Brazilian Euterpe (Euterpe Oleracea)
Other names: Acai, Acai berry, Assai, Aqai, Euterpe brazil, Brazilian cabbage
Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)
Euterpe brazil, also known as Acai, Acai berry, Assai, Aqai or Brazilian cabbage, is a species of palm-like plant native to Brazil. Its trunk can grow up to 20 metres and is covered with deep green, feathery leaves measuring up to 3 metres in length. At the top of the trunk grows a cluster of reddish-purple, berry-like fruits, which are most commonly used in food and medicine.
Often referred to as acai berries, the Euterpe brasil fruit has always been part of the traditional diet of the indigenous Amazonians, who use it to prepare food and drink. Today, acai berries are a popular ingredient in international gastronomy, especially in the context of healthy eating. Acai berry powder is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. For this reason, it is often added to various smoothies, protein bars and other complementary foods. The berries also form the basis for making a healthy acai bowl, a type of breakfast porridge especially popular among vegan-oriented consumers. The berries are also pressed and the juice obtained is used to make soft and alcoholic drinks. In the cosmetics industry, acai berries are used to produce oils and creams that have beneficial effects on the skin. In recent years, the use of acai berries in medicine has also been growing, where their effect on, for example, weight loss or a number of chronic diseases has been investigated.