Açaí is called one of the World's Most Powerful Superfood.

The fruit is small, round and dark purple, from the palmberry tree. It looks like a grape, but is smaller and darker. It usually grows in the wild Amazonian jungles in Brazil, where it is harvested by natives. It has a big seed and very little pulp.

Have you ever heard that a glass of red wine everyday is good for the heart? Red wine is healthy, and this is because of the anthocyanin content found in red grapes. açaí has 33 times more anthocyanin than the grape. Antioxidation helps fight cholesterol and free radicals. If Açaí is drank regularly, it will help prevent blood clots, improve blood circulation, and relax blood vessels. It is also a great help in preventing arthresclerosis (thinkening of the arteries and blood vessels causing strokes/heart attacks) and is a powerful combatant of cancer.

Aside from anthocyanins, the açaí also includes oleic acid, an acid that is very good for the heart. Oleic acid also keeps a cancer-causing oncogene, usually found in breast cancer patients, from acting up. açaí is also rich in iron and is a great help for people who suffer from digestive malfunctions.

Studies show that aside from the benefits mentioned, taking açaí helps protect you from viruses and prostate concerns. It also helps improve lipoprotein metabolism and reinforces your immune system. Another positive factor of açaí is that it is also considered a potent aphrodisiac, because of its revitalizing qualities.

It also includes a roster of the nutrients that you need: phosphorus, calcium, iron, potassium, plus the vitamins thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and tocopherol (vitamin E). It also has monounsaturated linoleic acid, known as Omega 6, to help lower your harmful cholesterol (or LDL) while still maintaining good cholesterol (HDL) in your system. Its 12% linoleic acid (Omega 9) content is polyunsaturated, which also helps maintain cholesterol levels. It contains amino acid complex and trace minerals that will help improve muscle contraction and regeneration. It contains low sugar levels and also helps you detoxify.

Aside from all these, açaí contains valuable phytosterols. These sterols provide several beneficial qualities, such as helping reduce your blood plasma cholesterol. These sterols are also being used to help treat symptoms associated with BP.

How is açaí’s popularity affecting the Amazon rainforest?

Açai's popularity has started to curb deforestation as its commercial value has increased. It is abundant in primary forest and many landowners have realised that harvesting the naturally growing açai fruit is much more profitable than chopping down the forest and farming the land. Consequently açai production has soared and brought valuable work to many impoverished areas whilst maintaining the natural environment of the rainforest.