Friday

Superfood...Super yummy!



I’m sure you’ve heard the buzz around the new Superfood, the Acai berry! A fruit that when fresh from the tree can provide over 30 times the amount of anthocyanins as red wine and all the beneficial fatty acids of olive oil. The fruit can be described as tasting like a mix of vibrant berries and chocolate. Delicious and nutritious, it’s not surprising that this food is becoming extremely popular. To the natives of Brazil this berry has always been a staple in their diet however, it has only recently become popular in the US by being featured on shows such as Oprah , ABC, NBC and CBS news. Surprise, surprise everything that Oprah touches seems to turn to gold!

Just a couple facts about the berries: The fatty acid content in Acai resembles that of olive oil, and is rich in monounsaturated oleic acid. Oleic acid is important for a number of reasons. It helps omega-3 fish oils penetrate the cell membrane; together they help make cell membranes more supple. By keeping the cell membrane supple, all hormones, neurotransmitter and insulin receptors function more efficiently. This is particularly important because high insulin levels create an inflammatory state, which causes aging. You can find Acai in juice form or in frozen packets at Trader Joes and Whole foods. If your skeptical give it a try…I promise you’ll be hooked!

A few of the many health benefits:
-promotes weight loss
-supports immune system
-boosts energy and stamina
-protects against heart disease
-promotes a more restful sleep

Acai Bowl Scrumptiousness

1 1/2 packs acai (buy it in the frozen section of health food store)
1 cup mixed berries (I use frozen raspberries, blueberries and marionberries, use whatever!)
1/4 cup apple juice
1/4 cup soy milk (add small amounts to this if there's not enough liquid)
1 banana
1 cup vanilla almond granola (optional)

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