Yes, we're starting with an obvious one. So what's so great about the nuts that bear the country's name then? 'They're very energy-dense, so great for a quick afternoon or mid-exercise pick-me-up,' says nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed from the Be Simply Great panel (simplygreatdrinks.co). 'They're also very high in selenium, which protects the body's cell from oxidative stress - as well as aiding thyroid and reproductive function. Nuts in general offer high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which support good heart health.'

Buy them! From all major supermarkets and health food stores nationwide.

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These small purple berries, which hail from the Amazon rainforest, offer a rich source of heart-saving, immunity-boosting essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. One small US study found that 12 volunteers experienced a significant increase in antioxidant activity within 24 hours of absorbing a single serving of açai juice or pulp. It's also been widely touted as a weight-loss aid - but more research is needed in this area. The fruit itself perishes quickly, so you're more likely to find it in juice or supplement form.

Buy it! Açai juice is available from larger supermarkets and health food stores nationwide. Try The Berry Company Acai Juice (from £1.89 per litre).

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Also known as manioc or yuca, cassava is a mineral-rich root vegetable that's become one of Brazil's most popular and versatile ingredients - used in everything from stews to desserts. Because it's both gluten-free and wheat-free, cassava flour - or tapioca flour - is widely sold in the UK as an alternative to wheat flour. It can be used as a thickener for soups and sauces, or as a coating for fried foods.

Buy it! Raw cassava can be hard to find in the UK - although both specialist and major supermarkets, such as Tesco, do stock them. Cassava flour is more widely available.

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Like the cassava, the yam is a staple food in Brazil - and is used as an alternative to potatoes in a plethora of dishes. It's a good source of fibre, B vitamins and minerals - but because it's classed as a starchy food, like potatoes, it doesn't count as one of your five-a-day. However, it's still an important source of energy. You can eat yams boiled, mashed or made into chips. Larger yams will need to be peeled before cooking.

Buy it! From larger and specialist supermarkets and greengrocers nationwide.

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Although now widely grown across all tropical regions, cashews are native to Brazil. Their benefits? 'They're high in protein and "good" fats, as well as an array of vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc and calcium,' explains Charlotte Stirling-Reed. 'So they contribute to heart, bone and skin health. They're particularly good for vegetarians due to their iron and zinc content - two minerals that can often be lacking in those who don't eat meat. Use them in salads, stir-fries and ground down into a spread.'

Buy them! From all major supermarkets and health food stores nationwide.

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Black bean stew - known as feijoãda - is pretty much the Brazilian national dish. The beans themselves are packed with fibre, which is essential for good digestive health. They're also rich in minerals, including magnesium and folic acid. Black beans count as one of your five a day - but they only add up to one portion, no matter how many you eat. The reason? Although high in fibre, they contain fewer nutrients than other fruit and veg.

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Ah, what's not to like about papaya? This tropical fruit tastes delicious, it's low in calories - and it's packed with vitamins and minerals. In fact, one papaya contains more immunity-boosting vitamin C than an orange. Papayas also boast an enzyme called papain, which aids digestion by breaking down protein in the gut. Add chopped fresh papaya to summer salads or with yoghurt for breakfast. But do steer clear of canned varieties in syrup.

Buy them! From supermarkets and greengrocers nationwide.

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Coconuts are classed as fruits and the ripe flesh is rich in essential vitamins, minerals and fibre. Coconut milk is lactose-free so can be used as a milk substitute. But it's coconut water - the clear liquid found inside young coconuts - that enjoys the most popularity in Brazil. In fact, around 30m litres of the stuff will be consumed by locals and tourists this summer. It's packed with essential electrolytes and potassium to rehydrate and energise.

Buy them! Coconuts are widely available in supermarkets and greengrocers nationwide, while coconut water can be bought in both supermarkets and health food stores. Try Vita Coco (from £1.69 for 330ml).

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Brazil is one of the world's largest producers of guavas. This aromatic little fruit was billed as 'the ultimate superfood' by Indian researchers in 2011, thanks to its impressive antioxidant content. (That's just under 500mg per 100g, in case you're interested!) They can be added to tropical fruit salads, yoghurts or ice cream. Or remove the juice with a lemon juicer for a delicously refreshing drink.

Buy them! From supermarkets, including Tesco and Waitrose, and greengrocers nationwide.

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We have it on good authority that they drink an awful lot of coffee in Brazil. So it would be remiss of us not to mention it in our round-up - although too much caffiene is never a good idea, of course. 'Drinking coffee in moderation can help you feel more focused and alert, and may even offer health benefits such as protection from coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes,' says dietitian (www.sarahschenker.co.uk). 'Decaffeinated coffee is a healthy option for those who want to limit their caffeine intake.'

Buy it! Brazilian coffee blends are available in supermarkets and independent coffee shops nationwide. (Yes, we drink an awful lot of coffee in the UK, too.)

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