What Is West Indian Cherry Superfruit and Why Is It Good for You?
In Central America and in a lot of tropical places around the world, the West Indian cherry superfruit has been used as traditional medicine.
These days, it is among the many fruits that people eat to help improve one’s health. The West Indian cherry is famous for other names like acerola cherry, Barbados cherry, wild crape myrtle, manzanita, grosella, and many others.
It is not your typical fruit. The West Indian cherry might be tiny, but it packs vitamin C which is about 2,000 up to 4,600 milligrams for every 100 grams serving of the fruit.
Find out more about this superfood and all of the acerola health benefits.
What Is West Indian Cherry?
The West Indian cherry superfruit is a tree that grows about 15 feet tall and has broad and spreading branches with evergreen leaves. It produces small pink flowers and bears tiny bright red fruits. The fruit is usually round in shape to oblate with three-lobed seeds.
Acerola is a native of southern Texas and West Indies as well as in some parts of northern America. In the United States, it has become a common ornamental plant, and the fruits can be eaten fresh or used in making jellies and jams.
What Is West Indian Cherry Good For?
West Indian cherry is among the richest food sources of vitamin C. It also contains other essential nutrients like beta-carotene which is comparable to carrots. Moreover, it also supplies niacin, magnesium, potassium, B-vitamins, and pantothenic acid.
The vitamin content of the acerola cherry is at its highest before the fruit ripens or when it is still green. That way, it can provide a lot of health benefits.
- Treat Allergies
Studies have shown that regular consumption of acerola cherry can help reduce allergy problems. It is mainly because of its high vitamin C content which acts as a natural antihistamine.
- Prevent Atherosclerosis
Another benefit of the West Indian cherry’s massive amount of vitamin C is helping regulate blood-fat levels. It is useful in reversing severe atherosclerosis.
- Fight Aging
The antioxidant properties of the fruit are also helpful in preventing oxidative damages in the body which cause aging.
- Prevent Colds and Flu
Taking acerola regularly can help boost the immune system, especially when it comes to fighting common conditions like colds and flu.
- Reduce Risk of Developing Glaucoma
The vitamin C in acerola cherry is also vital in reducing the fluid pressure within the eyeballs which in turn minimizes the risk of developing glaucoma.
Most of the benefits of the West Indian cherry superfruit comes from its vitamin C content, and you can experience its benefits if you take supplements like 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.