| Though Acerola is known by a few different names, | | | | doses of vitamin C positively affect cardiovascular |
| including Barbados cherry or wild crapemyrtle, its | | | | health, buildup of platelets on vessel walls and |
| attributes are the same: large amounts of naturally | | | | reduction of cholesterol. |
| occurring vitamin C. Acerola is a tropical fruit bearing | | | | It should be noted that the fruit deteriorates quickly |
| tree with variations from three to nine feet tall | | | | once harvested. Scientists have noticed significant |
| producing fruit which looks much like a cherry. | | | | degradation within 4 hours of harvest of the berries. |
| The overwhelming benefit of eating this small, deep | | | | For best results, consume the product quickly or use |
| cherry colored fruit is the amount of naturally | | | | it to make jams, jellies or juices. Studies have shown |
| occurring vitamin C. Consuming one cherry sized fruit | | | | that the body regularly absorbs vitamins and minerals |
| (1,000 to 4,500 mg/100g) has the total | | | | better when consumed in raw form. It may be |
| recommended daily allowance of vitamin C suggested | | | | difficult to find acerola fruit in local grocery stores. |
| by the FDA. In comparison, a peeled orange contains | | | | Try natural health or organic markets for the fruit |
| about 0.05 or 50 mg/100 g at consumption. It would | | | | which is typically harvested up to three times a year. |
| be advantageous to eat the acerola fruit just before | | | | Have a green thumb? Plant your own tree. |
| maturation (when the berry is more acid and tart) | | | | Quick Recipe for Health: Combine ½ cup |
| when it can have up to 4,500 mg/100g of vitamin C. | | | | acerola berries (or 1T dried/powdered form), |
| More importantly, it is a natural way to get a full | | | | ½ cup seedless tart cherries, 1 cup yogurt |
| dose of vitamin C. Though it seems manufacturers | | | | (flavored, but low in sugar), and ¾ cup |
| have added vitamin C to just about everything these | | | | pomegranate juice. Mix in blender for 2 minutes or |
| days, consuming a fruit with naturally high levels will | | | | until desired consistency. |
| offer the best overall absorption. The reported | | | | Sip and enjoy the benefits: the acerola offers high |
| benefits of vitamin C include energy boost, | | | | level of vitamin C, the tart cherries are a natural |
| shortening the length of colds and sickness, | | | | anti-inflammatory, the yogurt offers probiotics helpful |
| antioxidants, and shortened healing time for cuts and | | | | for digestion and immune support and the |
| wounds. There are other purported reports that high | | | | pomegranate offers heart healthy benefits. |