It seems that Brazil is the place to watch. Its economy is thriving, its property market is booming and more and more tourists are choosing to experience its delights than ever before.

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 acai berry is small and purplish in colour and grows on the acai palm that is native to the Amazon. The berry has been used for centuries by those in the know to give them an energy surge and boost their physical strength. It is also well known for providing extra nutritional value to a diet.

Acai has now been discovered to be one of the most nutrient-rich and potent superfoods on the planet. It is simply loaded with antioxidants, phytonutrients, anthocyanins, amino acids, essential omegas, fibers and protein. Following discoveries during controlled laboratory tests, recent studies from the University of Florida indicate that aai may even fight cancer cells.

The most nutrient dense part of the berry is the skin and the pulp but in Brazil every part of the berry is used for different purposes, even the seed. Its juice and pulp are frequently used in juice blends, smoothies, sodas and other beverages. It has become one of the country’s most popular ice cream flavors and in recent years literally thousands of dedicated acai cafes have sprung up, serving acai na tigela ” literally acai in a bowl, served with honey and granola as a health food and energizer.

Acai is very effectively preserved in a variety of ways. It has become a popular export in the form of seeds, juice, frozen fruit pulp and dried/freeze-dried formats.

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.

As an aai convert, I firmly believe in a daily dose of this remarkable little berry. In fact I can almost feel the withdrawal symptoms if I miss my morning helping of acai na tigela. So why not book a flight to Brazil and find out for yourself just how good this thing tastes on home turf?

This piece was written by Ginny Naish the Marketing Director of Property Dreams Brazil, a real estate consultancy based in Joao Pessoa, Paraiba. Property Dreams Brazil can provide consultancy services with regard to property investment,land acquisition, re-location and property marketing. Please visit Property Dreams Brazil for more information on Brazil.

categories: health,travel,tourism,acai,brazil,property,joao pessoa,property investment,rio 2016