, calcium, copper and zinc
Vitamins B1, B2 & B3
These constituents are important for:
Regulating appetite hormones,
Increasing energy,
Preventing cardiovascular disease,
Neuro-protective
Metabolic disease prevention
My "Snickers" Acai Bowl
Ok, so you've been waiting for the recipe...here it is!
- 1 x packet of frozen Acai pulp, (can purchase from health food shops, coles or wooleys)
- 1/3 cup of organic mixed frozen berries
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 1-2 tablespoons of organic smooth peanut butter
- 1 tbsp of organic cacao powder
- 3/4 to 1 cup of cold organic coconut water
Blend for 2 mins in a high powered blender until smooth, you may need to add/reduce some ingredients to get the correct consistency.
Topping
-Slice up rest of banana
-Slice up strawberries
-Healthy granola
-Coconut flakes
-Chocolate sauce (pure harvest have a good one)
Arrange all of the above ingredients on top (as pictured) and serve!
Let me know how it works out!
Much Love
Bec xx
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