Acerola and its attributes

1. What is acerola?

2. Activity and properties of the acerola fruit

3. Acerola for the offspring?

1. What is acerola?

Acerola is a perennial green shrub, the name of which is a cherry from Barbados. It is found mainly in Central America, and more specifically in the Canary Islands, and from there it reaches Europe. It was originally used to treat a variety of ailments in both children and adults. However, over time, the fruit of this plant has been used primarily as a natural dietary supplement and a great alternative to synthetic nutrients.

2. Activity and properties of the acerola fruit

Given the popularity and effectiveness of acerola, the question arises: what really determines the extraordinary properties of this fruit? The biggest advantage of Barbados cherries is that they have a high content of ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C. The content of this acid can be as high as 2.5 g in a serving of 100 g of pomegranate acerola fruit. Therefore, it is easy to calculate that consuming just four acerola fruits can meet the daily requirement for vitamin C. In addition, the ascorbic acid content in Barbados cherries is considered to be the highest single dose of this substance. Acerola can successfully serve as an alternative to black currants, parsley or oranges, which are known as the main sources of this nutrient. Vitamin C is one of the essential compounds required for the proper functioning of the human body. In addition to exhibiting strong antioxidant properties, it plays a crucial role in many processes. Ascorbic acid is used in the production of collagen that strengthens joints and skin, regulates blood pressure and heart function, and effectively strengthens the immune system against harmful microorganisms. This compound is particularly recommended after a long illness, when the body needs time to gradually regenerate. However, it should be noted that excessive intake of vitamin C can have negative consequences, such as disturbances in kidney function and impairment of the urinary system. In practice, acerola is used in various forms, such as dried fruit, lozenges or tablets containing powdered acerola, juices and extracts of pomegranate acerola fruit, which can be taken orally or applied topically. Acerola is often a component of cosmetics such as creams and regenerating masks. However, this is not the end of the beneficial properties of acerola. The Barbados cherry is also rich in other healthy ingredients, including very strong antioxidants such as carotenoids, which are found in 17 different forms. In addition to strongly acting anthocyanins, cleansing flavonoids and detoxifying glucosides, it contains the highest proportion of beta-carotene, also known as provitamin A.

3. Acerola for the offspring?

It is widely recognized that children require the most careful attention and best solutions when it comes to their health, which is why acerolas, like other sources of vitamin C, are very important for the young. A child's digestive system can react negatively to synthetic supplements or dissolved forms of ascorbic acid. Therefore, using acerola juice or fruit is a good solution, which can be successfully used as an addition to desserts or as a substitute for sweets.