The acai berry grows on the acai palm, native to Central and South America. It is an inch-long purplish-red fruit that has become popular due to its high antioxidant capacity. More people are becoming aware of the health benefits of the Acai berry.

Acai berries contain many anthocyanins and flavonoids, which are types of antioxidants. Anthocyanins give acai berries their purple hue. Other fruits and berries rich in anthocyanins include blueberries, red grapes, Concord grapes and maqui berries. They are the reason why many health experts recommend a small glass of red wine every day. But in fact, acai berries can provide up to thirty times more anthocyanins than red wine!

Some studies suggest that acai berries have a higher antioxidant content than cranberries, strawberries, blackberries and blueberries. Anthocyanins help improve blood circulation, relax blood vessels and prevent blood clots. They also have antiviral and anti-allergy properties, and have been found to be beneficial in the fight against cancer.

Another health benefit of acai berries are their high essential fatty acid content. EFAs help nourish your hair and skin, and they protect you against cardiovascular disease. They are also a good source of energy for your body. Your body needs fat, but it needs to be right kind of healthy fat, which is exactly what EFAs give you. They increase your metabolic rate, enabling your body to burn more fat. So EFAs actually help you lose weight!

Did you know about these health benefits of Acai berries?

• Acai berries contain organic vegetable proteins which are more easily processed by your body than the animal proteins found in meat and dairy products.

• They are a great source of fibre, essential for your digestive health. Acai berries contain soluble fibre which lower your blood cholesterol, and insoluble fibre, which is thought to reduce your risk of developing cancer.

• Acai berries contain plant sterols, which are phyto-chemicals that protect your immune system, reduce cholesterol, and – for the men – contribute to prostate health. Saw Palmetto is a herb commonly used to prevent prostate enlargement, and it is closely related to the acai palm, suggesting that they share similar properties.

• Research done by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro shows that acai extract fights infections such as schistosomosis – a parasitic infection that affects many Brazilians – as well as the infection caused by the staphylococcus aureus.

• Native tradition involves making a puree of the skin, which then can be used either as a hot sauce or frozen and eaten as a sorbet. The latter is now rising in popularity and is readily available in most cafes and fruit shops around the cities of southern Brazil, usually served with granola or mixed with other fruits (although many still prefer the açai sorbet on its own). Juices, health drinks and yoghurts made from acai berries are now being manufactured by many large companies and it is becoming more and more available in the USA and Western Europe.