Acerola (also known as barbados cherry or wild crapemyrtle) is a tropical fruit-bearing shrub. It is found in southern Texas, through Mexico and to Peru and Brazil in South America. Acerola is also cultivated in India.
Acerola is one of the richest forms of Viamin C (4,500 mg/100 g); compared to peeled oranges (50 mg/100g). The amount of Vitamin C varies with ripeness of Acerola. It is highest in green and lowest in fully-ripened. The best way to store acerola and preserve it’s freshness and Vitamin C is to freeze it. Acerola also contains high levels of Vitamin A (12,500 UI/100 g, roughly the same level as carrots) It also contains phosphorus, malic acid, pantothenic acid, potassium, magnesium, dextros, fructos, and sucrose, protein, fiber, lipids, and fatty acids.
Acerola does not have much clinical research since it is mainly used as a food rather than herbal remedy. It has been shown to help in many ways. The main actions (in order) are antioxidant, nutritive, astringent, and an antifungal.
The main uses are:
- used for it’s high natural vitamin C
- for colds/flu (for it’s high vitamin C content)
- for skin care/anti-aging (for it’s antioxidant and vitamin content)
- as an overall health tonic (tones, balances, strengthens)
- as a heart tonic (tones, balanches, strengthens)
It can also be used as an anti-inflamatory, astringent, and cardiotonic.
Acerola is just one of the 23 fruits and vegetables found in Jus. If you would like some more information on Jus, please visit the following links.
Tags: Acerola, antifungal, Antioxidant, astringent, fiber, lipids, magnesium, protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C
