What’s açaí?

Açaí is a rich, deep purple palm berry. It grows only in the Amazon delta, but is consumed all over Brazil.

Carlos Gracie

One of the earliest of açaí-lovers back in 1922 was Carlos Gracie, the founding father of Jiu Jitsu. Word of açaí’s nutritional elixir quickly spread, and açai became popular with athletes, footballers and surfers. From there it crossed over to Brazilian beach culture where it’s now the drink of choice.

So why has açaí got everyone so excited?

Analysis reveals that açaí pulp contains a remarkable concentration of antioxidants, even more than blueberries or pomegranates. Antioxidants are good for us because they seek and destroy free radicals – molecules that damage healthy cells within the body. By destroying these free radicals, antioxidants help to boost our immune systems, slow down the aging process, and also help combat cancer.

Açaí

And there’s more good stuff.

Açaí is rich in essential fatty acids omega 6 and 9. Although essential fatty acids (EFAs) sound bad, they’re surprisingly good for us. They help maintain good cholesterol levels, and they lower bad cholesterol levels. They also help reduce blood pressure and fight cancer. Our bodies don’t produce EFAs by themselves so it’s up to us to make EFAs a part of our diet. It’s important we help our bodies out here, because EFAs keep our hearts healthy.

Açaí is also a good source of amino acids (for strength and endurance), fibre (for healthy digestion) and iron (for healthy blood and circulation).

Oh, and the Brazilians believe açaí is a good way to boost your libido.

How much more can you ask from a little purple palm berry?