Acerola cherry useful properties. Acerola (Barbados cherry) - what is it? Other useful components

Modern people often suffer from a lack of vitamin C, which negatively affects the state of the whole organism. Most foods and vitamin preparations cannot make up for this deficiency. But there is a fruit in which vitamin C is 30 times more than in lemons. This is a small tropical berry - acerola. What it is, not everyone knows. It grows only in India, Australia, South and Central America. The berries themselves are very sour in taste, so they are most often used for the production of vitamin C and preparations based on it.

Acerola - what is it?

The named plant is a fruit tree grown in tropical climates. It is mainly used for the production of vitamin C, since the acerola fruit is very sour in taste. Locals eat them to prevent and treat viral diseases, to strengthen the immune system, or they make jams and syrups. In other countries, not everyone knows what acerola tastes like and looks like. What it is is only known for certain to lovers of natural vitamin preparations.

Acerola is also called the Barbados or tropical cherry. Probably because of the external similarity of their fruits. Acerola berries are small - no more than 2 cm, bright red, bittersweet unusual taste. But otherwise they are closer to citrus fruits. After all, the fruits of acerola are divided into slices, like an orange, and inside them there is not one bone, like a cherry, but several. Their flesh is not soft, but crispy.

These berries are harvested slightly underripe and are most often used to produce vitamin C. It is extracted as a juice, then dried and made into an extract.

Composition of acerola

Basically, these berries are famous for their high content of vitamin C. This amount is not found in any other fruit on Earth. And this vitamin C is much more useful than synthetic. But acerola is useful not only for him. These berries are a real storehouse of trace elements necessary for health. They contain:

  • vitamins A, B1, B2, PP;
  • minerals: magnesium, potassium, iron, selenium and a lot of phosphorus;
  • pantothenic acid, niocin;
  • pectins and fiber.

Useful properties of acerola

Vitamin C is very important for the normal functioning of all organs. It is involved in the production of certain hormones and stimulates blood formation. Unlike synthetic vitamins, drugs in acerola have a stronger effect. Vitamin C in them is better absorbed by the human body and less likely to cause allergic reactions. Some time after taking such drugs, its beneficial properties appear:

  • improves immunity;
  • accelerates the production of leukocytes and antibodies in viral diseases;
  • free radicals are destroyed;
  • faster tissue regeneration occurs;
  • cartilage is strengthened;
  • the condition of the skin improves;
  • performance increases, fatigue disappears;
  • improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
  • metabolism is activated;
  • brain function improves;
  • Due to the high content of phosphorus, bones are strengthened.

When Should You Use Acerola?

Preparations containing an extract of these fruits are often prescribed by doctors for the prevention and treatment of colds, as well as vitamin deficiency.

But they are also useful in other cases:

  • during rehabilitation after injuries and serious illnesses;
  • with an intestinal disorder;
  • in the complex therapy of liver diseases;
  • with ischemic heart disease;
  • to reduce bleeding gums;
  • with anemia;
  • during a period of stress;
  • with a decrease in efficiency and severe overwork;
  • for the treatment of disorders of the reproductive system;
  • as an adjuvant treatment for immunodeficiency and oncological diseases.

Benefits of acerola for skin

Due to the special composition of its fruits, acerola is successfully used in cosmetics. It turned out that it has antioxidant and regenerating properties. And when it enters the body, it stimulates the production of collagen.

These properties began to be used in the production of cosmetics with acerola. They have the following effect on the skin:

  • prevent the appearance of wrinkles;
  • quickly heal any damage to the skin;
  • have bactericidal properties, so they can be used to combat acne;
  • make the skin firmer and more elastic.

Recently, it has been popular with acerola. According to reviews, it is very effective and has a moisturizing and rejuvenating effect on the skin of the face.

