Enjoy Your Acai At The 2016 Rio Olympics

By Ginny Naish

Brazil is suddenly the word on everyones lips. Its the place to live, the place to invest. Home to one of the worlds best climates, it boasts the second greenest city on the globe (Joao Pessoa) and the second-cleanest air, after Antarctica.

Brazil is also home to some of the most healthy and exotic foods available, no more so than the famous Amazon region where the trees of the rainforest simply groan under the weight of hundreds of different types of tropical fruit. Many of these have been discovered to offer significant health benefits and suddenly names such as pupunha, capuau and grumixama are tripping off peoples tongues in juice bars and cafs from North to South. It is the aai berry, though, that is unarguably responsible for the Brazilian health food revolution that is taking not just Brazil but also the US by storm.

The benefits of acai are not a new discovery amongst the Brazilians. It has long been used by those in the know for its nutritional value as well as to enhance physical strength and boost energy levels. The fruit itself is grown on the native Amazonian acai palm and comes in the form of small, purplish berries roughly the size of a blueberry.

The reputation of this unassuming little berry is now well and truly blooming. Acai is jam-packed full of amino acids, essential omegas, fibers, antioxidants, phytonutrients, anthocyanins and protein, leading it to be hailed as the greatest superfood ever discovered. And if that's not a compelling enough reputation, it has even been shown in preliminary trials to have the potential to fight cancer cells.

Every part of the acai berry is used in Brazil for varying purposes. But it is the skin and pulp of the berry that is the most nutrient rich and widely used in juices, blended smoothie and sodas. Acai na tigela has become almost a national dish, with thousands of dedicated acai cafes springing up from north to south. It consists of a bowl of acai ice cream topped with chopped tropical fruits, granola and honey. This refreshing and nutrient-packed snack is popular any time from breakfast to the early hours and is particularly popular as an energizer after exercise " another Brazilian national pastime.

Acai is now being exported heavily as seeds or in juice, frozen fruit pulp or in dried and freeze-dried form.

Acai s reputation is spreading. It is now a staple on the shelves of health food stores across the US and Europe. It is available as a dietary supplement in capsule, pill and powder form for those wishing to benefit from its anti-ageing qualities and positive effects on the immune system, mental focus and digestion. Its ability to boost energy levels has even led to it being hailed as the new Brazilian Viagra.

So whether you are already a fan or you need convincing and want to try this superfood out for yourself, get down to your nearest juice bar or health food store for your dose of acai today. But take it from me, acai tastes way better on home turf, so why not book your flight to Brazil and give it a try? - 31515

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here