Learning About Acerola and its Benefits
Acerola has gotten a lot of attention lately, and for good reason! Recently dubbed as yet another all-natural “super food”, acerola is a potent “cherry” that contains levels of vitamin C that rival the levels contained in an orange and contains anti-aging and antioxidant properties that can help keep us young and healthy.
But what exactly is acerola and why is it any better than those other supplements or “super foods” that we have been hearing about lately?
What is Acerola?
It’s first necessary to understand just what exactly acerola is. Acerola has several other names besides its scientific name: malphighia emarginata. It also commonly goes by the names of acerola cherry, Barbados cherry, Wild Capermyrtle and Wild Indian Cherry.
Acerola cherries grow from tropical fruit-bearing trees and/or shrubs that can be found in a number of hot, humid areas, such as: southern USA, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, Bahia, Brazil and Peru.
How can Acerola Supplements Benefit Me?
Acerola contains almost 3000% more vitamin C than an orange. Vitamin C offers several benefits to us, such as:
It is an antioxidant, meaning that it helps protect us from free radicals. Free radicals are often responsible for cancers, heart disease, and signs of aging.
Vitamin C also helps produce collagen, a substance that helps hold your cells together (so it will help prevent those wrinkles!)
Your immune system is protected with help from vitamin C. If you choose to take an acerola supplement, expect to have less colds and flues this year!
Acerola has been used for years by natives and natural healers for a number of health issues, such as:
diarrhea
coughing
colds
sore throats
dysentery
bleeding gums
pressure sores
tooth decay
hay fever
depression
physical endurance
Acerola has become so renowned for its health benefits that it is being added to several popular name-brand products, such as different candies and alcoholic beverages.
Is there anything I should consider before taking acerola?
As with any change that you make to your diet, beginning an acerola supplement regime may leave you with temporary cramps, nausea, sleepiness and/or insomnia. Some people also suffer from temporary severe gas.
Those who are pregnant and/or nursing should also take any acerola supplements with caution, as there are limited studies on the safety of acerola on babies.
Those who suffer from gout are warned to stay away from acerola, as the vitamin C contained within this cherry may boost uric acid levels and worsen the symptoms of gout.
Kidney stones may also result if acerola or vitamin C is taken in large doses on a regular basis.
Most importantly, if you have ay concerns or questions about any sort of supplements or changes to your diet, it is always best to speak to your physician, a nutritionist, or a natural health professional. They will be able to give you an individual assessment of how an acerola supplement will benefit your life.
