Eat Acai for Anxiety

Açai berries are a superfood because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potency, which comes from being high in polyphenols. By reducing intestinal inflammation, they help secure the gut-brain relationship.1 Countless studies have shown that açai is an antidepressant and neuroprotective—it helps preserve neuronal structure and function.2 Neurons are brain cells.

Below is an epic Acai Bowl recipe. To supplement with açai, you take it in powdered form in capsules. For the correct dosage on these, follow the packaging instructions.

Acai Bowl Recipe:

Total time: 6 minutes

Makes: 1 serving
Ingredients:
For the base:
2 Sambazon Açaí Superfruit Packs
1 frozen banana
1⁄4 cup plant-based milk of your choice
Toppings:
1 teaspoon cacao nibs
4 strawberries, sliced
2 tablespoons blueberries
1 to 2 tablespoons granola
Actions:
1. Blend all the ingredients for the base in a blender until smooth.
2. Pour the smoothie into a bowl and add the toppings.
Variation:
Chocolate Açai Bowl: Add 2 teaspoons cacao powder to the base mixture
before blending.

You can find more information about anxiety-reducing foods and recipes in Anxiety-Free with Food, available in book stores around the world. 

Resources:

1.     M.M. Dias, et al., “Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Polyphenolics from Açai (Euterpe oleracea Martius) in Intestinal Myofibroblasts CCD-18Co Cells,” Food & Function, vol. 6, no. 10 (October 2015), doi: 10.1039/c5fo00278h.

2.     A.K. Marchado, “Neuroprotective Effects of Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) against Rotenone in Vitro Exposure,” Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity (2016), doi: 10.1155/2016/8940850.