When taking acai berries, it is important to consume a variety of healthy foods to reap the benefits of this superfood. For optimum results, aim for a well-rounded diet consisting of fruits, vegetables and lean protein. The acai is about the size of a blueberry and contains antioxidants, fiber, amino acids, iron, potassium, omega fats and phytonutrients. Whether you are drinking acai as a liquid extract or eating frozen, fresh or dried acai berries, they are a nutrient-rich food that can be added to numerous recipes and dishes. Eat them as a side dish or toss them into grains, egg dishes, soups and salads.
Fruits and Vegetables
For those who want to create a fiber-rich main dish, creating a stir-fry with vegetables and pineapple along with acai berries is a tasty way to toss up a quick dinner. Salads and vegetable medleys are a way to incorporate acai berries and reap their benefits when paired with a healthy olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Lunchtime salads are quick and easy to prepare and can be created using a vast array of fresh, raw vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, tomatoes, radishes, broccoli and acai berries. You can eat these fruits and vegetables raw, lightly steamed, stir-fried or grilled with acai berries. The sweet taste and colorful appearance of acai berries make them easy to add to desserts, salads and cereals.
Lean Protein
Acai berries work well mixed into plain, no sugar added Greek yogurt along with a sprinkle of nuts and seeds; this can also be incorporated into a tasty smoothie. Moreover, acai berry extract can be used as a demi-glaze atop grilled fish or poured over a tofu scramble with fresh herbs. Acai berries, whether in berry or liquid form taste exceptional in a protein-packed chili or bean soup. This adds a healthy sweetness without added sugar to your heart-healthy chili. Low fat or fat-free plain Greek yogurt is high in calcium and contains potassium and protein that can be enhanced with other healthy foods and can be enriched with acai berries. Protein-rich nuts incorporate heart-healthy fats, fiber and antioxidants along with acai berries for a go-to trail mix snack. Whether you prefer almonds, macadamia nuts, peanuts or cashews nuts can be paired with dried acai berries to add texture and flavor to entrees, cereals, side dishes and salads. Beans are loaded with insoluble fiber and are a great way to help keep you full; they can be easily substituted for meat and poultry with acai berries tossed into soups, stews or egg dishes.
Whole Grains
Whether you are creating a hot oatmeal breakfast or an evening pilaf, acai berries add succulent flavor to whole grain dishes. Versatile acai berries can be incorporated into a whole-grain medley comprised of quinoa, barley, oats, buckwheat, wild rice and millet. The opportunities for incorporating acai into whole grains are endless; when creating baked goods, opt for tossing acai berries into your muffins, cookies and bread recipes to ensure you reap the benefits and antioxidants in your desserts, as well.
References
- Acai Berry: Fruits of Paradise; Jeremy Appleton; 2007
- Fruit and Nuts: A Comprehensive Guide to the Cultivation, Uses and Health Benefits of over 300 Food-Producing Plants; Susanna Lyle; 2006
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