Sugar Overwhelms Benefits of Açaí Berries Interview
The Broadview Article by Julia-Rose Kibben, Managing Editor – 9/23/16
Popular Fruit May Not Be So Berry Good
Teens & Açaí Bowls: Increasingly popular among teens, açaí bowls combine fruits, berries, and grains atop a base of blended açaí berry, almond milk, and banana—a seemingly healthy meal alternative.
Superfoods Overview: Foods like açaí, salmon, broccoli, or blueberries, rich in antioxidants, fiber, and fatty acids, are considered beneficial for energy and cholesterol regulation, according to Weil Lifestyle.
Imported Superfoods:
- Most superfoods, including the açaí berry, are not native and are imported.
- According to physician researcher Jay Udani M.D., “The closer you get to the original source of the food, the healthier it is.”
The Açaí Berry: Is It Really a Superfood?
Native to Brazil: The açaí berry is commonly found in açaí bowls at places like Bare Bowls, Earth Bar, Basik Cafe, and Bebebar.
Nutritional Concerns:
- Many açaí bowls don’t use artificial sugars but do contain natural sweeteners like agave.
- However, the high concentration of sugars in these bowls can overwhelm the benefits of the açaí berry, according to Functional Medicine Nutritionist Shanti Pappas of Happy Belly Health.
Alternative Nutrient Sources:
- “There are other ways to incorporate nutrients into your diet aside from sugar-packed açaí bowls,” Pappas advises.
- Fresh, seasonal fruits are more beneficial than the frozen ones used in açaí bowls.
The Nutritional Debate
Açaí Bowls Composition:
- Typically, açaí bowls consist of açaí berries blended into a thick, creamy base, topped with fruits, nuts, and seeds.
- These bowls can sometimes fulfill the daily recommended servings of fruits and protein, according to the USDA.
Consider the Additives:
- Consumers should question the nutritional value of açaí bowls and be aware of potential additives, as noted by Udani.
- “If you can get straight fruit or juice, that’s ideal,” Udani suggests.
Research Insights:
- Udani’s research indicates that açaí in high concentrations, consumed regularly, could reduce insulin levels and regulate blood glucose.
- However, such benefits may not be replicable by occasional consumption of açaí.
Practical Considerations for Açaí Bowl Lovers
Choosing Wisely:
- Pappas (of Happy Belly Health) suggests consumers consider whether an açaí bowl is beneficial compared to simpler dishes.
- Fresh fruit or berries, especially from local farmer’s markets, are recommended for antioxidants without the high sugar impact.
Student Perspective:
- Despite drawbacks, Udani does not discourage students from choosing açaí bowls over less healthy options, like candy bars, as long as sugar levels are monitored.
Homemade Alternatives:
- Junior Giulia Oltranti began making açaí bowls at home to avoid the high cost and sugar density of store-bought options.
- “I wouldn’t recommend eating açaí bowls for every meal, but a few times a week is fine,” Oltranti says.
Ingredient Choices Matter:
- Oltranti prefers ingredients like bananas, frozen berries, almond milk, agave, and homemade granola, which she considers healthy.
- “Açaí bowls have a texture in between ice cream and smoothies, which are two of my favorite things,” she adds.
