The fruit of acerola is very rich natural source of Vitamin C. Recent clinical studies show that this cherry contains eight times more Vitamin C than oranges. Acerola (Malphighia glabra) is a fruit tree that grows up to five meters high and gives fruits in the form of bright red cherries.
It is known as the native Indian cherry tree. Mature fruits are juicy and soft and have a pleasant sharp flavor. It is naturally grown in Central, South America, Barbados, Jamaica and parts of Texas.
Nutritional Value
Acerola Cherry is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, B2, B1, B3, Bioflavonoids and Carotenoids. By containing 31 calories per cup, Acerola Cherry is very good for health. Acerola Cherry juice contains 89.58 g water per 98 g. It also provides carbohydrates, protein and energy. In terms of minerals, it possesses copper, magnesium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, calcium, selenium, zinc and sodium. It contains vitamins such as Vitamin C, B5, A, B2, B9, B3, B1 and B6.
The fruit of acerola is one of the richest natural sources of Vitamin C. Recent clinical studies show that this cherry contains eight times more Vitamin C than oranges. This vitamin is slowly used in the body because it is in a form that allows long-term supply of the body with the necessary doses of Vitamin C. Acerola also contains twice as much magnesium, pantothenic acid and potassium than oranges. It also contains Vitamin A (408-1000 IU in 100 grams), thiamine, riboflavin and niacin.
According to the analysis carried out in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Acerola fruits grown on Barbados contain 4500 mg of ascorbic acid in retard form (green), 3300 mg (medium ripe), 2000 mg (very mature). The level of ascorbic acid in the green cherries, can reaches up to 4676mg in 100 grams.
Acerola extract is used against colds, flu, infections, as a liver stimulant, diuretic, supports the work of the heart and helps in healing of wounds. It is also used for anemia, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, liver problems, rheumatism, tuberculosis, external wounds, swelling and helps to strengthen the immune system and general recovery of the organism.
Health Benefits and Uses of Acerola
Diabetes Management – Recent research has shown that the antioxidants found within acerola cherries can actually help to slow the release of sugar into the bloodstream. This regulation of insulin and glucose is a crucial means of preventing diabetic spikes and drops, which can be dangerous (or even deadly) for people suffering from diabetes. Acerola cherries can also help to prevent the onset of the condition as well, but regulating blood sugar levels in healthy individuals.
Prevents Obesity – Obesity is the result of imbalance between energy expenditure and food intake. Besides, the studies show the relationship between obesity and mitochondrial dysfunction. The juice of Acerola Cherry restrains the blood glucose which reduces the disposition of glucose with energetic metabolism. Acerola Cherry prohibits the triglycerides, weight gain, and cholesterol and reinforce metabolism and inflammation. It assists in using the free fatty acids as the source of energy that helps to maintain the energy in the body.
Cancer Prevention – Acerola cherries contain a diverse mix of antioxidants, including carotenoids and bioflavonoids, both of which neutralize the effects of free radicals in the body. Free radicals are the damaging byproducts of cellular metabolism that cause healthy cells to mutate into cancerous or unhealthy cells, while also exacerbating other serious diseases. In terms of acerola cherry’s antioxidants, they have been linked to slowing the spread of lung cancer in those patients suffering from this very common form of the disease.
Has Strong Anti-Aging Properties – The high level of antioxidants found in acerola cherries are not only good for slowing the spread of cancer, but also for generally cleansing the body of dangerous toxins and substances that cause its breakdown. The carotenoids in acerola cherry help to protect your eye health and boost the health of your skin, while bioflavonoids help to boost your cognitive function and prevent the onset of other age-related diseases.
Improves the Immune System – Acerola cherries have one of the highest contents of vitamin C, topped only by camu camu. For people who want a quick boost to their immune system, pop some acerola cherries into your weekly diet and see how much better you’ll feel! Vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells, which are the body’s primary line of defense against foreign agents and pathogens. Furthermore, vitamin C is a crucial component in collagen, which means that your body can heal itself faster with repairing cells, blood vessels, organs, and tissues from illness or injury.
Resolves the Metabolic Issues – To keep your body running at a normal pace, you need to regulate your metabolism. One of the most important groups of vitamins with which to do that is the vitamin B family. These vitamins, including niacin, riboflavin, and folic acid, help to regulate your hormonal and metabolic processes to ensure that your body runs smoothly!
Improves the Cardiovascular Health – As a rich source of potassium, like many juicy fruits, acerola cherry can also boost heart health. Potassium is a vasodilator, so it helps to relieve strain on the cardiovascular system by dilating the blood vessels and increasing blood flow, thereby reducing blood pressure. This can lower your chances of developing atherosclerosis, which also prevents heart attacks and strokes. The rich variety of antioxidants also helps to keep the cardiovascular system clear of excess cholesterol and free radicals causing oxidative stress.
Improves Digestion – Although acerola cherries don’t have as much fiber as many other fruits, it is still significant and can definitely help boost your digestive health. Dietary fiber promotes smooth passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract, which relieves constipation, bloating, diarrhea, cramping, and more serious issues like gastric ulcers. Furthermore, dietary fiber even helps clear out dangerous cholesterol from the heart!
Other Health Benefits of Acerola:
- Antioxidant – it has a naturally high concentration of Vitamin C and it fights against free radicals;
- Fights against flu and colds, cough and sore throat – strengthens the immune system;
- Nourishes and cares for the skin – slows aging of the skin, because of the high content of vitamins;
- As cardiotonic – strengthens and maintain the heart healthy;
- It has anti-inflammatory and antifungal effects;
- It has strong diuretic capabilities and is used against dysentery, fever and diarrhea;
- Lowers high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood;
- Generally improves and maintains the optimum function of the human body.
Via: OrganicFacts | StyleCraze
