When I lived in Birmingham, there was this amazing açai bowl food truck. One day, one of my coworkers wanted to go there for her birthday treat. She raved about how amazing this place was and others echoed her praise. So we went, and they were right! It was amazing! The guy that was running the truck had a long 35 minute wait, but it was definitely worth it. After that, I checked out the guys Insta and he was constantly so busy, that he was opening a permanent store! Unfortunately, we moved before I got to check out his place, but I’m sure he did well.
Ever since then, I’ve liked açai bowls, especially for breakfast or even lunch. They are easy to make, healthy and delicious. The only problem is that is not something I would want to eat during winter. It would probably turn me into an icicle. But, now that it’s finally spring, it’s time to go back to this frozen delight.
What is Açai and Why is it Healthy?
The açai berry is an inch-long (2cm), reddish-purple fruit that comes from the açai palm tree. This palm tree is native to Central and South America. Some studies have shown that the açai berry is richer in antioxidants than other berries such as blueberries, raspberries and cranberries.
The açai berry is not only rich in antioxidants and tastes amazing, but it’s also touted with anti-aging and weight loss properties. Although, there have been no definitive studies done to prove this yet.
What are Antioxidants and Why are They Important?
Antioxidants can be found in fruits and vegetables and can also be taken as supplements. Antioxidants may delay or prevent against certain cell-damage. Diets that are high in fruits and vegetables are generally known as healthy and help prevent against certain diseases, although it’s not clear whether antioxidants are the reason behind this. Antioxidants include vitamins C and E, selenium, and carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
Antioxidants can also be taken in form of vitamins. One thing I did not know is that some forms of antioxidants, if taken at an increased doses, can actually lead to diseases and cancers. Some examples include; higher vitamin E intake may increase prostate cancer and stroke. Increased doses of beta-carotene can lead to lung cancer in smokers. That is why it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting to self-treat.
How do Antioxidants Help Your Body?
So how do antioxidants actually help your body? They help your body get rid of free radicals. What are free radicals? Free radicals are highly unstable molecules that are naturally formed in your body when you exercise and convert food to energy. (Free radicals are also man-made, you can read more about that here.) These molecules can cause something that is called oxidative stress which can trigger cell damage and lead to cancers and diseases. Specifically, cardiovascular, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and some others. How crazy is that? We are told to exercise to keep those diseases at bay and here we go finding out that exercising can lead to those diseases! Should you stop exercises now? No! Antioxidants actually help your body get rid of those free radicals. That is why eating your fruits and veggies is so important. In general, the people that exercise regularly are also eating healthier, antioxidant rich diets.
There is plenty of great data out there if you want to know more about this subject. I looked up this info here, and I feel that it had some great information. One thing I was really surprised to learn is about free radicals and cancer. If you read the article, you’ll see what I’m talking about.
What to Add to The Açai Bowl.
The açai bowl are very versatile and you can be as creative as you want to be.
Additions.
Protein powder: I haven’t tried it with that yet, but I would assume that would taste good.
Peanut butter: You can add peanut butter to blend with the açai mixture
Toppings.
Granola: Let’s just be honest, granola tastes amazing with anything.
Fruits: Any kind of fruit toppings would go with this.
Fiber: You can add your favorite fixer to this, flax, chia seeds etc.
Nuts: I haven’t tried it with nuts, but I think any kind of roasted nut would be great.
If you’ve made this simple açai bowl recipe please rate and comment below! Let me know what toppings you added!
Simple Acai Bowl
Equipment
- Blender
- Bowl
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 frozen packet Acai unsweetened
- 1 Banana
- Blueberries
- 2 tbsp Coconut Flakes
- 1/2 Kiwi cut in rounds or chunks
Instructions
- Add the 1 serving of frozen acai berry packet into the blender
- Add the banana
- Blend the ingredients until smooth
- Put in a bowl
- Add the blueberries, kiwi and coconut flakes.
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