Acerola cherries

Acerola cherries are delicious and normally known as Acerola. It is also called as West Indian cherry, Barbados cherry, wild crepe myrtle, seriz, Puerto Rican Cherry, cerise des Antilles, Malpighia Glabra, cerise de la Barbade and malpighia punifolia. The diameter of this fruit is about 0.4 to 1.2 inches.

Acerola tree is a little tree or shrub and is a native of Puerto Rico, Southern Mexico, South America, Brazil, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Central America and Brazil. The tree produces bisexual flowers and its diameter is between 0.4 and 0.8 inches.  

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Malpighiales

Families: Malpighiaceae

Genus: Malpighia

Species: Malphighia emarginata

Nutritional value of Acerola cherries:

The important nutritional elements of Acerola cherries are vitamin A, Thiamine (vitamin B₁), Riboflavin (vitamin B₂), Niacin (vitamin B₃), Pantothenic acid (vitamin B₅), vitamin B₆, Folate (B₉), vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorous, Pottasium, Sodium, Zinc, bioflavonoids and carotenoids.

Health Benefits of Acerola cherries:

It improves the heart health, boost eye health, regulate blood sugar level, reduce allergic reactions, aid digestion, guard skin and stimulate the immune system. 

Uses of Acerola cherries:

This bright red cherry is used for making jams, juices and desert toppings. It is one of the ingredients in a proprietary herbal medicine for allergic rhinitis.

Word of caution: 
Eating the cherry some people may get adverse reactions such as sleeplessness, stomach upset, diarrhea and insomnia. High level of vitamin C boosts the uric acid level which affects the body.

(Medical Disclaimer: The information’s provided in this website are envisioned exclusively for the general information for the reader. Don’t diagnose the health problems or for treatment purposes using the articles. It is not an auxiliary for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care professional for any advice on medications.)