Vitamins with acerola

Preparations with acerola are biologically active supplements that are used to prevent vitamin deficiency or with a lack of vitamin C. There are several products containing the fruits of this plant: Vitamin C Acerola, Neoline Acerola, Acerola and others. Most often, in addition to the extract of berries, they contain additional substances:

How to use drugs with acerola

According to experts, a large amount of vitamin C in such tablets can cause allergic reactions and irritation of the gastric mucosa. It is not recommended to use Acerola vitamins during pregnancy and lactation, as well as in case of individual intolerance. And products containing sugar are contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus. Do not prescribe such drugs also to children under 14 years of age. You should be aware that the absorption of vitamin C worsens while taking hormonal drugs and contraceptives, as well as if you drink an alkaline drink at the same time.

Despite the fact that this is not a medicine, but a dietary supplement, and it is usually well tolerated, it is still necessary to consult a doctor before taking Acerola vitamins. The instruction recommends doing this in a dosage - 1 piece 2-3 times a day. It is advisable to drink them during meals to prevent irritation of the gastric mucosa.

Some drugs are available in capsules and contain high concentrations of acerola extract. In this case, you need to take vitamins 1 piece per day. The course of treatment usually lasts 1-2 months, then you need to take a break.

The drug "Neoline Acerola"

This is, according to reviews, the best dietary supplement with Barbados cherry extract. The drug "Neoline" is available in the form of effervescent soluble tablets. This method of administration is more convenient, since you need to drink a glass of a pleasant sour drink. Therefore, it is prescribed even for children over 6 years old.

Another advantage of Neoline vitamins is the absence of sugar in the composition. Because of this, they have fewer contraindications and can be taken by patients with diabetes mellitus without restrictions. For the prevention of vitamin deficiency, 1 glass of drink per day is prescribed, regardless of age. If vitamin C is needed to strengthen the immune system and maintain performance in viral diseases, the amount of the drug can be increased to 5-10 tablets per day.

Acerola Reviews

The described natural source of vitamin C is very effective in beriberi and during the recovery period after serious illnesses. Many people note that such tablets are well tolerated and do not cause allergic reactions, unlike citrus-based preparations. Since not everyone can eat oranges and lemons, acerola is becoming increasingly popular.

What it is is now known not only in those countries where it grows.

Syn .: Barbados cherry, acerola cherry, acerola cherry, naked malpighia, Puerto Rican cherry, pomegranate malpighia, Caribbean cherry, tropical cherry.

Acerola is an evergreen tropical shrub that grows up to 6 m in height. Acerola leaves are oval in shape, the fruits are red, and have an external resemblance to cherries. It has an antioxidant, regenerating and tonic effect.

Ask the experts

In medicine

Acerola is not a pharmacopoeial plant and is not used in official medicine. However, due to the presence of a large amount of vitamin C, it is part of various dietary supplements.

Contraindications and side effects

Acerola is contraindicated in people suffering from gastric ulcer and gastritis with high acidity. In addition, it is not recommended to use acerola for people with any chronic diseases, individual intolerance, pregnant and lactating women, children. Due to the significant amount of sugar, acerola is contraindicated in patients with diabetes and obese people.

In cooking

The taste of Barbados cherries differs from the taste of cherries we are used to: ripe acerola fruits resemble raspberries in taste. Fresh "berries" of acerola can be consumed immediately after it has been plucked from the tree: the fact is that acerola quickly loses its properties and begins to "ferment". As a rule, jams, jams, syrups are prepared from acerola fruits, they are used for filling pies, pies, puffs and pastries. For long-term storage, acerola can be frozen or dried.

In cosmetology

Acerola berries activate collagen production, making the skin more elastic. Given this fact, acerola juice, as well as the pulp of its fruits, is used for cosmetic purposes: it is used to make anti-aging products for the skin of the face, décolleté and neck, cleansing, vitamin, whitening face masks, peelings, and also added to various cosmetic products ( for example, in tonics, facial cleansers) for oily skin prone to acne.

Classification

Acerola (lat. Malpighia glabra) is a species of the genus Malpighia (lat. Malpighia), the Malpighian family (lat. Malpighiaceae).

Botanical description

Acerola is an evergreen tropical plant, which is a large, dense shrub (or low tree), stretches from 4 to 6 meters in height and grows about the same in width. Numerous trunks are thin, break easily and look like reeds. Acerola leaves are medium-sized, oblong, solid, pointed (lanceolate), with a glossy surface, 2-7 cm long and 1-4 cm wide.

