Discover this super fruit with its intense colour and get to know its properties.

The Acai berry is small and round and an intense purple in colour, and the fruit of the Euterpe Oleracea palm which grows in the Brazilian Amazon. It is an exotic fruit which, thanks to its many properties, is considered one of those functional foods whose nutrients are so good that they can be used for therapeutic purposes.

This super fruit can be taken as a juice, refreshment, or liqueur and is now an ingredient in the new flavours for shakes, yoghourts and ice cream. In Brazil, it is normally eaten with cereal, dried fruits and honey, or with manioc.

What is so special about it?

• It has fats, because it is a berry: heart-healthy omega-9 and omega-6 fatty acids and palmitic acid which is a saturated fat.
• It contains an insoluble type of fibre, i.e., it resists digestion.
• It is rich in vitamin B1 or thiamine, essential for the nervous system.
• Minerals like zinc, which is an aphrodisiac as well as calcium, for bones.
• Proteins in a greater proportion than other similar fruits.
• It is high in polyphenols which are contained in the pulp and afford it the dark colour, together with other flavonoids that give it its great antioxidant powers

And what does this mean for your health?

• Antioxidants are effective against the free radicals that damage cells and cause your skin to age.
• They decrease the risk of certain types of cancer thanks to the action of the polyphenols.
• Their carbohydrates and proteins are a source of energy, ideal as a supplement for sports people.
• Fibre helps in slimming diets because it regulates the
• It combats bacteria and viruses thanks to the ellagic acid.
• Thanks to the calcium, it helps prevent osteoporosis and reduce period pains.
• It prevents constipation and regulates sugar in the blood.
• It helps release dopamine and serotonin which regulates
• In Brazil it is called natural Viagra because it contains zinc which increases libido, sexual energy and vitality!

Try Acai juice or use the pulp, which is sold freeze-dried, to add to your most delicious desserts. And get hooked on functional nutrition!