Acerola High in Vitamin C
Acerola is thought to have originated in the Yucatan. The shrub can grow as high as 5 meters (or 17 feet). Its bright red fruits are as big as a regular cherry and, when ripe, have a pleasant somewhat tart taste. The bushes grow in the wild and in cultivation throughout northeastern Brazil, Jamaica and Central America. Juice from the this cherry is as widespread in Brazil as orange juice is in the U.S.A. This fruit is also called Barbados cherry.
Until the plant camu-camu appeared on the scene, acerola cherries were considered the richest known source of natural vitamin C. Oranges provide 500 to 4,000 parts per million (ppm) of vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, whereas acerola has been found in tests to provide ascorbic acid in a range of 16,000 to 172,000 ppm. The fruit can contain up to 4.5% vitamin C, compared to 0.05% in a peeled orange. The vitamin C content of this fruit varies depending on ripeness, season, climate, and locality. As the fruit begins to ripen, it loses a great deal of its vitamin content; for this reason, most commercially-produced fruit is harvested while still green. Because of its high content of Vitamin C we have chosen this fruit as one of the ingredients in the antioxidant group in our Super Veggies and Greens formulas as well as our Super Max formula.
Researched Health Benefits
Ease the pain of arthritis and gout
Lowers risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers
Helps regulate sleep (high in melatonin)
Lowers total weight and belly fat (University of Michigan research)
Arthritis pain reduction.(They are anti inflammatory)
Reduces the risk of type II diabetes (again anti inflammatory)
May inhibit tumor development (red color anthocyanins)
Barbados Cherries Contains
Vitamin A 4,000 to 12,500 IU per 100 grams
Thiamine
Riboflavin
Niacin (B vitamin)
Calcium
Iron
Bioflavonoids (antioxidants)
Phosphorus
Malic acid
Pantothenic acid
Potassium
Magnesium
Zinc
Fatty Acids (Omegas)
Protein
Fiber
All in all Acerola cherries are a very good food source of many of the nutrients the body need for optimal health. In accordance with the FDA these products are not intended to treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any diseases. Information on this site is given for educational purposes only and is not to replace the advice of your health care professional.
Acerola To Antioxidant Foods
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