The Health Benefits of Acai Bowls
Let’s start with the basics where people sometimes get nervous: how do you say acai? Typically it’s pronounced ah-sigh-EE. Now, you’re covered next time you want to order this exotic ingredient in public. Pronunciation aside, what has people ordering this exotic bowl? Great flavor to start, but read on to learn more about other acai bowl benefits.
What are Acai Bowls?
Acai is a type of berry harvested from slim, tall palm trees native to Central and South America. The acai palm tree provides us with a deep purple-black fruit that has long been an important food source for people in the Amazon region.
Acai bowls use this berry (which is available dried, frozen, juice, or powder) to make a fruity puree, effectively a nutrient-dense smoothie in a bowl with healthy toppings to boot.
Acai look similar to grapes, but are smaller and have less pulp. They are small and round with just one, hard seed in the middle. That makes them (officially) a drupe as opposed to a berry.
Acai was introduced in the United States in the 1990s, but it didn’t really take off until social media made it a “superfood” star due to all its health benefits.
What are the Health Benefits of an Acai Bowl?
Acai bowls have numerous proven health benefits and are credited with packing an antioxidant punch. That’s because acai includes phytochemicals such as anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins.
Acai is high-fiber and contains Vitamins C and A. It also has high amounts of fatty acids as well as minerals such as iron and calcium. All this can benefit you in many ways. Commonly touted benefits include:
- Boosting heart health
- Improving memory
- Protecting against cancer
- Increasing energy levels
- Fighting inflammation
- Helping heal exercise-induced muscle injury
Nutritional Value of Acai Bowls
So, just how healthy are acai bowls? Our Acai Blueberry Bowl has 180 calories, 38 grams of carbs, and three grams of fat. Acai isn’t high in protein, so you’ll only get two grams (depending on your other ingredients). But, you can add other high protein items to your bowl (e.g., nuts or nut butters).
The sugar count can vary widely. Our bowl comes in at 26 grams. Yet commercial acai can come in much higher (as much as 75 grams of sugar in a single serving).
Keep in mind, also, that the nutritional value of your bowl will be dictated by all your ingredients. While the acai base, on its own, might be nutritious, specific add-ons can increase your caloric, sugar, carb, or healthy fats intake.
If you're looking to reduce your intake of sugar completely with our acai bowls, we recommend utilizing a cauliflower or stevia swap for a healthy alternative!
How to Build a Healthy Acai Bowl
What you use to build your healthy acai bowl will depend on you and your taste buds. It helps to know that acai has a chocolate and berry flavor in itself and a creamy texture.
Easily customize an acai bowl to give you the flavors you like best. You might consider adding some of these nutritious ingredients:
- Fruits: Including banana, strawberry, blueberry, mango, kiwi can add healthy carbs
- Nuts and Seeds: Such as chia, hemp, flax seed, slivered almonds, nut butter add healthy fats
- Toppings: Like cacao nibs, coconut flakes, granola, honey, graham cracker crumbs give the bowl a personalized flair
Try Our Juice Press Acai Bowls
Want to enjoy acai bowl benefits without having to come up with your own recipe? Juice Press has several tried and true options for you. Our Acai Blueberry Bowl also has banana, flax fiber, and coconut nectar. Or go with the Peanut Butter Acai Bowl for a nuttier flavor. If acai isn’t your speed, we have many other smoothie bowls that are just as equally nutritious and delicious. Try our Blue Magic Bowl, Pitaya Bowl, or Green Bowl! Plus, you can add three toppings of your choice.
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug/def/acai-berry-juice
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/305576#health-benefits
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acai