Today’s Super Food: Acai Berries

Looking for a rich anti oxidant source?   Just head to the local juice shop and order up an Acai bowl…right? Not exactly. Super food? Yes. Rich in antioxidants? Sure. However, insomuch as we default to the all too common mode of thinking that if a little is good, a lot must be great, we have to factor in the simple fact that it’s still a fruit, so still contributes sugar, even if it is natural, so would still be a food to not overdo. Just like it wouldn’t be the greatest idea to eat six ripe bananas in one sitting, it’s also not ideal to pile on the Acai…especially if it’s in a ‘Acai Bowl’ with other fruits. For example, an 8 oz serving of Juice Crafter’s Acai bowl contains 237 calories, of which 18 grams come from sugar; but their ‘bowl’ is 16 ounces, so you’re actually getting 36 grams of sugar. Not exactly the most balanced meal. You get the gist. But there is a place to include it on a true Paleo regime.  After all, this fruit, which is comes from the acai palm tree, which is native to Central and South America, is linked to the following health benefits:

• Acai fruit pulp is even richer in antioxidants than cranberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, or blueberries.
• Acai is extremely high in anthocyanins, a form of plant antioxidant associated with the ability to lower cholesterol levels in the blood stream.
• Acai berries have powerful detoxification capacities in the human body
• Acai is very high in Vitamin C and ellagic acid, an immune-system-boosting combination that has been shown to suppress the growth of cancer.
• Some cosmetics and beauty products include acai oil because of its antioxidants.

Bottom line? Including some acai, sometimes, as a small part of your True Paleo regime, rather than relying on it to render magical outcomes is the way to go. Don’t forget to fresh, not powdered, if possible, for maximal potency!