Health Benefits of Eating Acerola Cherry
- Acerola cherries or Barbados cherries are among the fruits with highest antioxidant activity. Same as blueberries and acai berries, acerola cherries are rich in the powerful polyphenol known as anthocyanin. One of the most important health properties of antioxidants is to fight against the free radicals and help prevent various diseases especially cancer.
- Anthocyanin found in this super fruit also functions as an effective anti-inflammatory. It relieves pain and cure headaches in a natural way. The compound is also useful in healing sore throat and treating fever.
- Acerola cherries are an excellent source of vitamin C, three times more than the content in oranges. Besides scavenging on the harmful free radicals, the potent antioxidant also aids in maintaining healthy connective tissues and skin as well as boosting the body’s immune system. Vitamin C contained in the unripe acerola is always higher than those found in the ripe fruit. Acerola juices and extracts as well as acerola powders are always promoted for having these health advantages.
- These nutritious berries also contain an abundance of essential vitamin A. Research has found that foods loaded with the strong antioxidant vitamin are good for the vision and help protect against certain critical eye diseases like macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts.
- Barbados cherries are also a significant source of folate, an important vitamin that assists in creating new body cells. Scientific studies have found that folate is vital for pregnant women due to their capability of protecting the newborn babies from mental retardation and enervating diseases.
- The super berries also provide you with great amount of essential minerals like potassium, calcium, iron and phosphorus. Potassium is capable of regulating your heart rates and blood pressure, while the existence of iron improves the capacity of blood in transporting oxygen in your body. Both calcium and phosphorus contribute to build stronger teeth and bones.
- Acerola cherries are low in calories, supplying only 32 kcal in a cup of fresh berries. That is why they are a healthy and nutritious diet and beneficial to your weight loss plan.
- It is also believe that the fruit is a natural remedy for some health conditions like diarrhea, constipation and weak liver.
Facts about Acerola Cherries
Acerola (scientific name Malpighia glabra) is a tree originated from Central and Southern America. It yields edible berries that look like cherries. The fruit is called by various other names such as West Indies cherry, Puerto Rican cherry and Barbados cherry. On the other hand, the plant is called Semeruco and Cereza in South America.
It is categorized as a super fruit due to its high nutrient content. Barbados cherries are eaten fresh or preserved by the South Americans and the trees are commonly used as ornamental tree in the south of the U.S. In certain countries, particularly Puerto Rico, acerola is highly valued due to its dietary benefits.
Acerola plant can grow to nearly 3 meters. It features strong branches and simple evergreen leaves. The five-petal white to pink flowers yield small deep orange to red berries.
Acerola Cherries Nutrition Facts and Calories
| Nutritional Value of 1 cup (98 g) Raw Acerola Cherries |
| Calories |
31 kcal |
| Total Fat |
0 g |
| Cholesterol |
0 mg |
| Sodium |
7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates |
8 g |
| Dietary Fiber |
1 g |
| Sugars |
- |
| Protein |
0 g |
Acerola Cherry Recipe
Acerola Smoothie Recipe
Serve: 2
Ingredients:
- 1 cup acerola cherries
- 1/2 cup blackberries
Preparation:
- Place the acerolas, blackberries into the blender and add a large glass of plain water. Blend for 50 seconds on full power. Serve immediately.
Acerola Side Effects
Acerola should be safe to consume for most individuals. However, it is believed that individuals with latex allergy may also be allergic to acerola cherry as well.
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