Is Açaí Really a Superfood?

What is acai anyway?

Açaí is a dark purple fruit, native to Central and South America. There has been some misleading information about açaí being promoted for weight loss, but there isn’t much research supporting this. We do know, however, that fruit and other plant-based foods are a great source of fiber and antioxidants which can help regulate blood sugars, gut function, and cholesterol levels.

So is it a superfood?

The term superfood has been around for decades; in fact, one of the first known “superfoods” was a banana because it was an affordable and nutritious option during World War I. You might notice catchy headlines such as “top 5 superfoods to add to your grocery list,” and while these foods, including açaí,  are oftentimes nutritious, they aren’t necessarily superior to other food options at the store. You can reap the same benefits from other fruits and vegetables, and we recommend going for whatever produce is available to you. Rather than focusing on a very specific type of “superfood,” practice building a well-rounded “super-plate” including sources of proteins, grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy.

If you are interested in trying a new fruit, that is great! Variety and spontaneity in our diets allow us to obtain many different vitamins and minerals. Looking for a place to try açaí? The Blue Dolphin, a new cafe in Yukon, recently opened and is offering a variety of smoothie bowls, including açaí as a base. You can also find açaí bowls at Surf Bar, Organic Squeeze, The Wheeze Experience, and Modern Berry Co. Our dietitian, Cassie, tried the Rainbow Bowl with açaí and spirulina at The Blue Dolphin, and she shared the picture below.