ACEROLA CHERRY POWDER HEALTH BENEFITS
Did you know…that some of the benefits of the acerola cherry include helping you lose weight, protecting against cancer and heart disease, and boosting your immune system with more vitamin C power in 1.5 tsp, than 65 Oranges!
Similar in appearance to a red cherry, the acerola cherry originates from deep within the Brazilian Rain Forest. It contains over 150 phytonutrients and is one of the richest sources of vitamin C on the planet. In fact, it far surpasses oranges in vitamin C potency. Green, unripe acerola cherry packs 1500 to 4000mg of vitamin C for every 100g compared to oranges, which contain only 50mg of vitamin C per every 100g. Oranges fall short in essential vitamins and minerals as well, containing only half the amounts of magnesium, potassium and pantothenic acid.
THE IMPORTANCE OF VITAMIN C
Vitamin C helps fight infections, strengthen the immune system, prevent blood clots, regenerate damaged skin tissues, build collagen and reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Acerola fruit is a traditional remedy for scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, vitamin-C rich diets help to reduce your risk of cancers, especially of the breast, skin and cervix. Such plentiful concentrations of vitamin C make it an excellent preventative for heart disease.
Acerola regulates cholesterol levels, protects against atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and stops blood clots from forming. The anthocyanins in acerola (responsible for the fruit’s red hue) also help treat the common cold, gum infections, sore throat and hay fever. Anthocyanins have proven anti-inflammatory properties, and can relieve headaches and fever as well as ibuprofen or aspirin do.
Acerola cherry benefits provides a highly absorbable form of vitamin C because it contains bioflavonoids, which help the body more readily assimilate antioxidants.
ACEROLA FOR HEALTHY SKIN
Acerola powder has been used in many topical skin treatments and medications, due to its high vitamin C content. Topical vitamin C may help in the formation of collagen, fibrous tissue that makes up healthy skin. Vitamin C also helps promote the growth of skin cells, as well as increasing the healing rate of scars. Acerola powder may also block the production of melanin, which may enhance the appearance of healthy skin.
BOOSTING EYE HEALTH WITH ACEROLA FRUIT POWDER
Acerola powder, can provide your body with a good dose of carotenoids such as beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin and lutein. According to a study published in the journal European Food Research and Technology, the carotenoid content of acerola fruit is comparable to the carotenoid levels reported for foods like tomatoes, papaya or guava fruit.
Consumption of foods rich in carotenoids can have various beneficial effects, but their best-known health benefits relate to their ability to protect eye health. A large and compelling body of scientific research suggests that carotenoids, such as beta-carotene and lutein, can help delay the onset of age-related macular degeneration, prevent the development of cataracts, improve night vision, and reduce the risk of retinitis pigmentosa.
ACEROLA POWDER AND CANCER PREVENTION
Acerola contains a number of anti-cancer compounds such as vitamin C, carotenoids and anthocyanins. One small study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology did report that acerola extract appeared to inhibit lung cancer cell growth in mice.
