Basic Facts You Need to Know About Acerola Cherries
Do you know that acerola cherries are technically not cherries? Acerola cherry is becoming a trend these days in the realm of healthy eating and natural remedies. It is contained in many products like vitamins, health drinks, and the like. However, it is still not as well-known as other berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. But what do we really know about this fruit? How is it any better than other fruits and berries in term of nutritional value?
Basic Facts About Acerola Cherry
Acerola cherry is an evergreen tree or a large shrub that usually grows in warm climates. The name of this fruit varies in different parts of the globe. It is also called a wild crepe myrtle, Barbados cherry, and West Indian cherry. It can be found in Central America, South America, Texas, Florida, and California. However, it is known to originate in Mexico.
This fruit, when ripe,has a bright red color and is about one to three cm in size. Each fruit weighs around three to five grams. Acerola Cherries are highly perishable. The unripe fruit is green in color and takes three to four weeks to reach its full maturity.
Nutritional Values
Vitamin C is the most prominent nutrient found in acerola cherries. In fact, it has a lot more Vitamin C content than oranges. A cup or acerola cherries contains approximately 1,644 mg of Vitamin C which is a lot more than the Recommended Daily Average for both men and women.
Additionally, acerola cherries are also rich in antioxidants. Some of the antioxidant contents of this fruit are carotenoids and polyphenols. It is also high in dietary fiber needed for healthy digestion.
Uses
Because of the high nutritional values of acerola cherries, it has several health benefits. It is used for weight-loss because it is low in calorie and fat-free. The dietary fiber in the fruit also helps flush out wastes from the body.
Also, because of the antioxidant contents of the fruit, it is also considered as a beauty food. It is known to prevent premature aging, and helps maintain healthy hair and skin.
Acerola cherries can also help in lowering the risks of certain diseases and medical conditions such as cataracts, arthritis, and even cancer.
In different cultures acerola cherries are used as an ornament. Being a shrub, Japanese use it in making bonsai. It is also used as decorative plants on tabletops, living rooms, and kitchens in Latin America.
Therefore, acerola cherries are indeed nutritious and would make a healthy addition to your diet. It even tastes great. Other than fresh acerola fruit or juice, add nutrients to your meals with the Organic & Kosher Freeze Dried PURE Acerola Cherry Capsules.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure any diseases.