Acerola Fruit

Acerola Fruit (10% extract)

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata) is an edible tropical fruit that originates from Mexico and from Central and South America. Similar in appearance to a red cherry, this nutrient powerhouse contains 150 phytonutrients and is one of the richest sources of vitamin C on the planet (25 times as much vitamin C as oranges!) This highly nutritious fruit and potent antioxidant is also available in supplement form in many health food stores.

Benefits of Acerola Fruit

An overwhelming body of research supports the many health benefits of consuming this nutrient powerhouse. Including acerola fruit in your diet or taking it as supplements can give you the following amazing health benefits:

Anti-Cancer

According to a 2004 study published in the Phytotherapy Research, acerola fruit extract showed higher cell toxicity against tumor cell lines such as human skin cancer cells and salivary glands cancer cells but it has no effect on normal cells, suggesting that acerola supplementation can be a safe and effective form of cancer treatment.^[1]  

Strong Immune System

There’s no doubt that intake of high doses of vitamin C can boost your immune function, with tons of high quality research supporting its immense benefits on the immune system.^[2] Since acerola is jam-packed with vitamin C, loading up on this nutrient powerhouse can help strengthen the immune system, thus, preventing a wide array of infections and disorders.

Better Vision

A 2006 study found that acerola fruit contains high amounts of carotenoids and bioflavonoids.^[3] These substances are known to protect your eyesight by preventing harmful free radicals from light from damaging your retina.

Healthy Heart

According to a 2013 study published in the Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry, dietary intake of high doses of vitamin C such as from acerola fruit can help prevent heart disease by improving several cardiovascular markers such as blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol level, and markers of inflammation.^[4] 

Weight Loss

There is increasing evidence that higher vitamin C status is associated with lower amount of body fat.^[5] By consuming acerola fruit and supplements, you can get a decent amount of vitamin C and boost your weight loss efforts.

Improved Wound Healing

Clinical studies provide evidence that wound healing in healthy patients recovering from surgery and other injuries can be significantly accelerated with vitamin C supplementation.^[6] Since acerola contains about 25 times as much vitamin C as oranges, this nutrient powerhouse can accelerate the wound healing process.

Anti-Aging

Higher dietary intake of vitamin C such as from acerola fruit can help reverse the signs of aging. Studies suggest that vitamin C supports and stimulates collagen production in the skin, thereby improving the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and other skin imperfections.^[7] In addition, vitamin C has powerful antioxidant properties, which helps neutralize the effect of harmful free radicals.^[8] Researchers believe that free radicals speed up the aging process by damaging the cell’s structure.

References:

1. Motohashi N, Wakabayashi H, Kurihara T, et al. Biological activity of barbados cherry (acerola fruits, fruit of Malpighia emarginata DC) extracts and fractions. Phytother Res. 2004;18(3):212-23.
2. Ströhle A, Hahn A. [Vitamin C and immune function]. Med Monatsschr Pharm. 2009;32(2):49-54.
3. Mezadri T, Fernández-pachón MS, Villaño D, García-parrilla MC, Troncoso AM. [The acerola fruit: composition, productive characteristics and economic importance]. Arch Latinoam Nutr. 2006;56(2):101-9.
4. Chambial S, Dwivedi S, Shukla KK, John PJ, Sharma P. Vitamin C in Disease Prevention and Cure: An Overview. Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry. 2013;28(4):314-328. doi:10.1007/s12291-013-0375-3.
5. Johnston CS, Corte C, Swan PD. Marginal vitamin C status is associated with reduced fat oxidation during submaximal exercise in young adults. Nutrition & Metabolism. 2006;3:35. doi:10.1186/1743-7075-3-35.
6. Ringsdorf WM, Cheraskin E. Vitamin C and human wound healing. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol. 1982;53(3):231-6.
7. Geesin JC, Darr D, Kaufman R, Murad S, Pinnell SR. Ascorbic acid specifically increases type I and type III procollagen messenger RNA levels in human skin fibroblast. J Invest Dermatol. 1988;90(4):420-4.
8. Devasagayam TP, Tilak JC, Boloor KK, Sane KS, Ghaskadbi SS, Lele RD. Free radicals and antioxidants in human health: current status and future prospects. J Assoc Physicians India. 2004;52:794-804.