Brazil is booming and for foreign travel and international property investments, it is currently the country of choice. People are flocking there in droves to enjoy its year-round climate, clear Atlantic waters, and vibrant atmosphere.

And while he Brazilian economy is booming, the rich Amazonian rainforest is blooming. Some of the worlds most health-filled foods are packing some areas of the North from head to toe. A few years ago few had heard of such exotic names as pupunha, grumixama and capuau let alone tasted them. Now however, these fruits have sparked a health food revolution not just in Brazil but also throughout the US and Europe too, and no more so than the aai berry.

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.

Since its discovery by the rest of the world, acai has been hailed as the planets most-super superfood. It is one of the most nutrient-rich examples found anywhere, packed full of antioxidants, phytonutrients, anthocyanins, amino acids, essential omegas, fibers and protein. And recent research even shows that it potentially has the ability to 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 deteriorates rapidly after harvest, however it lends itself very effectively to a number of means of preservation and is exported as seeds or in juice, frozen fruit pulp, dried and freeze dried formats.

Across the US and Europe, health food stores and the health conscious are waking up to the potential of acai and it is increasingly being used in capsule, pill and powder format for use as a dietary supplement. Its many benefits are certainly compelling ” boosting of immune function, mental focus, energy levels and a healthy digestive tract, not to mention its anti-ageing qualities. It has even earned itself the alternative name of the Brazilian Viagra!

But take it from one who knows, you need to book that flight to Brazil, sample the Brazilian way of life and enjoy your Acai with the warm waters of the Atlantic ocean lapping at your feet.