Acerola and Health: The Best Way to Get Your Daily Vitamin C
Mar 6, 20255 minute read
Acerola fruit has several names. In scientific language, we call it Malpighia emarginata. Some other names are West Indian cherry or Barbados cherry. It is filled with vitamins and antioxidants, making it also known as a superfruit. Its ideal habitat is a warm, tropical one.
Its color is bright red, and acerola is now regarded as one of the most nutritious fruits worldwide.
One of its important properties is that it has a large amount of vitamin C.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits, scientific research, and various uses of this incredible fruit.
A Powerhouse of Nutrition
Acerola contains nutrients that are important in maintaining health. For example, a hundred grams of acerola contains:
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Calcium, potassium, iron and phosphorus
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B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin) and B1.
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Also contains anthocyanins, carotenoids, Polyphenols and flavonoids. These are responsible for its antioxidant properties.
Scientific Research on Acerola’s Vitamin C Absorption
A clinical study compared the bioavailability of vitamin C from acerola fruit compared to synthetic ascorbic acid.
Male subjects (between twenty-two and twenty-six years old) took either 100 ml of acerola juice (50 mg vitamin C) or a vitamin C tablet of different strengths. The results showed:
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Higher plasma vitamin C levels in those who consumed acerola juice
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Enhanced cellular uptake due to the presence of polyphenols
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Lower urinary excretion, indicating better retention
These findings show that acerola provides better vitamin C retention and absorption as compared to vitamin C supplements.
Health Benefits of Acerola
1. Immune System Boost
Vitamin C is useful for the immune system to function properly. It supports both types of immunity: innate and also adaptive immunity. It helps the body fight diseases and infections alike.
Research shows that vitamin C produces white blood cells, the body’s primary defense against pathogens.
Acerola’s natural polyphenols and flavonoids make the response of the immune system stronger. This makes it a far better option than vitamin C tablets.
2. Antioxidant Properties
Free radicals are molecules that cause stress to the body. This can damage the cells and cause aging and also diseases of the heart and brain. Acerola is rich in antioxidants that get rid of free radicals and oxidative stress. Studies suggest that polyphenols in acerola work as partners with vitamin C, increasing both its effect and bioavailability too.
3. Skin Health
Vitamin C is good for collagen production, a protein that makes skin elastic and anti-aging.
Acerola can improve skin and reduce wrinkles. It can also protect against ultraviolet rays from the sun.
It is said that acerola extract is better than vitamin C supplements in producing collagen. That’s why it’s a popular ingredient in skincare products.
4. Heart Health
Acerola is good for heart health in many ways.
Inflammation means something is wrong with the heart. Acerola has antioxidants that can lower inflammation.
Flavonoids and polyphenols in acerola decrease bad cholesterol and the risk of blood clots. Vitamin C dilates blood vessels and improves circulation.
A study showed that acerola can lower blood pressure.
5. Digestive Health
Acerola contains dietary fiber, which helps in digestion and also prevents constipation. It also increases the amount of beneficial bacteria in the body. Some studies also indicate that acerola can protect the gut from damage. And also reduces the risk of problems like leaky gut syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome.
6. Aids in weight management.
Recent animal studies suggest that acerola may help regulate metabolism and reduce fat accumulation.
One study found that mice fed acerola extract had lower body fat than those on a normal diet.
While human studies are needed, the fruit’s high fiber may help in weight loss.
7. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
A research study indicated that acerola extract lowered levels of inflammation in the participants. This is a profound solution for people with such problems.
Many diseases, such as diabetes, arthritis, and even cancer, are associated with long-term inflammation.
The high anti-inflammatory quality of acerola's polyphenols may alleviate the suffering of people with inflammation.
How to Use Acerola?
1. Fresh Consumption
Acerola is tangy and can be eaten fresh.
2. Cooking and desserts
Acerola can be used in cooking to make jams, sauces for seafood and jellies.
3. Powders and supplements
Acerola powder is also an easy way to use the fruit. It can be added to smoothies and cakes. Many health supplements also add acerola extract for the vitamin C.
At Curated Wellness, we have a wide range of supplements that you can choose from. This can reduce the issues created by a lack of vitamin C and give your lifestyle the boost you need. Usually, it is difficult to source natural acerola, and our supplements are here to fix that.
Research indicates people who supplement their diet with acerola achieve lower body fat measurements than those who do not use the supplement.
The observational design of these studies indicates that this fruit's fiber content combined with its metabolism-boosting abilities makes it an excellent weight management tool.
Get more Vitamin C naturally with Acerola.
Oranges and lemons are often praised for their vitamin C, but acerola contains 100 times more.
This superfruit offers plenty of health benefits, including healthier skin, a stronger immune system, and better heart function. It can be consumed fresh, as a juice concentrate, or in powdered form.
We know it can be tricky to find acerola in supermarkets. That’s where Curated Wellness comes in. Our vitamin C collection offers easy-to-use options like supplements and acerola powder, delivered straight to your door!
Top Acerola product recommendations:
Acerola cherries contain natural vitamin C, which packs an antioxidant punch and helps maintain a healthy immune system. Acerola cherries are the richest plant source of vitamin C, providing 14 times more vitamin C than oranges. 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.
Stellar C™ is rich in vitamin C (from a mixture of ascorbic acid and acerola fruit) and plant bioflavonoids (hesperidin, rutin, quercetin and mixed citrus bioflavonoids), known for their immunoprotective properties. In addition to supporting healthy immune function, these nutrients have been used historically for applications such as maintaining healthy veins, capillaries, skin, hair and nails by supporting normal collagen production and repair.
Vitamin Code Kids Chewable Multi
Made with individually “grown” nutrients utilizing probiotic cultivation to produce RAW Food-Created Nutrients™, Vitamin Code supplements are delivered in a whole food base of fruits and vegetables. Vitamin Code supplements are RAW, which not only means that they are produced below 115º F, but also means that these nutrients come with their natural cofactors, along with live probiotics and enzymes, just like raw foods! Vitamin Code raw powders are delivered in capsules without any binders or fillers—everything you want and nothing you don’t want.
