A colorful, flavorful little Brazilian berry is taking San Diego health-enthusiasts by storm, at the same time that they help preserve the environment in the Amazon.

    The (the ç is pronounced like an “s”) is a dark, purple berry that looks like a grape or blueberry that for hundreds of years has been a traditional food of the native people of the Amazon in northern Brazil.

    Açaí Roots, a company founded by Brazilians in San Diego, is helping to popularize açaí products, from juice, energy shots, and health supplements, while helping local farmers near the Amazon preserve their beautiful surroundings.

    “Acai Roots offers a full line of acai based products developed to the highest standards by native Brazilians,” said Rodrigo Bosco, spokesperson for Açaí Roots. “The founders of our company grew-up with acai in Rio de Janeiro Brazil, as being part of their daily diet and lifestyle. So the products we make are truly authentic. Our roots in Brazil allow us to bring the real deal to consumers in the U.S. Lastly, we only work with top-of-the-line suppliers, which ensure the high quality of our products. We know where the best acai is grown in Brazil and we only partner with suppliers that utilize the best quality acai berry. Not all acai that come from Brazil are alike. Taste and nutritional value vary depending on the region and how the supplier/manufacturer handles this very sensitive berry. Therefore, when one is consuming an Acai Roots product, he/she can be sure they are having the ‘cream of the crop,’ and not just a product developed to be a major profit money maker.”

    Açaí Roots products are said to be made with two purposes: “pleasure and benefits.” The berry has become very popular among athletes and people who want to live a healthier life style.

    “Our goal while developing any of our products is to create a delicious experience while offering consumers great health benefits,” Bosco said. “Acai is a very powerful antioxidant. It provides sustained and natural energy and it supports healthy digestive system. It also supports a healthy immune system and healthy cholesterol management. Some studies indicate it may reduce blood plasma cholesterol, and may help prevent heart diseases. We have received a lot of testimonials from customers, who told us that we have helped them in many ways through adding our products to their diet.”

    In addition to promoting a healthy, active lifestyle, the founders of Acai Roots are also deeply committed to protecting the rainforests of Brazil, and improving living conditions in Brazil’s densely populated urban barrios, called “favelas.”

    Besides practicing sustainability, Acai Roots actively supports projects like Rhythm of Hope, which provides life mentoring through programs including Projeto Cultural Arte Consciente, and other programs working to break the deadly cycle of drug abuse and violence.

    “It is no exaggeration to suggest that Acai Roots is truly a good corporate citizen, said Rhythm of Hope co-founder Phillip Wagner. “It’s fantastic to see a business show this kind of conscience, especially one with such a great product.”

    Recently for the first time, Acai Roots is having a sandal collaboration with Carlsbad based surf brand, Reef. The Reef Ah-Sy-Ee sandal, which retails for $40, is adorned with Acai seeds harvested sustainably by Acai Roots. Through the sale of the seeds to Reef, Acai Roots has pledged that 100% of the net profits from the collaboration will be donated to Rhythm of Hope, a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of people in marginalized communities in Brazil.

    “We are very excited about this project in partnership with Reef. At Acai Roots, we put into practice a responsible and sustainable business culture. This collaboration is a great opportunity to make a positive impact and raise awareness to very important causes,” said Igor Pereira, Acai Roots co-founder and CEO.

   To help with this special cause, Acai Roots has a section in its website where people can contribute with donations to Rhythm of Hope and further details about the non-profit organization.

   “On top of that, many of our products were made using the berries (seeds) utilized in this project, so when someone is consuming an Acai Roots product he/she can feel as being part of this project, too,” Bosco said.

   Like Brazilians say, “Precisamos preservar o meioambiente!” (“It’s important to take care of our environment!).

   To learn more about acai products offered by Acai Roots and to contribute to this positive social justice project, please visit www.acairoots.com.