Plant-Based Superfoods: Simple Vegan Acai Bowl Recipe
Having gained popularity in the health and wellness space over the last few years, Acai has become a pantry staple for many. This Brazilian superfruit is native to the Amazon region but has quickly become popular worldwide for its benefits on our overall health and well-being.
Particularly popular among those following a plant-based or “clean” diet, acai berries are packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients. Offering a unique flavour unlike any other berry we are familiar with, acai berries are made into convenient powder and puree forms to add to our everyday diet. Keep reading as we dive into what Acai is and provide you with a quick and easy vegan acai bowl recipe you can follow at home.
What is acai?
Acai is a berry that is naturally found growing on acai palm trees in the Amazonian rainforest. They are easily identified by their dark purple colour and yellow flesh, and are one of the most naturally powerful superfoods due to their nutritious composition. This super berry is said to contain an abundance of antioxidants, healthy fats, fibre and essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin A and manganese.
When fresh, acai berries have a short shelf life, which is why they are typically turned into powders or frozen purees for our consumption. To turn these unique fruits into nutrient-dense powders, the berries are picked when ripe, destoned, pulped and freeze-dried within 24 hours to help retain as many nutrients as possible. The acai powder has a rich, blackberry taste with chocolate-like overtones and is often blended with other fruits and plant-based milk to create a delicious and nourishing acai bowl.
What are the health benefits of Acai?
Due to its high nutritional value, Acai has a plethora of benefits for your overall health and well-being. Hailed as one of the most powerful superfoods, Acai berries can help with the following:
Boosting your immune system
Like other fruits, acai berries are packed with antioxidants that can help boost the function of your immune system and protect your cells against damage from free radicals.
Regulating blood sugar
Acai berries are also full of fiber which not only helps with digestive health but can also help steady your blood sugar levels.
Boosting brain function
Some studies have shown that acai berries may have the ability to boost brain function by improving memory and protecting brain cells from developing neural disorders. This is thought to be due to the presence of anthocyanins in the acai berries, which have detoxifying and anti-inflammatory effects.
Lowering the risk of heart problems
Acai is rich in omega-3 acids that are usually derived from fish and nuts, however, acai is also a great source of heart-healthy fat which can help to lower your risk of heart disease.
Supporting bone health
Acai berries have high levels of calcium and will therefore help to keep your bones, heart, muscles, and nerves strong and healthy over time.
Nourishing skin
Acai berries are not only consumed in food form, but are also present in some skincare products as they are packed with vitamins A, C and calcium which all help to promote collagen production, reduce inflammation and create glowing skin.
How to make an Acai bowl at home
Acai is typically consumed in the form of a smoothie bowl with other added superfoods, fruits and nut butter. Not only do they taste delicious but creating an acai bowl can also be incredibly aesthetically pleasing, with the vibrant purple colour contrasting the toppings to create a perfectly Instagrammable meal.
The first step to making a delicious Acai bowl at home is to ensure you’re fully stocked with the correct ingredients. Of course, choosing a high-quality Acai powder or frozen Acai purees for the base ingredient is essential - we recommend the Naturya Acai Powder available here at Planet Organic.
Hand-picked from Amazonian acai palms, this Naturya Acai powder helps to support your energy levels and provides all-round protection for the body. Containing three times your daily requirement of manganese, this powder can also help to maintain healthy bones and protect cells from damage. Naturally organic, vegan and gluten-free, these powerful purple berries can provide many of the essential minerals, omega fats and amino acids you need in your daily diet.
How to make an acai bowl
Acai bowls are super simple to make at home and are a great breakfast or snack option. Suitable for those following a vegan diet, paleo lifestyle or even those just looking to increase their intake of healthy foods, acai bowls are a great place to start. Using any Acai powder of your choice, creating an acai bowl has never been easier with the following steps:
Ingredients and equipment you will need
- Acai powder or frozen Acai puree
- 1 banana
- Any other fruit of your choosing
- Plant-based milk or alternatively, coconut water
- Toppings of your choice such as nuts, seeds and dried fruits
- Blender or food processor
Step One: Pick 300g of a fruit of your choice, whether that be blueberries, mangos, strawberries or a mix and place them into a blender
Step Two: Add in 1 tablespoon of your Acai powder along with 1 large banana
Step Three: Pour in 125ml of plant-based milk of your choice or coconut water
Step Four: Blend all of the ingredients together until it reaches a smooth consistency
Step Five: Time to get creative with your toppings! Pour the acai mixture into a bowl and add toppings to give your bowl more nutrients. We suggest adding more sliced fruit, chia seeds, cacao nibs, goji berries and almond butter.
Browse through our full collection of organic food and drink to discover a wide variety of nutrient-dense foods to add to your acai bowls.
