Although relatively new to the western world, the acai berry has been used by the native people of the Amazon for hundreds of years. It is known by the natives as “içá-çai”, which means “fruit that cries”. Native healers have long used it for curing common ailments and it’s even part of Amazon folklore.

The Acai Legend

Long ago there was an Amazon girl named Iaca who was the daughter of the Indian tribe’s chief. Food was very scarce, so her father, whose name was Itaki, ordered all newborn children to be sacrificed.

Sadly, when Iaca bore a child, the chief made sure his orders were carried out. Iaca mourned the death of her baby for many days and nights, until, one night with a full moon, she heard a child crying.

As she walked outside, she saw her daughter next to a beautiful palm tree covered in dark purple fruit. She ran to her daughter and held her close.

Early the next morning her dead body was found holding the tree. Her dark eyes were staring towards the top of the palm tree. Itaki ordered the tribe to harvest the fruit, which satisfied their hunger and renewed their energy. He lifted his harsh order to sacrifice the newborn children and decreed that the fruit would be named after his daughter (acai is “Iaca” spelled backwards).

From that day the tribe grew and flourished under the acai tree.

Brazilian Fuel & Recent History

Acai wasn’t just a secret of the Amazon natives. Modern Brazilians used acai as part of their daily diet as well, usually in the morning with breakfast.

Even though Rio de Janeiro is thousands of miles away from the Amazon Rainforest, it was there that the acai berry really gained popularity. The famous Gracie Jiu-Jitsu family recommended eating acai before workouts, and Futebol (soccer) players would mix the frozen pulp with guarana for a natural energy booster.

Doctors and researchers eventually ran medical studies on acai and discovered the exciting health benefits in the berry. Shortly afterwards it was introduced in juice bars and smoothies and became even more popular.

Recently the acai berry has garnered media attention from news networks and TV shows like Oprah. It will likely continue to skyrocket in popularity as more and more Americans discover the amazing health benefits from this perfect food.