Superfood
The
acai (ah-sigh-EE) berry is a grape-like fruit harvested from acai palm trees,
which are native to the rainforests of South America. Acai berries are widely
touted as a so-called superfood, with proponents claiming that they are helpful
for a variety of health concerns, including arthritis, cancer, weight loss,
high cholesterol, erectile dysfunction, detoxification and improving general
health.
Many
fruits besides acai berries provide antioxidants and other nutrients that are
important to your health. But if you'd like to try acai, check your local
health food or gourmet stores — acai can be consumed raw, in beverages such as
juice, smoothies, or energy drinks, or in other food products such as jelly or
ice cream.
I’m
personally not a fan of tablet supplements. I suggest powder acai berry.
Among
acai’s many antioxidants is one particular powerhouse called anthocyanin, which
is suspected to be the driving force behind acai’s free-radical and
age-fighting powers. It’s common in fruits with rich red and purple colors,
like grapes and berries, but acai has far more t
han any other food. Acai’s ORAC
level (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) is over 3,500, which is
hundreds of times higher than your average fruits like apples and bananas.
Also, it
might surprise you that the little acai berry packs more grams of protein than
an egg, and when combined with its host of omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, acai
has been shown to improve the look and texture of your hair, skin and nails.
After one
week of nourishing your body with the Amazon’s most potent
Super
berry, you’re likely to feel more energy than you have in years!
The taste of Acai berries
is often described as a fruity red wine flavor with chocolate overtones. They
are highly perishable and therefore should be consumed within 24 hours. Within
the nutritional pulp and skin, Acai berries are packed with antioxidants, amino
acids, fiber, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals making it a near
perfect energizing fruit.
The popularity of Acai is
primarily due to its very high concentration of antioxidants. Briefly,
antioxidants are molecules that prevent the oxidation of other molecules.
Oxidation produces free radicals, which can damage the cells and glands within
our bodies making us more prone to disease and ageing. Since our bodies are
exposed to a variety of toxins and produce trillions of free radicals, it is
important to take steps to reduce the effect of free radicals in the body.
Having a diet rich in antioxidants is the first step and introducing Acai into
your regime is another possible way of preventing free radical damage.
The antioxidants found in
Acai berry, anthocyanins, are excellent for heart health. Heart disease is
increasingly becoming a problem in the world and finding natural ways of
keeping your cardiovascular system healthy is an excellent option.
Additionally, anthocyanins are also good at preventing the oxidation of cholesterol.
When circulating cholesterol, no matter whether you have high or low levels,
gets oxidized, it sticks to the walls of arteries causing their narrowing. This
build-up of plaque eventually leads to high blood pressure, which is of course
dangerous.
The
fiber found in Acai berry skin and pulp can aid digestion. Fiber can help
prevent or relieve constipation and may help support a healthy cardiovascular
system.
Acai
is naturally high in essential fatty acids having a fatty acid profile similar
to olive oil. The link between essential fatty acids and heart health and a
healthy nervous system is well documented.
Acai
berries contain amino acids, which help promote muscle performance, energy
production, endurance, and strength.
Acai
berries contain as much Vitamin C as blueberries and are also a source of
Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and E. It is also a source of calcium, magnesium, zinc,
and copper.
With such an amazing
nutritional profile, it is not difficult to understand why Acai berries can be
beneficial for your health and may help slow down the ageing process.
ACAI
TRUFFLES
For the
uninitiated, raw foodism may seem pretty gross. But the reality is that - for a
lot of foods - cooking damages the nutrients and can reduce nutritional
content. These raw food truffles are not only packed with superfood nutrition,
but are a great way to have a decadent-feeling treat without too much guilt.
Just don't eat them all in one go... makes 16 truffles.
INGREDIENTS
1½ tbsp Super Coconut Oil
1/3 cup Super Acai + Berries Powder
4 tbsp Super Cacao
2 tbsp
Palm Sugar
8 Large
Dates
1 Tbsp
Peanut Butter
1 pinch
Sea Salt
DIRECTIONS
1.
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until dough
has formed.
2.
Roll into 1” balls and dust with a small amount of remaining Super Acai + Berries.
Refrigerate
for an hour before serving. Keep in fridge, and always serve chilled, or
truffles will be too soft.
Try this:
1 tea spoon Acai Berry
1 banana
1 cup of almond milk
2 spoons frozen mix berries
Blend and enjoy a cup of health !
Please don't forget you have to work for your own health and happiness!
Till soon!
