Description of Acerola cherry
Acerola cherry also known as
Barbados cherry is a tropical evergreen shrub, bright red in colour, with a
sweet- sour taste usually 2–3 m (6.6–9.8 ft) tall or sometimes 6m
(20ft) tall belonging to the family of Malpighiaceae, scientifically
called Malpighia emarginata, a native of Yucatan in Southern Mexico which is now found in other
parts of the world. They are hugely demanded for their
exceptionally high concentration of vitamin-C almost like that of camu camu. Cultivation is on dry, sandy soil where
climate temperature is high. Because of its highly perishable nature, they are mostly
found in supplements. Ripe ones are sweeter and juicier with edible seeds.
Picture of Acerola cherry
Nutritional
benefits of Acerola cherry
These fruits contain high level
of antioxidants which are from poly-phenolic anthocyanidin compounds
(chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, pelargonidin, malvidin, tannins,
cyanidin-3-glycoside, quercetin, and kaempferol). They are second to camu camu
in terms of the highest content of vitamin C present among fruits and contain 13
times more vitamin C than an equal portion of orange juice. They contain
vitamin A and are rich in B-complex vitamins such as niacin, folates,
pantothenic acid, B-6and riboflavin as well as carotenoids and bioflavonoids. There are presence
of adequate minerals and electrolytes such as potassium,
manganese, copper, iron, and zinc. There are also, protein, water, carbohydrate
and dietary fibre.
Health benefits of Acerola cherry
All the health benefiting components of acerola cherry mentioned above
gives it a great edge in preventing and handling many forms of diseases and are
due to its vitamin C content. Enjoy 1 cup of acerola juice and get amazed by
the optimum health and wellness you find. Immune system function and bowel movement are eased, blood clot, heart
disease, anti aging, scurvy, cancer, physical endurance are prevented and
improved, and pressure sores, bleeding in the eye (retinal haemorrhages), common cold, depression, tooth decay, gum infections, depression,
hay fever
and collagen disorders are treated.
More evidence might be needed to
rate the effectiveness of acerola for these conditions as the vitamin C in
acerola might increase uric acid levels and make gout
worse. Other than that, acerola cherries are not commonly known as an
allergenic food and moderate consumption of not more than 2,000 milligrams daily
is okay as the Office of Dietary supplements cautions.
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