Acerola

Overview

Acerola is a shrub or small tree that is native to Central America, northern South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The fruit is similar to a cherry and is a deep red color when ripe. It is a rich source of vitamin C.

Acerola is commonly used by mouth to prevent vitamin C deficiency, and to treat scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. It is also used for the common cold, diarrhea, liver problems, and other conditions. But there is limited scientific research to support these other uses.

Classification

Is a Form Of:

Shrub native to Central America, northern South America, Mexico and the Carribean

Primary Functions:

Prevention of Vitamin C deficiency

Also Known As:

Acérola, Acerola Cherry, Antilles Cherry, Barbados Cherry

How Does It Work?

The health benefits of acerola are likely due to its vitamin C content.

Uses

  • As a source of vitamin C to prevent deficiency.
  • Cancer prevention.
  • Depression.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Liver disorders.
  • Preventing heart disease.
  • Tooth decay.
  • Treating the common cold.
  • Other conditions.

Recommended Dosing

The appropriate dose of acerola depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for acerola. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Acerola Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What is acerola good for?

It is rich in vitamin C, and also contains vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. Acerola is used to treat or prevent scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. Acerola is also used for preventing heart disease, “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), blood clots, and cancer.

Is acerola better than ascorbic acid?

It has been reported that the vitamin C of acerola is better absorbed by human beings than the synthetic ascorbic acid (Assis et al. 2008). Uchida et al. (2011) studied the comparison between absorption and excretion of ascorbic acid alone and acerola juice in healthy Japanese subjects.

What is acerola superfruit?

December 04, 2018. Published In: Acerola is a small fruit which is one of the best sources of nutrients. This superfruit has what it takes in terms of nutrients. In particular, its vitamin C content is a reference for the nutraceutical industry.

Is acerola a good source of vitamin C?

Acerola is a natural source of vitamin C, whose content of ranges from 1000 to 4500 mg/100 g, which is around 50–100 times that of orange or lemon

What is acerola fruit in English?

Malpighia emarginata is a tropical fruit-bearing shrub or small tree in the family Malpighiaceae. Common names include acerola cherry (Spanish pronunciation: [aθeˈɾola], Brazilian Portuguese: [aseˈɾɔlɐ], European Portuguese: [ɐsɨˈɾɔlɐ], Barbados cherry, West Indian cherry, wild crepe myrtle and seriz (Haitian Creole).

Where can I buy acerola?

Acerola is a shrub or small tree that is native to Central America, northern South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The fruit is similar to a cherry and is a deep red color when ripe. It is a rich source of vitamin C.

Is acerola good for skin?

Acerola is most well-known for being extremely rich in vitamin C. Similar to witch hazel, acerola cherry is an astringent. This could make it helpful for treating skin blemishes, promoting skin elasticity, and aiding digestive issues. It may even have use as an antimicrobial mouth wash.

What is organic acerola powder?

Flora's premium Acerola Powder is pure juice powder pressed from organically grown acerola cherries and dried at a low temperature to retain the fruits potent nutrient profile. Flora's Acerola Powder has a delightful, tart taste and blends well into smoothies, juice, and yogurt.

Clinical Studies