The fruit is round or oval, 1-2 cm in diameter, divided into three slices, with a stone inside, with a thin, smooth, easily damaged skin of bright red color and juicy sour orange pulp with a bitter-sweet taste, outwardly resembles a cherry, but in its properties are closer to citrus fruits.

Spreading

The birthplace of the Barbados cherry is the Antilles, including the island of Barbados and the north of South America. In the wild, the plant can be found up to the territory of the northern regions of Brazil. The plant is successfully cultivated in Panama, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the USA (Texas, California and Florida), the Philippines, the Bahamas and Bermuda, as well as Central America; outside America - in Australia, Ghana and India.

Procurement of raw materials

Acerola fruits are harvested in a semi-ripe state, because at this moment the content of vitamin C reaches its maximum. 95% of vitamin C is extracted from acerola in the form of acerola extract, which is turned into a powder. The powder is then made into a concentrate.

Chemical composition

Acerola fruits are a storehouse of vitamin C, 3300 mg of ascorbic acid per 100 g of the product, which is about 100 times more than in an orange. The chemical composition of acerola cherries, in addition to ascorbic acid, is rich in other vitamins and minerals: folic acid (vitamin B 9), pantothenic acid, vitamin B 5, riboflavin (vitamin B 2), thiamine (vitamin B 1), phylloquinone (vitamin K), tocopherol ( vitamin E), beta-carotene, retinol (vitamin A), zinc, selenium, copper, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium.

Pharmacological properties

Substances included in the chemical composition of acerola endow it with a number of healing properties and make it a valuable food product. Due to the high content of vitamin C, the fruits of the Barbados cherry significantly increase and strengthen the immune system, and also help the body resist various infections and recover from a long illness. Also, the rich vitamin and mineral composition and low calorie content (only 32 kcal per 100 g) make acerola a dietary product.

For several years, American doctors George T. Grossberg and Barry Fox studied the properties of the plant and proved that regular consumption of Barbados cherry fruits reduces blood cholesterol levels, which in turn helps prevent the occurrence of atherosclerosis and the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques. It is also known that in 2004 a group of scientists from the Pharmaceutical University of Tokyo suggested the possible use of Barbados cherry extract for the treatment of certain forms of cancer.

Application in traditional medicine

Acerola has traditionally been used in the folk medicine of the peoples of Latin America as a means of strengthening the immune system. In Barbados, for example, in case of a cold, the local population ate acerola as a rule. Acerola juice, as well as fresh fruits, are used in South and Central America to normalize the work of the kidneys and liver. Acerola juice is also used as a natural cardiotonic and antioxidant.

History reference

The name "Acerola" comes from the Spanish word "acerolo", as the color and shape of the fruits of the plant resemble cherries.

Literature

1. Gladkova V. N. Malpighiaceae family (Malpighiaceae). // Plant life. In 6 volumes. T. 5. Part 2. Flowering plants / Ed. A. L. Takhtadzhyan. - M.: Enlightenment, 1981. - S. 284.

2. World resources of useful plants. - L.: Science. Vulf E.V., Maleeva O.F.. 1969.-p.537.

Barbados cherry, description of the plant and growing conditions, useful properties of acerola fruits, vitamin and mineral composition, energy value, contraindications for use, options for use.

The content of the article:

Acerola is a small fruit tree or shrub, a member of the genus Malpighia. It has several names besides the one mentioned. This plant is also called malpighia naked or Barbados cherry. In Latin it is designated as Malpighia glabra. The meaning "cherry" is used because of the external similarity with cherry berries, but to a greater extent these fruits can be attributed to citrus fruits.

Description of the Barbados cherry


Acerola can grow both in the wild without care, and in cultivated areas. The plant is evergreen and is a branched shrub or tree, the height varies from 1.5 to 3 meters, although there are specimens that have reached 6 meters in height.

Burgundy-red leaves grow on the branches, which eventually become dark green. They have an elongated shape: length - from 2 to 7 cm, and width - from 1 to 4 cm.

