When it comes to superfoods, few are talked about as much as acai berries. Pronounced “ah-sigh-EE,” these reddish-purple berries are native to Central and South America and packed with antioxidants—even more so than other types of berries, which are already known as being booming with beneficial compounds. Potential health benefits from these little gems include improving cholesterol levels and boosting overall energy, immune system, and brain function, among others. However, these berries aren’t easy to find in just a loop around your local supermarket. Rarely do grocery stores sell acai berries fresh; it’s more likely that you’ll see acai berry juice blends. As the popularity of acai berries grows, though, so does the ability to acquire them. Keep an eye out for frozen unsweetened acai berry puree packs, which can be used in smoothies, bowls, or as a topping for desserts.
Acai products show up in powder, tablet, and capsule form all the time, but be cautious—there’s little research done on the benefits of consuming the berry through these methods. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as of late has been cracking down on companies that market acai-derived products in a deceiving manner. As always, there’s a better way to get the potential health benefits of acai berries—by enjoying the fruit or juice in its natural form.
Acai & Chia Parfait
Serves 1
1 cup vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt 3.5 ounces frozen acai berry puree, thawed 1 tablespoon chia seeds 1/2 cup low-sugar granola 1/4 cup fresh fruit of choice 1 tablespoon pumpkin or sunflower seeds
Layer a half-cup of Greek yogurt in the bottom of a glass or jar. Add half of the thawed acai berry puree on top of the yogurt. Mix the remaining Greek yogurt with the chia seeds and layer them on top of the acai berry puree. Add the remaining puree and then the granola. Top the parfait with your choice of fresh fruit and pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Nutritional information (per serving)
419 calories, 30 grams protein, 17 grams fat,
58 grams carbohydrates, 11 grams fiber,
26 grams sugar, 144 milligrams sodium
*Nutritional information is for estimation purposes only and may vary based on brand and weight of individual ingredients.
