Acerola Cherry – Acerola Cherry Health Benefits

The acerola cherry (Malpighia glabra), also known as the Acerola, Barbados cherry, or wild crapemyrtle (crape myrtle – crepe myrtle), is a cherry type native to the West Indies and northern South America and is now being cultivated even in India. This cherry resembles your typical bright red one, containing 2-3 seeds. It grows on a shrub, often with a thorny crown, that reaches about 3 meters in height when fully developed.

Acerola Cherry Health Benefits

Historically, acerola cherries have been used to treat dysentery and fever. New research has suggested that this cherry is anti-inflammatory and astringent. In addition, this cherry contains a high vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium content. It has been found to have over 150 phytonutrients in it.

Reportedly the richest source of vitamin C among fruits, the cherry is known far and wide for its health benefits, such as helping with the functioning of the immune system and bowel movements. However, this tropical antioxidant fruit cultivated mainly in the Caribbean, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, and India is a superfruit in its vitamin C content.

A single cherry of relatively small size contains 65 times more vitamin C than an orange. In other words, the vitamin C content in one cherry equals the minimum daily requirement for your body. Isn’t that amazing? Who would imagine such a small fruit could pack such a healthy punch? On top of that, human bodies absorb vitamin C from cherries better than supplements. That’s just one more reason to trade in your vitamin pills for fresh fruit.

Because of this, the cherry can help boost your immune system, strengthen your liver, improve the condition of your skin, and increase your body’s ability to repair its tissues quickly. Colds, infections, hair loss, and dental problems are no match for the cherry. Its high potassium levels can elevate mood, regulate heart function, and keep blood pressure in check. In addition, the folate in cherries will help your body form new cells, reduce the risk of heart disease, and protect children against future mental health problems.

This unique type of cherry has been used for centuries to treat ailments like dysentery and fever. However, the hidden fighter in this fruit is the supply of vitamin C it packs.

Antioxidant Properties of the Cherry

The cherry contains anthocyanins, which are highly anti-inflammatory substances. This means it’s excellent at relieving headaches. Eating an acerola cherry can have the same effect as taking ibuprofen or aspirin for your headache. In addition, the cherry is an excellent source of vitamin A, a known antioxidant.

One hundred grams of an acerola cherry contains up to 1017 IU of carotene. Regular intake of vitamin A improves vision while reducing the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. In addition, the cherry’s antioxidant properties mean it works to fight free radicals, which can harm your skin.

Eating more cherries leads to healthier, firmer skin. In addition, the antioxidants, such as carotenoids and bioflavonoids, in cherries will reduce your chance of developing cancer or heart disease, both of which have become legitimate concerns in modern society. Consuming antioxidant-rich fruits is a simple way to prevent these issues while indulging in some delicious and exotic fruits.

More Information on the Acerola Cherry:

Learn more about Antioxidants in Tart Cherries.

Thinking about cooking with cherries? You can always check out our Fruit Recipe Page to find unique recipes for specific fruits on this site.

Or be sure to check out Antioxidant-fruits.com’s fresh cherry recipes as well.

Read and learn more about cherries by visiting these pages on antioxidant-fruits.com!:

• Acerola Cherry
• Antioxidants in Tart Cherries
• Cherry General Information
• Fresh Cherry Recipes
• Health Benefits of Cherries
• Types of Cherries

Top Products Containing the Acerola Cherry:

• Calcium Pyruvate 90 VegiCaps
• 100% Natural Vitamin C from Acerola Cherry 365 Capsule
• Pure Acerola Cherry Powder Organic
• Natural Vitamin C Vitamins Acerola Powder-1 Lb

Do you have a recipe with the Acerola Cherry in it? If so, please include it in the comments below, or feel free to contact us.