On a recent trip to the Amazon, NBC’s Matt Laurer was surprised, and more than a little amused, to find that the acai drink he had just finished is commonly referred to as “Amazon Rainforest Viagra”.

The Amazon native who gave him the drink certainly wasn’t lying to him. People in Brazil wholeheartedly believe that acai gives you strength, energy, endurance, and is great for sex. Some doctors even recommend acai to couples who are having difficulty getting pregnant!

Endurance, Energy...and More?

Brazilian people are some of the most active and healthy in the entire world. Walk the beaches of Rio de Janeiro and you’ll invariably see fit (and usually half naked) people swimming, surfing, playing soccer, cycling, jogging, and practicing Brazilian JiuJitsu. You’ll also notice that many of them are eating bowls of dark purple acai from one of the many juice bars that line the beaches.

Acai is such an energy booster that Amazon warriors used to eat it before going into battle. More recently, a different type of warrior named Carlos Gracie helped acai to gain popularity by recommending it to his Jiu Jitsu students. The majority of his students were young men in excellent shape, and soon acai became part of the lifestyle for active Brazilians.

Why It Works

It’s no wonder why acai is used as fuel for Jiu Jitsu fighters. The berry is packed with high levels of iron, calcium, carbohydrates, and antioxidants. The nutrients impart a huge boost of energy and stamina while the antioxidants cause the entire body (including sexual response) to function better. It’s simply high performance fuel for any activity (especially the bedroom).

So is it just the powerful boost of stamina and energy that makes acai such a great aphrodisiac? Possibly. However, natives swear that there is something in acai that boosts the sex drive and simultaneously improves the mental state. Judging by the amazing berry’s track record, we wouldn’t be surprised if the next scientific study finds out they’re right.