Acerola: The Vitamin C Superpower

In the World of Vitamin C, There’s an Old Kid on the Block!

There is a shrub-like tree that is native to Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean that grows fruit, which looks like a cross between a cranberry and crabapple. It is a fruit that many in the United States have not heard of, but it can be an amazing force in the battle against #disease: ACEROLA.

According to Web MD Acerola cherries can be used to prevent Vitamin C deficiency, however there is insufficient evidence for other claims like:

• Cancer prevention
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Liver disorders
• Preventing heart disease
• Tooth decay
• Treating the common cold

Improvement in brain function is another claim boasted by those who have studied Acerola cherries. According to yoursuper.com, who quotes from US National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health:

Thanks to its high levels of anthocyanins, these berries can improve the function of brain receptors and help protect against memory loss and other cognitive disorders.

Due to its high level of antioxidants, acerola can also reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that cause damage to brain cells and neurons.

Though clinical trials are still scarce, plant-derived antioxidants offer promising evidence in slowing down progression of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease.

What Are the Side Effects of Vitamin C?

We know Vitamin C is a naturally occurring vitamin in many known fruits and vegetables like lemons, oranges, peppers, spinach, etc. Just one-half cup (49 grams) of red acerola cherries (Malpighia emarginata) delivers 822 mg of vitamin C, or 913% of the DV. With this mega amount here are things to consider:

Not enough is known about the use of acerola during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Vitamin C can increase iron absorption, which might make these conditions worse. Avoid large amounts of acerola due to its vitamin C content.

In large doses, acerola might increase the chance of getting kidney stones. That’s because of the vitamin C in acerola.

People with latex allergy might also react to acerola.

Where Can You Find Acerola in the United States?

I have seen and purchased acerola drinks in the dairy and juice aisles of some local mexican stores that do business in urban neighborhoods. Various forms of Acerola can also be purchased and delivered to you from Amazon so that you can make your own drinks.

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Pure Acerola Cherry Powder Organic, Natural and Organic Vitamin C Powder (Immune Vitamin) for Immune System Booster, 8 Ounce, Best Superfoods for Beverage, Smoothie and Drinks, Vegan Friendly

References:

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-608/acerola

https://yoursuper.com/pages/acerola-benefits

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-c-foods#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3