Frozen yogurt-esque breakfast bowls, fresh juices and even sweet cocktails are bursting with antioxidants this season, and it’s all thanks to the acai berry.
The South and Central American fruit does the body good in many ways. It fights free radicals, which can damage cells and lead to heart disease or cancer, and it’s also good for the brain due to its rich dose of the antioxidant anthocyanin, “which is what gives the berries their deep purple color,” says Brooklyn nutritionist Frances Largeman-Roth. “Anthocyanins have been shown to be promising in helping to reverse age-related declines in cognitive and motor function.”
Acai berries aren’t just revered by nutritionists.
“As a super fruit with tons of antioxidants, acai is not only very healthy, but it quenches your sweet tooth at the same time,” says Seth Levine, executive chef of Hotel Chantelle, who serves a bowl made with frozen acai during weekend brunch.
This summer, check out NYC spots serving the superfood:
