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Acerola cherries are the product of the Malpighia emarginata, a tropical shrub or small tree in the Malpighiaceae family. Other common names for acerola cherries include Barbados cherry, West Indian cherry, and wild crapemyrtle. Acerola is native to northern South America, Central America, and Jamaica, but relatives of the tree grow in the extreme southern part of the United States. The fruits, which look similar to European cherries, are juicy and have a tart flavor.
Among people living in South and Central America, acerola juice and fruit are used as an anti-inflammatory, astringent, and diuretic, and to support heart function. They are also used to treat people who have anemia, diabetes, high cholesterol, rheumatism, and tuberculosis. In North America, acerola is mostly valued for its very high vitamin C content.
Nutritional Value of Acerola Cherries
Except for the plant camu-camu, acerola is the richest known source of natural vitamin C. For sake of comparison, oranges provide 500 to 4,000 parts per million (ppm) of vitamin C, whereas acerola has been found to provide 16,000 to 172,000 ppm. The vitamin C content of acerola cherries varies depending on the season, climate, ripeness, and locality. Generally, the fruits contain 1,000 to 2,000 mg of vitamin C per gram of ripe fruit. However, as the fruit begins to ripen, it loses much of its vitamin content, which is why most acerola produced commercially is harvested while still green and vitamin C content is even higher.
Acerola cherries also have twice as much magnesium, pantothenic acid, and potassium as oranges, and up to as much vitamin A as in carrots. Its levels of thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin are similar to those in other fruits.
Clinical research regarding acerola cherries is scarce because the fruit is primarily used as a food. One study reportedly found that the leaves, bark, and fruit of acerola possess antifungal abilities. Acerola extracts are used in some skin care products because of the fruit’s high vitamin C and antioxidant content. Acerola also contains mineral salts, proteins, and mucilage that may help revitalize tired skin.
Side Effects
Acerola may cause some side effects, including nausea, stomach cramps, sleepiness, and insomnia. High doses can cause diarrhea, due to a high intake of vitamin C. The vitamin C in acerola may also increase uric acid levels and make gout worse, or increase the chances of developing kidney stones.
How To Use Acerola Cherries
Dried acerola cherry extracts are available in tablet form and as an ingredient in many nutritional supplements as a natural form of vitamin C.
Reference
Taylor, Leslie. The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs. Square One Publishers, 2005.
