Acerola
Barbadoskirsebær,

Malpighia emarginata Acerola

Tags

Vitamin C - diabetes - potassium - anti aging - metabolism - hearth - Digestion

Acerola

What Is Acerola?

Acerola is a shrub or small tree that bears a delicious cherry-like fruit, which is why you usually hear the term acerola cherry", rather than just acerola. Other common names include Barbados cherry and West Indian cherry, but the scientific designation of this tropical fruit is Malpighia emarginata. Native to Mexico, South America, and Central America, this fruit has been prized for thousands of years by various indigenous cultures. It is now widely exported throughout the world and is also cultivated in certain parts of the Indian subcontinent, as well as southern areas of the United States.
In terms of culinary applications, acerola cherries have a distinct flavor and are eaten in much the same way as regular cherries, although they aren't related.

Health Benefits Of Acerola

Manages Diabetes
Recent research has shown that the antioxidants found in acerola cherries can actually help slow the release of sugar into the bloodstream. This regulation of insulin and glucose is a crucial means of preventing diabetic spikes and drops, which can be dangerous (or even deadly) for people suffering from diabetes. Acerola cherries not only help prevent the onset of the condition but also regulate the blood sugar level in healthy individuals.
Prevents Cancer
Acerola cherries contain a diverse mix of antioxidants, including carotenoids and bioflavonoids, both of which neutralize the effects of free radicals in the body. Free radicals are the damaging byproducts of cellular metabolism that cause healthy cells to mutate into cancerous or unhealthy ones, while also exacerbating other serious diseases. In terms of the antioxidants in acerola cherry, they have been linked to slowing the spread of lung cancer in patients suffering from this disease.
Anti-aging Properties
The high level of antioxidants, found in acerola cherries, is not only good for slowing the spread of cancer, but also for generally cleansing the body of dangerous toxins and substances that cause its breakdown. The carotenoids in acerola cherry help protect your eye health and boost the health of your skin, while bioflavonoids help boost your cognitive function and prevent the onset of other age-related diseases.
Boosts Immunity
Acerola cherries have one of the highest contents of vitamin C. For people who want to give a quick boost to their immune system, pop some acerola cherries into your weekly diet and see how much better you'll feel! Vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells, which are the body's primary line of defense against foreign agents and pathogens. Furthermore, vitamin C is a crucial component of collagen, which means that your body can heal itself faster by repairing cells, blood vessels, organs, and tissues from illness or injury.
Improves Metabolism
To keep your body running at a normal pace, you need to regulate your metabolism. One of the most important groups of vitamins which help do that is the vitamin B family. These vitamins, including niacin, riboflavin, and folic acid, help regulate your hormonal and metabolic processes to ensure that your body runs smoothly.
Improves Heart Health
As a rich source of potassium, like many juicy fruits, acerola cherry can also boost heart health. Potassium is a vasodilator, so it helps relieve strain on the cardiovascular system by dilating the blood vessels and increasing blood flow, thereby reducing blood pressure. This can lower your chances of developing atherosclerosis and can also prevent heart attack and stroke. The rich variety of antioxidants also helps keep the cardiovascular system clear of excess cholesterol and free radicals causing oxidative stress.
Aids in Digestion
Although acerola cherries don't have as much fiber as many other fruits, it is still present in a significant amount and can definitely help boost your digestive health. Dietary fiber promotes smooth passage of foodthrough the gastrointestinal tract, which relieves constipation, bloating, diarrhea, cramping, and more serious issues like gastric ulcers. Furthermore, dietary fiber even helps clear out the dangerous cholesterol from the heart.