Acai Nation Serves Up Superfood

If you have been on Via de la Paz during the afternoons lately, you have likely noticed a line of people out the door of Acai Nation waiting anxiously for a bowl of purple fruity goodness. So what is all the fuss about?

“There was nothing like acai in the states seven or eight years ago,” said owner Ilan Mit, who along with his wife, also owns Juice Crafters on Antioch.
Mit, who told the Palisadian-Post that he traveled around the world including journeying to northern Brazil for surfing, said he first had acai in Brazil about 10 years ago and was immediately hooked on the dark berry harvested from acai palm trees. Mit said eating acai is commonplace in Brazilian culture and that it is especially customary in suburban villages.
Along with its yummy flavor that some describe as tasting like a berry blend, many claim the berry has superfood values.
“Acai has 400 percent more superfood value than any other berry,” Mit told the Post, adding that it may have health benefits including helping with weight loss and brain function.
“I ate acai for breakfast, lunch and dinner while I was in Brazil and had withdrawals when I came back to the States,” Mit said.
Inspired by his own cravings and an eagerness to introduce Californians to the fruit, Mit opened Acai Nation in mid-August of this year and hasn’t looked back since. In fact, he’s already opened a second store in Brentwood.
“It’s been pretty amazing. We’ve had an amazing response from customers who love acai,” Mit said.
Customers start with a bowl of Brazilian-imported acai and can add toppings like granola, berries, bananas, seeds and even kale or spinach for a healthy, satisfying snack.
“It helps to have a delicious product,” Mit said of the store he touts complements the health-conscious haven that is Pacific Palisades. “We want to continue spreading the acai love.”