Blend with Acai

December 11, 2007

There is a newcomer to smoothie menus everywhere. Acai berry is the latest trend in “superfoods.”

Native to the tropical areas of Central and South American, the acai berry is known by some as the “power berry” because it is rich in nutrients including antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, oleic acid and potassium, to name a few. The dark purple grape-sized fruit grows on the acai palm.

Because the pulp of the acai berry is so delicate, it is currently available only in juice form which can be found in the refrigerated or freezer section of natural food stores.

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise that most of your fruit intake come from whole fruit rather than juice for more fiber. Keep that in mind if you are counting acai as one of your fruit servings.

Produced by ADA’s Public Relations Team