Acerola is a plant native to the tropical regions of the Western Hemisphere, also known as the West Indies cherry, Barbados cherry, or simply "acerola". The shrub-like plant is believed to have originated in southern Mexico and the Caribbean. This fruit is very rich in nutrients and vitamins necessary for the body , so in this article we are going to explain what are the benefits of acerola for your health.
What exactly is acerola?
Acerola produces berries that are similar to cherries , but it is not a cherry itself. These berries have a pleasant taste and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat liver diseases, diarrhea, dysentery, coughs, or colds . At present, on the other hand, there is a growing interest in using the vitamin C content of acerola as a vitamin supplement.
Acerola properties
Among the properties and benefits of acerola, the exaggerated number of vitamins it contains stands out: A, C, B1, B2, B3 and B6 . In addition, it is also high in minerals such as phosphorus, iron, potassium, magnesium, and calcium .
Acerola benefits
Prevents cold and flu
Acerola's health benefits are mainly due to its richness in vitamin C: it has higher amounts of vitamin C than even oranges and strawberries , and is second only to rosehip. It is also one of the fruits with the most vitamin A that exists.
Vitamin C also produces collagen, protects the mucous membranes, and prevents diseases such as scurvy. In addition, it maintains the functioning of the immune system and helps the body fight infections, viruses and especially colds .
Fight anemia
Rich in iron, acerola can be combined with other foods to combat anemia , which is a deficiency in the concentration of hemoglobin or in the production of red blood cells.
Antioxidant action
Along with vitamin A, vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant, which helps prevent free radical damage and certain diseases .
In addition, being rich in carotenoids (which causes its red color), acerola is capable of inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules. Therefore, another of the important benefits of acerola is that it fights wrinkles, blemishes and other signs of premature aging of the skin.
How to consume acerola
In order to obtain the benefits of acerola, the ideal is to be able to consume the natural fruit. Its flavor tends to be described as sweet, fragrant, and astringent. It is easily eaten raw or cooked on plates.
The best way to obtain the fruit is to grow your own (since it spoils very quickly), and if you do not have a chance, it is best to freeze it as soon as you buy it.
Acerola supplements
As it is difficult to preserve it naturally, the most common way to consume it is through supplements , since the fruit decomposes 5 days after harvest and loses much of its nutritional properties.
The different forms of supplements include:
- capsules
- Chewable pills
- liquid extract
- dust
The powdered supplement is quite popular. Made from powdered and dehydrated acerola juice, it can be mixed into drinks, smoothies, and other juices . You can also make smoothies with the frozen pieces.
The best deals to buy acerola supplements that we have found
References
- Do Socorro, M .; Pérez- Jiménez, J .; Saura, F. (2010). Bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacities of 18 non-traditional tropical fruits from Brazil. Food Chemistry , 121 996–1002
