Brazil is suddenly the word on everyones lips. Its the place to live, the place to invest. Home to one of the worlds best climates, it boasts the second greenest city on the globe (Joao Pessoa) and the second-cleanest air, after Antarctica.

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.

Acais health properties are legendary. It has been used for centuries by Brazilians for its ability to enhance physical strength, provide energy and deliver high nutritional content to their diet. The acai fruit is a small purple berry about the size of a blueberry and is derived from the acai palm that is native to the Amazon.

Acai has now been discovered to be one of the most nutrient-rich and potent superfoods on the planet. It is simply loaded with antioxidants, phytonutrients, anthocyanins, amino acids, essential omegas, fibers and protein. Following discoveries during controlled laboratory tests, recent studies from the University of Florida indicate that aai may even fight cancer cells.

Every part of the acai berry is used in Brazil for varying purposes. But it is the skin and pulp of the berry that is the most nutrient rich and widely used in juices, blended smoothie and sodas. Acai na tigela has become almost a national dish, with thousands of dedicated acai cafes springing up from north to south. It consists of a bowl of acai ice cream topped with chopped tropical fruits, granola and honey. This refreshing and nutrient-packed snack is popular any time from breakfast to the early hours and is particularly popular as an energizer after exercise ” another Brazilian national pastime.

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.

Acai s reputation is spreading. It is now a staple on the shelves of health food stores across the US and Europe. It is available as a dietary supplement in capsule, pill and powder form for those wishing to benefit from its anti-ageing qualities and positive effects on the immune system, mental focus and digestion. Its ability to boost energy levels has even led to it being hailed as the new 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.

This piece was written by Ginny Naish the Marketing Director of Property Dreams Brazil, a real estate consultancy based in Joao Pessoa, Paraiba. Property Dreams Brazil can provide consultancy services with regard to real estate investment,land acquisition, re-location and property marketing. Please visit Property Dreams Brazil for more information.