Skip to Content

Acerola Cherry – Acerola Cherry Health Benefits

Share this post:

What Is the Acerola Cherry?

Malpighia glabra (red acerola), tropical fruit on wooden table
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

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.

All products featured on the site are independently selected by the editor of Antioxidant Fruits, Jenny Dean. However, we may earn an affiliate commission when you buy something through our links. You can read our full disclosure at the bottom of the page.

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.

acerola fruit close up photo
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

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.

Acerola fruit close up
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

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!:

Top Products Containing the Acerola Cherry:

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.

+ posts
Share this post:

Michael Arroyo

Tuesday 19th of September 2017

If you have Acerola cherries and would like to send some to me I would be happy to pay you for them.

LisaB

Thursday 16th of June 2011

I have two of these bushes in my yard and just harvested 3 lbs of these cherries. The bush blooms and produces year-round. I really would like to find a recipe for them so I can preserve them. I am diabetic, so I cant use sugar. Any suggestions, anyone?

Lynn

Saturday 3rd of March 2012

I have cancer and grew up with a tree in my yard but now as a us citizen I can't find it. I think it is what staved of my childhood cancer a bit. May I buy some seeds to plant from you please?

swathi

Tuesday 18th of January 2011

where can i get cheeris in india i want to by them.in india that to in hyderabad or visakhapatnam................. plz help me out........

Hello

Thursday 13th of January 2011

Hi,

Bolthouse Farms has a cheap smoothie drink you can get at almost anystore called C-boost. This drink contains 29 acerola cherries per bottle! It has 2400% vitamin C (real, not ascorbic acid) per bottle as well. This is what turned me on and I bought it. I never knew it had these cherries and real C in it, so I always passed it up. Well the drink has helped me a lot, and I just started it 2 days ago. I would recommend it. You probably only need one per day. I also like their perfectly protein drinks. That's a good source of protein. Just reserached on google today...and just as I thought, you can survive off these drinks. They fill me up I noticed and I am not able to eat food with them. Hey, that's great. Keep all those garbage chemicals in our food out of my body. If I'm never hungry...I could care less about eating!

Linda

Sunday 7th of November 2010

Where can I purchase fresh acerola cherries or are they available fresh in the US? I see lots of powders, etc., but would like to know where to buy FRESH. Thank you.

admin

Sunday 7th of November 2010

Linda,

I would try Whole Foods. - but I have no idea if they sell them fresh.

You might also pose the question on the Antioxidant-fruits.com Facebook page to see if other folks have suggestions.

Thanks for inquiring.

Jenny