Are Acai Bowls Healthy?
Nutritional value of acai berries
Acai berries are rich in antioxidants, fibre, amino acids and plant compounds known as phytochemicals. Nutritionally, 100g of frozen pulp on average contains:
- 80 calories
- 6g of fat
- 1.5g of saturated fat
- 5g of carbohydrates
- 2g of sugar
- 3g of fibre
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
Health benefits of acai berries
Thanks to its high levels of antioxidants and phytochemicals, acai berries are believed to offer many benefits. These include:
- Heart health, by improving cholesterol levels
- Cognitive function, by fighting เล่น UFABET ผ่านมือถือ สะดวกทุกที่ ทุกเวลา inflammation and oxidation in brain cells
- Immunity, by protecting the body from infection and free radicals
- Weight management, by increasing satiety and metabolic rates
- Digestion, by removing toxins and preventing constipation
However, while the data is encouraging, experts agree that more research is needed hence it’s important to practice moderation in your consumption of acai berries. At the end of the day, it’s better to consume a balanced diet comprising a variety of whole foods, with fruits and vegetables of various colours.
Are acai bowls healthy?
The acai berry, when eaten on its own, tastes like a cross between blackberries and unsweetened chocolate. This is why commercial bowl brands tend to add artificial syrups and sugar in the recipe to mask the taste. The mixture may also be blended with sweetened soy or almond milk, and fruit juice, which further contributes to the sugar levels.
Calories in acai bowls
An average-sized acai bowl can have anywhere from 21 – 62g of sugar per serving. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends adults and children to keep their sugar intake at no more than 10% of their total energy intake, which is roughly 45g for a 1,800kcal diet, to reduce risks of overweight, obesity and tooth decay.
Sugar content in acai bowls
The toppings on acai bowls contributes to its overall sugar content. This includes natural sugars from fruits such as bananas, mango and coconut. When you add even more sweet toppings, such as honey and chocolate sprinkles, you could be dangerously close to consuming close to 1,000 calories per acai bowl!
This makes the nutrient-dense acai bowl a potential pitfall that sabotages your weight loss progress.
Considering that an average Singaporean man and woman needs approximately 2,200kcal and 1,800kcal respectively per day to maintain a healthy body weight, acai bowls may not be as healthy as they appear to be.
In addition, overconsumption of sugar, whether from natural or artificial sources, can put you at risk of becoming overweight and obese, which could lead to increased risk of Type 2 diabetes.
However, that’s not to say you have to forgo these potential sugar bombs completely. Here are some practical tips on how to enjoy acai bowls healthily: