Acai Health Watch

Acai Berry need no more introduction as this Brazilian wonder fruit has been recommended by several medical & health experts along with celebrities. It is fairly rich in the antioxidants, healthy fatty acids, vitamins and several other nutrients that are essential for the body. Acai smoothies is one of the best supplements derived out of acai berry fruit which helps in reducing body weight and detoxification of toxins from major organs of the body especially from liver and colon.

Acai is extremely rich in dietary fibers. Therefore, the experts recommend this fruit for the morning and mid day diet. Another fact that you must know is that it has very low shelf value. This berry is processed within 24 hours of its collection. It is freeze dried and turned into a fine powder. Then this powder is used to make capsules, pills, juices and pulp. These juices and pulps have been used in several recipes by Rachel Ray to prepare acai smoothies. The drink is quite beneficial for health in case you take it in the breakfast every morning.

Acai smoothie Recipe

The Ingredients in Acai Smoothies

· Acai fruit powder or juice

· One Banana

· Milk or soy milk

· Vanilla frozen yogurt

· Blender

How to prepare Acai Smoothies

· Pick a standard acai berry juice like mona vie or Bom Dia. In case you pick out a powder, go for Acai Gogo.

· Take 1 cup of acai juice or maybe 1 portion of acai powder and add it to the blender.

· Pour a cup of soy milk in this. This solely depends on your choice & taste. In case you opt for milk, preferable go for the low fat or the non fat milk.

· Slice the full banana into the mix. This would add a sweet flavor and give the drink a creamy texture. Banana is packed with potassium that strengthens your bones and increases the energy levels.

· Now add 1/2 a cup of vanilla flavored frozen yogurt. This also be substituted for low fat frozen yogurt.

· Blend it for around 20 to 30 seconds.

· Pour this into a glass and enjoy the smoothie.

Maybe you’ve seen the bottled juices at your local organic market, or maybe you’ve seen websites touting the nutritional value of concentrated juice or encapsulated supplements. Wherever you find it or however you take it, chances are your body benefits from the enjoyment of acai. Juice, pulp, or powder, acai in any form is rich in antioxidants, tastes great, and is perhaps one of the more versatile fruits to use in recipes.

If you have a favorite smoothie stores, maybe you have seen a tub of acai powder alongside the other boosters added on to improve the nutritional value of the thick, fruity beverages. If you have a blender and the right ingredients, you can enjoy a healthful acai drink at home, without having to wait in line.

Tropical Acai Smoothie

• 7 ounces pineapple, orange, or other juice
• ½ cup soy milk or vanilla yogurt
• one whole banana
• one tablespoon of pure acai powder

Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Garnish with fruit if desired.

If you’re looking for something more portable, why not try something to beat the heat on a blistering summer’s day?

Low-fat Acai Pop

You will need Popsicle molds for this recipe.

• Pint of vanilla or plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup acai powder

Mix yogurt with the acai powder until smooth. Spoon 1/2 cup of mixture into each mold. Freeze and enjoy.

If you prefer hot drinks, acai makes for a good late night treat:

Steamed Milk with Acai

• 6 ounce soy or reduced fat milk
• one teaspoon of acai powder
• one teaspoon honey

Steam milk in an espresso steamer or warm on stovetop, do not scald. Stir in acai and honey. Serve warm.Any time of day, any time of year, you can enjoy the goodness of acai powder. Savor the taste, and feel the results.