In its home country it has been valued for its unique nutrient composition for centuries, but in recent years it has also been making quite an impression here: it is considered the mother of all superfoods and is even celebrated as a miracle berry. We are of course talking about the one and only Açaí berry! What's in the purple fruit and is it worth betting on the berry?
- Appearance, taste, and origin
- The Açaí berry is so healthy
- Açaí products and the correct dosage
- Criticism of the super berry
- Does Açaí help with weight loss?
- Conclusion: How healthy is Açaí
Açaí berry: appearance, taste and origin
The fruit comes from Central and South America. There it grows on the Açaizeiro palm, which is also known in this country as the “cabbage palm”. Visually, the açaí berry is similar to the blueberry, with the difference that its color is more crimson to deep purple than blue. Açaí berries have an inedible core, so only their pulp and skin are eaten. The taste of the berries is nutty and earthy. Some even describe the taste as bitter or chocolaty. The small berries definitely taste special: it's worth trying!
The correct pronunciation - or how you don't get noticed as an açaí newbie
Are you wondering how to correctly pronounce the four letters with the squiggles and accents? Legitimate question. Quite often you hear the wildest variants. Açaí is not pronounced Assei, but Ah-sa-ih - with emphasis on the iii. But don't worry: Even with the wery tscherman variant "Akaih", everyone now knows what that means when ordering a bowl or smoothie in the café.
In Central and South America, the berries and hearts of palm have been snacked on for hundreds of years. But that's not all: In Brazil, people swear by the health benefits of the little beads. It is therefore not surprising that a real açaí hype has been ignited in recent years.
The Açaí berry is so healthy
In contrast to blueberries or raspberries, the açaí berry is a real heavyweight - 100 grams of the fresh berries contain around 200 kilocalories and 7 grams of fat. But it is precisely this nutrient composition that makes açaí so unique:
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full of fat: The high fat content in the berry is no reason to panic. On the contrary: According to studies, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats have a positive effect on cholesterol levels and the cardiovascular system. The fats also help absorb the fat-soluble vitamins in the berries. A nice side effect of the high fat content: smoothie bowls become incredibly creamy with the berry.
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Fully full: The power fruit contains a lot of fiber. They have a satiating effect and keep blood sugar levels balanced. No wonder that the Brazilian berry is particularly popular with athletes. The açaí bowl has been an integral part of the menu for surfers in Brazil for years.
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full light: The açaí berry contains hardly any carbohydrates and sugar - very unusual for a fruit. Low carb advocates and people with a sensitivity to fructose are definitely at the right address for the South American berry.
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full dark: However, why açaí has risen to the ranks of superfoods is probably the high antioxidant content that it is said to contain. The berries owe their dark purple color to the so-called anthocyanins - a plant pigment from the flavonoid group that is said to have antioxidant effects. Studies have proven the anti-inflammatory and cell-protecting effects of flavonoids. Anthocyanins are also found in other berries, but due to their intense coloring, açaí berries contain a particularly large amount of these secondary plant substances.
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fully sporty: The effect of berries on athletic performance was examined in a randomized study with 14 athletes. Before their workout on the treadmill, they drank a drink made from açaí berries. The result? Compared to the training sessions without the drink, the time to exhaustion was longer.
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Fully rich: The berries are rich in various vitamins, such as vitamins C and E, which also have a cell-protecting effect. Also included: calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc and copper.
Pilot studies and studies on animals have also shown other effects of açaí - including the positive influence on depressive illnesses and dementia or improved wound healing. However, whether these effects can be transferred to humans still needs to be researched.
Let's keep in mind: Açaí berries have something special. However, to call it a “miracle berry” because of its benefits would be an exaggeration.
Powder, puree, juice or capsules? Açaí products and how to dose them correctly
You can get the açaí berry in different versions: as a dried powder, frozen as a puree, pressed as a juice or in high doses in capsules.
The frozen puree usually consists of one hundred percent açaí and therefore tastes super intense. The frozen fruit pulp is therefore best suited for preparing smoothies and smoothie bowls. Mix the frozen fruit pulp with banana, blueberries, a dash of plant-based drink and a little agave or rice syrup. As a guideline for an açaí bowl: 100 grams of açaí puree.
When buying organic quality, make sure that it is 100% pure açaí and that no sugar or other substances have been added.
The powder is also perfect for adding to smoothies, shakes or muesli. Use a maximum of one tablespoon of powder per serving. Please note, however, that açaí is not really the main component of the bowl or shake - but rather a nice add-on. You also have to assume that you will never get the typical earthy-fruity taste with the powder that you get with the fruit pulp.
Juice from the açaí berry is ideal for fruity spritzers, refreshing juices, iced teas and as an addition to mocktails. Since the taste of the juice is relatively intense: It is better to mix it with other juices or water.
Criticism of the super berry
In the media and when marketing products, the açaí berry is often touted as a miracle berry due to its healthy properties. Although some studies prove these effects, it is criticized that there are not yet enough studies and investigations to really prove this effect. The highly praised antioxidant content would not exceed that of local fruits such as elderberries or blackcurrants, and açaí products can also be contaminated with harmful substances.
Critics also point out that the antioxidant content in açaí products such as puree, powder and dietary supplements can vary depending on the manufacturing process, making it difficult to make a general statement about the nutrient content of the purple berry.
Do Açaí berries help with weight loss?
Low carb, sugar-free and high in fiber: the açaí berry has everything you need to be labeled “fit”. It can certainly enrich a healthy and fresh diet, which in combination with exercise and a healthy lifestyle can of course also help you lose weight. But it still can't work wonders: If you want to lose weight, you shouldn't just rely on the popular berry.
Conclusion: An Açaí bowl a day…
Even if the berry is not a miracle fruit, it makes an important contribution to a healthy diet thanks to the nutrients it contains. Whether as a puree or powder: Açaí can safely end up in our smoothies or breakfast bowls. This is really easy with our Açaí Drops , which come without any plastic packaging and are easy to portion.
The classic is and remains of course the açaí bowl: frozen açaí puree is mixed with banana and guarana syrup and topped with fresh fruit, granola or nuts. Modified bowl versions with banana, berries, dates and coconut are also a hit.
Plan B: As an ingredient in a smoothie or as a mini cheesecake, the Açaí berry is a real treat!
Açaí brings colorful variety to the breakfast table. By the way, we can dream of the beaches of Copacabana, spoon by spoon – perfect!
If you want to find out more about our Açaí Bowl and are looking for the right topping for your surfer bowl, then be sure to check out our Instagram profile . There you will also find other unusual recipes with the super berry.
Sources:
https://www.dge.de/wissenschaft/...
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