6 Powerful Health Benefits of Acerola Cherry

May 18, 2017

Acerola, also known as “Barbados cherry,” is an evergreen shrub found in tropical regions throughout the world including the southern United States. The plant produces small fruits that contain up to 65 times more vitamin C than the average orange. Acerola has hundreds of years of history as a traditional medicine in the Amazon.

Nutrient Powerhouse

Rich in proteins, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It is exceeded in vitamin C content only by the camu camu berry. Other notable nutrients include vitamins A, B1, B2, magnesium, and potassium. Acerola is also a considerable source of bioflavonoids and carotenoids which contribute to the antioxidant activity of the fruit.

This suite of nutrients leads to quite impressive benefits for the overall health of the body. Here are 6 powerful health benefits of acerola cherry.

1 ) Immune Health

The abundance of vitamin C in acerola cherry boosts the immune system by aiding in the proliferation of killer T-cells, which are the first line of our body’s defense against foreign particles and pathogens.

Vitamin C also stimulates other important parts of the immune system including lymphocytes, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and antibodies.

Vitamin C can also enhance the production of a signaling protein called interferon. Interferon helps prevent cells from being infected by a virus and is even theorized to have an effect on the DNA and RNA sequencing of invading viruses.

2 ) Eye Health

Acerola is rich in vitamin A, and carotenoids such as lutein, beta-carotene and beta- cryptoxanthin, all of which are known to benefit the structure and function of the eyes.

These nutrients have been shown to affect your eye health by improving night vision, preventing the development of cataracts, delaying the onset of age-related macular degeneration, and reducing the risk of conditions like retinitis pigmentosa.

3 ) Antioxidant Action

The vitamin C found in acerola serves as a building block for the body’s “master antioxidant” glutathione. Glutathione works in conjunction with the other antioxidant carotenoids and bioflavonoids in acerola to combat free-radicals. Free radicals are byproducts of cell metabolism that can cause healthy cells to mutate. Therefore, these antioxidants play a beneficial role in cell health.

4 ) Cardiovascular Health

Acerola is a rich source of potassium. Potassium has been shown to be incredibly beneficial for heart health. As a vasodilator, potassium relieves strain on the cardiovascular system by dilating blood vessels, increasing blood flow, and reducing blood pressure.

The antioxidants in acerola can help clear the arteries of excess cholesterol and combat the free radicals that can oxidize cholesterol and damage the arterial walls.

5 ) Manage Diabetes

Acerola is a rich source of antioxidant polyphenols that help to keep the blood sugar levels under control. Research has shown that the antioxidants found in acerola can actually help slow the release of sugar into the bloodstream. This causes a regulation of insulin and glucose in a manner that prevents dangerous deviations in blood sugar common to people suffering from diabetes.

Regular consumption of acerola has even been shown to prevent the onset of diabetes. A study of the effects of acerola juice on the glycemic profile and lipid metabolism in rats showed a significant decrease in the levels of glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol and an increase in HDL (good cholesterol).

6 ) Skin Health

Vitamin C is crucial for the synthesis of collagen, the building block of healthy skin. Adequate collagen production supports a toned and youthful appearance of the skin by increasing elasticity and reducing wrinkles. Acerola also contains anthocyanins which help prevent inflammation of the skin tissue.

The vitamin A content of acerola beautifies and nourishes the skin. Vitamin A helps protect the skin from sun damage and encourages healthy skin cell production.

How to Eat Acerola

The acerola cherry quickly degrades once harvested and is therefore rarely eaten raw. The most common form of acerola on the market is a powdered extract. This creates a stable, versatile, and condensed supplement that supplies all the nutrients without worrying about spoilage.

Acerola extract can easily be added to smoothies, dressings, baked goods, or even taken in a capsule.

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