Acerola is also known as: Barbados cherry, West Indian cherry and Cereza. Native to Mexico, South America, and Central America, this fruit has been prized for thousands of years by various indigenous cultures; it is now widely exported throughout the world, and is also cultivated in certain parts of the Indian subcontinent, as well as southern areas of the United States.
Health benefits
- Acerola is a significant source of vitamin C
- Vitamin A is another important nutrient found in the acerola, yielding as much as a bundle of full-sized carrots.
- Acerola cherries contain a diverse mix of antioxidants, including carotenoids and bioflavonoids, both of which neutralize the effects of free radicals in the body.
- Rich source of potassium, like many juicy fruits, acerola can also boost heart health.
Uses
- Powder extract to be mixed into water, fruit or vegetable juices.
- Topical cream formulations also exist for direct skin application