The benefits of acai and how you can incorporate it into your diet

South Americans have been eating it for thousands of years, and now acai berries are making an epic comeback!

This is a raw superfood and one that your kids will actually like (love), sorry turmeric!

Here we reveal the benefits of the acai berry and how you can incorporate it into your diet.

Acai health benefits

This superfood from the acai palm tree is widely known for its superfood properties. Not only does it lower cholesterol, but it also speeds up weight loss and aids arthritis, detoxification and general health, as stated by Choice Australia.

It is most popularly consumed as a puree, topped with fruits, nuts and seeds, and you may recognise the proper name as ‘acai bowl’, which has taken the world by storm.

Acai has up to FOUR times more antioxidants than non-berry fruits and 10 times more than vegetables. Laboratory studies have found it demonstrates cholesterol-lowering capabilities, as well as anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activity.

However this cannot be achieved through consuming acai alone. Having a diet with a range of fruits and vegetables and all food groups is the only way to guarantee stable weight or weight loss.

How to use it!

An acai bowl is frozen acai pureed into a bowl and topped with other superfoods. Just be careful of what the frozen acai is blended with (e.g. fruit juice) as this can add in more sugar than desired.

You can also use it in a smoothie, or sprinkle some powder on your breakfast muesli. Plus it’s safe for pregnant women, kids and vegans!

What to look out for when buying

If making an acai bowl yourself, your best option is to buy frozen, unsweetened acai packs which can be found in health food stores and online.

When you get in the kitchen, avoid topping with store bought granola, this is what many cafes serve and is usually laden in sugar, instead try making your own mix and top with berries, banana, coconut yoghurt, peanut butter, and hemp seeds!

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