By Elizabeth Ponce
Surely you’ve heard about acai berries by now – the superfood that is taking over the world. This Brazilian berry has become very popular in North America and is now spreading across Europe. London has caught onto the craze and is now home to Viva Acai, the city’s very first acai bar. We’ve been, we’ve tasted and now we are obsessed. Located right outside Gloucester Road Underground, Viva Acai is a small business in the Gloucester Arcade. The healthy menu is delicious and the customer service is even better.
Acai bowls are the star of their menu. Frozen and pureed, it almost seems like you’re eating ice cream. We could even taste hints of chocolate undertones. Is it really okay to eat this for breakfast? The answer is yes. Yes!! They’ve just added a new item to their menu that is sure to shine – bright pink pitaya bowls to brighten up dreary days. Sourcing fresh ingredients daily, Viva Acai also makes fresh pressed cold juices and smoothies for people running in and out of the tube.
Health Benefits
For the past few years, there has been debate over the true health benefits of these berries. We don’t know everything but we have done our research and we can tell you why we love this delicious superfood and why you might want to try it as well.
A healthy heart is a happy heart, right? Acai berries are in fact loaded with antioxidants that help lower cholesterol levels. They have the power to improve blood circulation and relax blood vessels to prevent clotting. Acai also acts as an immune booster. Vitamin C is just one of the many vitamins in these berries. They also contain calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper. And let us not forget Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 and E. What a list. On top of everything else, these berries are a source of dietary fibre. Acai can detox our bodies, keeping our digestive system healthy and clean. All these health benefits add up to one more thing – energy! The amino acids in acai berries and acai extract have been known increase energy production and fight off fatigue.
Taste Bud Benefits
Right, let’s not forget the best part. It’s all well and good that this fruit is good for our health. But let’s talk about how good it tastes. The founder of Viva Acai, Sha Larente said it best: “What is the point of something that is just healthy but doesn’t taste good?” We can vouch for that – frozen acai bowls taste like a delightful ice cream treat.
We highly recommend you make a stop at Viva Acai. If you’re not in London but you don’t mind a little D.I.Y. project, we’ve tried out a recipe so you can make your own acai bowls at home. Enjoy!
Get out your blender and mix up:
- 1/2 of a banana
- 1/2 cup of frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup of frozen blackberries
- 1 100g pack frozen unsweetened acai berries
- 1/2 cup of coconut water
Top it all off with whatever you fancy. For this recipe banana, peanut butter, chia seeds, strawberries and honey-roasted granola was used. You could add any of you favourite fruits, coconut flakes, chopped nuts, or cacao nibs.
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