Acerola | Superfoods #101

Acerola | Superfoods #101

Supercherry, Acerola? In this blog we take a quick dive into the world of Acerola, where it comes from and why we at ORI love it so much.

 

Acerola, also known as Barbados cherry or West Indian cherry, is a tropical fruit that originates from the West Indies, southern Mexico, and Central and South America. The scientific name of the acerola tree is Malpighia emarginata.

 

The fruit is small, bright red to orange, and resembles a cherry. Acerola has a tart flavor and is commonly used in juices, jams, jellies, and dietary supplements due to its exceptionally
high vitamin C content.

 

Here are some of the benefits associated with Acerola:

 

  • High Vitamin C Content: Acerola is one of the richest sources of vitamin C among all fruits. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that plays a crucial role in immune function, skin health, and wound healing. Consuming acerola can help boost your body's defenses against infections and promote overall well-being.
  • Antioxidant Properties: In addition to vitamin C, acerola contains other antioxidants such as carotenoids and flavonoids, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Antioxidants are important for reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby lowering the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
  • Immune Support: Due to its high vitamin C content, acerola is often used to support immune function. Regular consumption of acerola may help reduce the duration and severity of colds, flu, and other infections by enhancing the body's natural defense mechanisms.
  • Collagen Synthesis: Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, a process vital for maintaining healthy skin, bones, and connective tissues. Including acerola in your diet can contribute to the health and elasticity of your skin, as well as the strength of your bones and joints.
  • Eye Health: The carotenoids found in acerola, such as beta-carotene and lutein, have been linked to improved eye health and reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. These compounds help protect the eyes from damage caused by oxidative stress and harmful UV radiation.
  • Anti-inflammatory Effects: Some research suggests that acerola may possess anti-inflammatory properties, which could benefit individuals with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, asthma, or inflammatory bowel diseases.


Basically, you can never go wrong with Acerola. Incorporating this supercherry into your daily health routine can be both a delicious & nutritious way to support your body's overall health and wellbeing. At ORI, you'll find acerola in Berry Blossom, our berry blend with adaptogens and medicinal mushrooms for inner & outer beauty. 

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