Acerola

Acerola Supplements

The acerola cherry is a small fruit, resembling a berry, that grows on a tropical shrub belonging to the Malpighiaceae plant family. It’s native to tropical parts of the world, including Mexico, the West Indies, and the Caribbean. Acerola cherries pack quite a nutritional punch and provide more Vitamin C than any other food source, supplying between 1500 and 4500 mg of Vitamin C per 100 g, which works out to roughly 50 to 100 times the Vitamin C contained in citrus fruit. This rich Vitamin C content explains why acerola was historically used to help prevent Vitamin C deficiency and scurvy and is a popular supplement today.

Acerola cherries are also rich in phytonutrients such as carotenoids, phenolics, anthocyanins, and flavonoids, as well as in vitamins A and B, and minerals. While not commonly found in its natural fruit form, fresh acerola cherries can be eaten raw (if you’re able to get your hand on them, or grow them yourself), as well as consumed in juice form, or powdered to mix into beverages or your favourite shake or smoothie.

Benefits of Acerola

• Powerful Antioxidant Nutrient
• Helps Prevent Vitamin C Deficiency
• Boosts Immune Function
• Fights The Cold & Flu
• Protects Heart Health

Who Needs Acerola Supplements?

Acerola can be of great benefit to anyone looking to bolster their immune defences against the cold and flu, as well as to enhance the body’s overall antioxidant potential and protect themselves against oxidative stress-related health conditions, such as heart disease, gastrointestinal diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, vision loss, and the unhealthy development of cells. Because of their high antioxidant content, acerola can also be of great benefit to brain health and cognition by helping reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that can damage brain cells and neurons. Another frequent indication for acerola is to help balance blood sugar, support liver function, and enhance digestive health thanks to its concentration in pectin (a prebiotic fibre). Last but certainly not least, due to its high Vitamin C content, acerola cherries have been shown to slow the progression of atherosclerosis, as well as to help lower cholesterol; therefore, it could make an interesting addition to any heart health supplement protocol. Athletes also regularly use acerola to improve physical endurance.

Acerola Supplements

Given how quickly the berries decompose, more often than not, acerola is found in supplement form including capsules, powders, liquid extracts (tinctures), and even chewables and gummies. Acerola is also a frequent addition to Vitamin C complexes, multivitamins, immune support blends, and superfood formulas. Capsules and powders are by far the most popular, the latter of which can conveniently be added to shakes, smoothies, juices, and more.

Acerola supplements usually come in a potency range of 500 to 1000 mg (though higher doses can be found), with a daily recommended dose usually in the 1000 to 2000 mg daily range.

Final Thoughts

In order to fully benefit from the health-promoting properties of acerola, look for supplements from reputable brands, that are Organically grown, non-GMO, gluten-free, that feature the whole fruit, and are free from fillers, additives, sugar, and flavourings.

While acerola is usually extremely well-tolerated, it can cause certain side effects in higher doses. Some of these include drowsiness, insomnia, and upset stomach, and diarrhea. Due to its high vitamin C content and thus, acidity, acerola can worsen symptoms of gout and the risk of kidney stones.

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