Acerola General Information
Acerola is most often cultivated as an ornamental shrub. It has fleshy red fruit about the size of a cherry. Also called the Antilles Cherry or Barbados Cherry. It is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C. This is very important for our bodies do not have the ability to make vitamin C on their own. For the sake of comparison, 100 grams of ripe Acerola fruit contains 17,000 milligrams of vitamin C, whereas 100 grams of oranges contains only 50 milligrams. This fruit is also high in carotene, magnesium, niacin, pantothenic acid, potassium, vitamin B1 (thiamine), and vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and bioflavonoids to provide antioxidant protection and help for infections and a host of other ailments. Vitamin C is a natural detoxifier, antioxidant (as an antioxidant it helps neutralize harmful free radicals in cells), and antihistamine, but it is also a natural chelating (chemistry) agent that can help protect the body from the negative effects of pollution and exposure to heavy metals. As a specialty Acerola extract is usually added to jams, jellies, and ice cream and especially to fruit juice to enhance the vitamin C content and improve the flavor of some special products.
Small History of Acerola
This bush coming natural from the Antilles, the reason it is also called the Antilles Cherry, the Acerola was already known by natives of America for many centuries. The great interest in the fruit happened during the 40's, when scientists from Puerto Rico found out that the fruit was rich in Ascorbic Acid also known as vitamin C. Acerola even became "Classified Information", it was prohibitied from exportation from countries where it was cultivated and industrialized. The scientific discovery sparked the cultivation and commercial use of Acerola.
Where to Find the Shrub Today
Large, relatively fast growing bushy shrub or small tree (up to 15 feet). This dark red (rarely yellow-orange) cherry like fruit grows in the Caribbean, Northern South America, Central America, India and Mexico. The newest places it can be found is in Southern Texas and California.
Acerola Uses & Scientific Evidence For
The antioxidant qualities of Acerola are important factors in helping maintain mental function and prevent dementia. It also prevents damaging oxidation in the body and stimulates the immune system, which slows the aging process. Scientific studies are showing promise as to the effectiveness of Acerola as it helps maintain adequate levels of vitamin C in the brain tissue of people with Parkinson’s disease who are also taking vitamin E supplementation. Acerola extracts are used in skin products to help fight cellular aging and wrinkles. The mineral salts in this fruit promotes the rejuvenation of tired and stressed skin, and the mucilage and proteins in Acerola help prevent drying. This extract is also useful in treating fungal skin infections. Taking vitamin C supplementation can help normalize blood fat levels which can prevent or reverse atherosclerosis, but it also helps ward off infections and shortens the duration of colds and flu. Acerola helps replace the vitamin C that may be depleted during treatment with tetracyline antibiotics, corticosteroids such as prednisone, and oral contraceptives. How much vitamin C is enough? In 1999, the Journal of the American Medical Association and the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported studies the showed the cells cannot absorb more vitamin C than the amount provided by taking 200 milligrams of vitamin C two or three times a day. This would seem to imply that high-potency sources of vitamin C such as Acerola provide ascorbic acid that is "wasted" by the body in fighting infection or treating degenerative disease. However, the vitamin C in Acerola treats condition by acting outside the cells rather than inside them. It prevents the shedding of viruses to general circulation or provides a high concentration of antioxidants needed to transport nexessary nutrients into the cell. Therfore, the high dosages of vitamin C delivered by Acerola are useful for many conditions.
Acerola Dosage Information
Acerola comes in various forms and is an ingredient in many products. A standard dosage is between 40 and 100 mg a day depending on your weight and age. It is best to consult with your physician for the dosage that is best for you. Note: It is important to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day while taking Acerola. You can find Acerola in products such as these:
C-500, Vitamin C Chewable, Orange Flavor, Vegetarian Vitamin C Complex Powder Electro-Vita-Min w/Reduced Iron, Energy Vitamin
This is to name a few and yes there are many more.
Read and follow label instructions for use also.
Acerola Safety & Interaction Information
Acerola is generally regarded as safe when taken in the recommended doses. This herb should be avoided immediately after cancer surgery and while on chemotherapy. People who have hemachromatosis (iron overload) should avoid Acerola. There is no danger of overdose through the use of acerola skin creams. But, before using such a cream, test it on a small area to see if any sign of an allergic reaction develops. If there is no redness or swelling forty-eight hours later, apply the cream as needed.
In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and
Education Act.
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