What is this ?
Acerola is a tree whose fruit, edible with a tangy taste, closely resembles a small cherry.
Acerola extracts are used for their toning, stimulating and anti-infectious properties because acerola is a very important source of vitamins, minerals and also antioxidants. Traditionally consumed against fever and dysentery (infectious colon disease), this super fruit has other benefits: fights fatigue and bacterial infections, stimulates the immune system, fights hypercholesterolemia as well as certain cancers.
Acerola is a very important source of natural vitamin C, with a content 10 to 40 times greater than oranges. Acerola also contains twice as much magnesium, vitamin B5 and potassium as oranges. We can find vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin and vitamin B3 but also iron, phosphorus and proteins, as well as beta-carotene and polyphenols which are powerful antioxidants.
Where is it found?
Native to tropical regions of South America and the Caribbean, acerola grows in the dry forests of South America and can reach 5 meters. It produces red fruits that are similar to the European cherry. Acerola juice obtained from the fruit is very popular in South America. The fruits mature shortly after flowering. Sensitive to heat, their conservation requires great precautions.
The acerola used in our products is harvested in Brazil which is one of the largest producers of acerola in the world with a production of approximately 61,000 tonnes in the country in 2017 (according to the IBGE).
Traditionally, the tribes of the Amazon who already recognized the toning virtues of acerola, consumed the fruit mainly in the form of juice. Today we can find acerola in the form of capsules, chewable or suckable tablets, but also in powder or oral solution.
How to choose it?
First of all, you must be careful that the food supplement does not contain synthetic vitamin C (you must therefore ensure this by looking at the label). Very rich in vitamin C, the average quantity of vitamin C is 1.8 g per 100g of acerola pulp, with levels varying between 1 and 2.3 g per 100g of pulp. Vitamin C levels depend on the maturity of the fruit (overripe fruit contains less vitamin C), the harvest season and the climate. For proper functioning, we choose a dosage of at least 500 mg of acerola and up to 1000 mg (1g) for adults. In addition, it is important to have a varied diet and avoid excessive consumption by taking into account the daily intake that we really need.
You can also take it just before bedtime because acerola promotes restful sleep because contrary to popular belief, vitamin C will not prevent you from sleeping if it is natural.
Acerola does not cause any adverse effects but ingesting large doses can cause laxative effects.
Benefits
Vitality
The ascorbic acid present in acerola is known for its “energy boost” effect. Vitamin C, very present in the fruit, is involved in the metabolism of carnitine which is fundamental to the proper functioning of our body's cells. Indeed, carnitine allows the transport of long-chain fatty acids inside the mitochondria to produce ATP which is the body's “fuel”.
Immunity
According to numerous studies, taking vitamin C helps reduce the effects of a cold and its duration (8% in adults and 14% in children). In addition, acerola could have an antibacterial and antifungal effect.
Acerola is a powerful antioxidant which helps fight free radicals known to be the cause of numerous pathologies (cardiovascular, premature aging of cells, etc.).
Improved iron absorption
The vitamin C present in acerola helps improve the absorption of iron from food, so it is interesting for people suffering from anemia to take an acerola cure.
