Large sections of the Amazon rainforest have been disappearing as the indigenous people of the Amazon have been forced to cut down trees in order to survive. Some of the Amazon people sell the wood for lumber, others are clearing the land for farming. The Brazilian government estimates that the rainforest will have lost 25 percent of its original area by 2020.  If something isn’t done to reverse this trend, the environmental impact could be disastrous. The good news is that the growing demand for acai berries and other exotic fruits from the region could protect the rainforest while providing a livelihood for the locals.  One manufacturer of Acai products claims that the Amazon people can make more money from harvesting Acai (which doesn’t damage the trees) than they can from selling lumber or farming. 

According to consumer health advocate, Mike Adams, “the Amazon rainforest is filled with healing superfoods and medicinal plants.  The more we recognize and promote these plants in North America, the more valuable the Amazon rainforest is alive rather than dead.”  Adams is author of Superfood Smoothies, a book that uses Amazon rainforest ingredients in blended smoothie recipes.

Considering Acai?  You could be improving your health and helping to save the Amazon rainforest at the very same time!

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