Mmm, açaí. This purple fruit has been considered a superfood for years, thanks to its high antioxidant, high fiber and high omega fatty acids.
Known to support glowing skin and healthy hair and nails, açaí berries also provide a high dose of Vitamin C which is known to help protect against cardiovascular disease and increase energy.
What I didn’t know until recently, however, and thank goodness for this, considering that açaí popularity has exploded, is that açaí is reported to be healthy for rainforests as well.
Grown in the Amazonian rainforest, it’s suggested that the rise in popularity of açaí is helping to protect the rainforest. “It is actually replacing cattle pastures in certain areas of the Amazonian floodplain. – Christine Padoch, Director of forests and livelihoods research at the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)”.
Apparently, harvesting açaí is more profitable, providing motivation to protect them. Açaí also grows faster.
This açaí bowl with lavender and blueberries was delish. I’ve been continuing my morning açaí ritual with a DIY version, using pure frozen açaí (organic, no additional ingredients) from Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Market.
Blended with blueberries, the açaí becomes a bit sweeter but is still low in sugar. I don’t add honey or sweeteners. Instead, for a sweeter taste, add 1/2 banana.
Sources:
https://forestsnews.cifor.org/10700/acai-could-the-wonder-fruit-also-be-wonderful-for-forests
https://foodrevolution.org/blog/acai-berry-benefits
Pic taken by moi : ) at: Raw Press London
