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Acerola Cherry
Acerola cherry is juicy, often as much sour as sweet in flavor and very high in vitamin C and other nutrients. It is incredible and unbelievable that one tiny cherry has a higher vitamin C content than an orange. Specifically, the vitamin C content is 65 times greater than an orange, which means one cherry has a vitamin C content that is equal to the minimum daily recommended requirements. It is one of the richest sources of vitamin C in fruit, second only to camu-camu. The acerola cherry also contains approximately double the magnesium, potassium and vitamin B5, as an orange. They are known to have high levels of vitamin A, often equal to that of raw carrots. In addition to vitamins A, B and C, acerola cherries also contain the key minerals calcium, iron, and phosphorus. As well as these powerful essential vitamins and minerals, acerola cherries also contain other health promoting plant compounds such as flavonoids and anthocyanins that are part of a bigger category of health compounds called polyphenols. Acerola even boasts a novel flavonoid so far only discovered in only these cherries(3), though that does not rule out the possibility that this compound could also be present but undiscovered in other fruits. Medicinal Uses Based On Scientific Studies The Acerola cherry is considered beneficial to patients with liver disorders, diarrhea and dysentery(7), as well as those with coughs or colds. The juice may be gargled to relieve a sore throat; another great benefit of vitamin C. Acerola is also known to strengthen the immune system (5),(6),(7) due to the high vitamin C content, prevent heart disease, and protect against cancer(1),(4). Though there are few published medical studies with acerola cherries, there are some in vitro and animal studies that look quite promising. For example, one study showed that acerola may increase the cholesterol lowering ability of soy and alfalfa(2) and another demonstrated antifungal properties of the fruit. The Acerola cherry is now being used in cosmetics due to its high vitamin C and mineral content, since these nutrients are now known to be excellent anti-aging skin treatments. Polyphenols from acerola have been shown in mice to reduce blood glucose levels, giving hope of anti-diabetic effects. References 1. Faloon, W. (2006). FDA threatens to raid cherry orchards. Life Extension Magazine, March 2006. Retrieved November 3, 2007 from http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2006/mar2006_awsi_01.htm. 2. Hwang J, Hodis HN, Sevanian A. (2001). Soy and alfalfa phytoestrogen extracts become potent low-density lipoprotein antioxidants in the presence of acerola cherry extract. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 49(1):308-14.
2. Kawaguchi M, Tanabe H, Nagamine K. (2007). Isolation and characterization of a novel flavonoid possessing a 4,2''-glycosidic linkage from green mature acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) fruit. Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry, 71(5):1130-5. 3. Kiefer, I., Prock, P., Lawrence, C., Wise, J., Bieger, W. Bayer, P., et al. (2004). Supplementation with mixed fruit and vegetable juice concentrates increased serum antioxidants and folate in healthy adults. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 23(3), 205-211. 4. Nantz, M. P., Rowe, C. A., Nieves, Jr., C., & Percival, S. S. (2006). Immunity and antioxidant capacity in humans is enhanced by consumption of a dried, encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice concentrate. Journal of Nutrition, 136, 2606-2610 5. Simopoulos, A. P., Gopalan, C. (eds). (2003). Plants in human health and nutrition policy. World Review of Nutrition and Dietetics, 91, 67-75. 6. Xu, B. J., Yuan, S. H., & Chang, S. K. C. (2007). Comparative studies on the antioxidant activities of nine common food legumes against copper-induced human low-density lipoprotein oxidation: In vitro. Journal of Food Science, 72(7), S522–S527.
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