What are the health benefits of Acai Berries? And how to add them to your diet with these simple recipes.

What exactly are Acai berries?

Acai berries are famous for their incredible medicinal properties and are considered to be a super-food! They are grown on acai palm trees in the rainforests of Central and South America. These little berries have much in store and should be part of your daily diet! Here is why!

• They are loaded with antioxidants

Acai berries have more antioxidant content than any other berries such as cranberries, strawberries or blueberries. Its mostly due to this high amount of antioxidants that it has so many health benefits.

• Promotes heart health

Due to the high amount of antioxidant they help control your cholesterol levels, which promotes into keeping your heart healthy!

They are also very rich in sterols which help the circulation in your body, overall blood composition, and the relaxation of your blood vessels.

• Has anti-aging effects

The antioxidants also help slow down or even reverse the aging processes, which is caused by oxidative damage to your cells.

• Boosts energy

Acai berries increase your body's energy levels! Helping to improve concentration, reduce fatigue and release feelings of tiredness.

• Improves mental health

The many antioxidants found in acai could improve the damaging effects of inflammation and oxidation in your brain cells as you get older, which has a bad effect on your memory.

• Helps boost your immune system

Acai’s phytochemical's helps to strengthen your body’s cells. This assists into fighting any bacteria or infections.

• Helps weight Loss

Acai berries help you lose weight due to its high level of antioxidants which reduce your cholesterol level. It also helps to cleanse your body of toxins that may have accumulated through a bad diet.

• Promotes skin health

Acai berries increase the regeneration processes in your body. It may help reduce wrinkles, age spots and helps to keep your skin stay firm and healthy. This is due to its high levels of iron, vitamin C and fatty acids.

• Helps your digestion

Acai berries are considered to be a natural digestive cleanser. It helps to remove any toxins and waste from both your kidneys and liver.

• May work as an anti-cancer

Acai berries have shown potential as an anti-cancer agent, especially on areas as colon and bladder cancer. They have high levels of Vitamin C, ellagic acid and antioxidants which help reduce cancer growth. A study even found that the berries killed up to 86% of the cancer cells when applied directly on leukaemia cancer cells.

These are some of my favourite ways of adding acai berries to my daily diet!

• Green acai bowl

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh spinach
1 cup fresh kale
1/2 small banana
100g acai berry pulp
1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

Method:

Add all ingredients together in a blender and blend until smooth. If you feel that the blend is too thick add a little more milk. You do want the texture to be smooth and in-between scoopable and drinkable.

Add any topping that you may like! Some of my favourites are:

Granola
Fresh berries
Goji berries
Raw cacao nibs
Coconut flakes
Banana slices
Chia Seeds
Almonds

• Acai salad dressing

Ingredients:

50gr unfrozen acai pulp
2 tbsp rapeseed oil
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp agave syrup
Salt, pepper - season to own taste

Method:

Mix all ingredients together and drizzle over your salad!

• Berry smoothie

Ingredients:

100g acai pulp
30gr raspberries
50gr blueberries
1 banana
1 cup of spinach
100ml coconut milk

Method:

Add all ingredients together in a mixer and blend until smooth.

• Acai sauce

Ingredients:

1 small chopped shallot
200g unfrozen acai pulp
Chopped mint leaves
Coconut oil
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt, pepper - season to own taste

Method:

Warm up some coconut oil in a pan. When hot fry the shallots until lightly golden of colour. Then add the acai pulp and season with salt and pepper. Lower the heat and stir until the texture is creamy. As last add the freshly chopped mint!

Drizzle this fruity sauce over any dish giving to add a little extra flavour kick!

For more recipes and tips go to www.brittsworld.com

Enjoy!