Health Benefits Of Acerola

Acerola is small tree or tropical fruit shrub, with the binomial name Malpighia glabra and belongs to the family Malpighiaceae. Besides the name acerola, it is widely known with three different names - Wild crapemyrtle, Barbados cherry and West Indian cherry. The fruit of the plant is bright red in color, with flavor ranging from tart to sour. Acerola is highly nutritious and is a powerful storehouse of vitamin C, a known antioxidant and great component to remove toxics from the body. The fruit beats the highest known producer of vitamin C i.e. oranges and is sold in the form of tablets, under the same name. It can be taken daily and can easily overpower the need of multivitamin tablets required by the body. Acerola is quite famous across the Southern America, Southeast Asia and India. Read on to know more about the health benefits of acerola and explore its nutritional value as well.

Nutritional Value Of Acerola

Amount of Acerola:100 g (3.5 oz)

Nutrients	Amount
Fats
Total Fat	0.3 mg
Saturated Fat	0.068 mg
Monounsaturated Fat	0.082 mg
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.09 mg
Calories
Total Calories	32 Kcal
Carbohydrates
Total Carbohydrates	8 g
Dietary Fiber	1 g
Vitamins
Vitamin A IU	767 IU
Vitamin A (retinol activity equiv)	38 mcg
Riboflavin	0.06 mg
Niacin	0.4 mg
Thiamin	0.02 mg
Vitamin B6	0.009 mg
Folate	14 mcg
Food Folate	145.6 mcg
Dietary Folate Equivalents	14 mcg
Vitamin C	1667.6 mg
Pantothenic Acid	0.309 mcg
Minerals
Calcium	12 mg
Iron	0.2 mg
Magnesium	18 mg
Phosphorus	11 mg
Potassium	146 mg
Zinc	0.1mg
Copper	0.086 mg
Selenium	0.6 mcg

Nutritional & Health Benefits Of Eating Acerolas

Acerola is an excellent source of water soluble antioxidant vitamin C that boosts immunity against infections, repairs skin tissues, prevents formation of clots in blood and reduces the risk of cancers, heart diseases and other degenerative diseases. It is almost 10-50 times the weight of oranges, the highest known source of vitamin C.
The copper content in the fruit facilitates the absorption of iron by the body.
Minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium and manganese are present in acerola and as such, it serves to maintain proper metabolism in the body.
The juice obtained from acerola acts as a powerful solvent for inorganic calcium deposits in the body that aids in maintaining the elasticity of the body and hardens arteries.
Acerola is low in calories, fats and sodium and has no cholesterol, making it a perfect fruit for health conscious people.
It is a good source of vitamin A and beta-carotene that fights against acne and improves eyesight. It also aids in giving radiant skin to an individual.
The fuit can be used as an astringent for skin and is believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties.
The dietary fiber content of acerola provides relief in constipation, by providing roughage to intestines and also promotes health of the colon.

Consumption & Storage Tips

When buying acerolas, look for organically grown fruits, as they are not saturated with pesticides and are more natural.
Since acerola is a citrus fruit, it is best stored at cool room temperatures. It can also be kept uncovered in the refrigerator.
The fruit should be consumed within two weeks after it is bought, as it tends to lose its nutritional value soon.

Caution

Large doses of Acerola can produce GI distress. A long and enormous dosage can lead to the predisposition to the formation of renal calculi.

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