The flowering period begins in spring and continues until autumn. Flowers - small, white or pale pink, located in small groups (up to 3 pieces). The fruits formed in them ripen quite quickly - within 3-4 weeks.

Acerola fruits are small, occasionally growing to the size of a small plum. They have a round shape. Under the red skin is yellow-orange flesh, which has a sour taste. It is believed that the more sour the taste, the more vitamins are contained in the berry.

It is noteworthy that when harvesting, it is worth carefully collecting the fruits, because. overripe berries quickly fall off and lose their taste and useful properties. In order for the harvest to endure transportation well, the Barbados cherry is harvested when it has already acquired a red tint, but has not yet ripened.

It is known that acerola is native to the Lesser Antilles, as well as the northern part of South America. Over time, this plant began to be grown in Cuba, Texas, Jamaica, the Philippines, Bermuda, the Caribbean and the Bahamas, Australia, Central America, Ghana, etc.

The hardiness of the Barbados cherry allows it to grow even in indoor garden containers. It can be located both on the sunny and on the shady side, but fruiting increases under the influence of sunlight.

The normal temperature for the winter period is considered to be between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius with limited watering. In the summer, the plant is watered abundantly, the leaves are sprayed. When growing at home, attention should be paid to pruning branches to reduce density and set the desired shape.

Chemical composition of Malpighia glabra


The main feature of the tropical acerola cherry is that this fruit contains a record amount of vitamin C per 100 g of pulp. The content of ascorbic acid in individual berries varies from 1 to 3.3%. It is known that the useful activity of vitamin C from fresh berries is much higher than that of artificially made ascorbic acid.

Vitamins enriched with acerola:

  • Vitamin A - 0.135–0.81 mg;
  • Thiamine (B1) - 0.02 mg;
  • Riboflavin (B2) - 0.06 mg;
  • Niocin (B3 or PP) - 0.4-0.45 mg;
  • Pantothenic acid (B5) - 0.3–0.31 mg;
  • Pyridoxine (B6) - 0.01 mg;
  • Natural folates (B9) - 0.14–0.2 mg.
The energy value of tropical cherry fruit pulp is quite low: the calorie content of acerola is only 30–32 kcal per 100 g, of which:
  • Proteins - 0.4 g;
  • Fats - 0.3 g;
  • Carbohydrates - 7.7 g;
  • Dietary fiber - 1.1 g.
An important nutrient of acerola cherries is water, its content is 91.5 g, and the mass of ash is 0.2 g.

Minerals (macro- and microelements):

  • Potassium - 140-146 mg;
  • Calcium - 8.1–12 mg;
  • Magnesium - 17-19 mg;
  • Sodium - 7 mg;
  • Phosphorus - 11–13 mg;
  • Iron - 0.11–0.2 mg;
  • Copper - 0.091–0.1 mg;
  • Selenium - about 0.6 mg;
  • Zinc - 0.1–0.15 mg.
Other minerals are also present, but in much smaller quantities.

The pulp does not contain cholesterol, alcohol, caffeine, starch, sugar. Fruits are also free from vitamins D, E, K or contain them in a negligible dose.

Useful properties of acerola fruits


The mineral, vitamin composition of the Barbados cherry indicates the presence of a large number of useful properties of acerola. In combination, useful substances can have a beneficial effect on the entire body.

Let us describe in more detail all the advantages of eating fresh acerola berries:

  • Nourishing action. The substances contained in the fruits of this cherry are an integral part of the diet for the normal functioning of the human body. The intake of vitamins, minerals with a low calorie content of the product is a guarantee of health and proper operation of all systems. For example, a lack of vitamin C is fraught with serious disorders, such as the development of atherosclerosis, scurvy, reduced immunity, etc.
  • Antioxidant action. Selenium, vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc are powerful antioxidants, the presence of which causes an increase in resistance to free radicals that cause aging and the development of various diseases.
  • Anti-inflammatory action. They improve the condition of the blood, increase immunity, which leads to a decrease in inflammatory processes.
  • Improved collagen synthesis. This process is also provided by vitamin C. Collagen is an important structural protein on which the health and youthfulness of the skin, tendons, and blood vessels depend.
  • Strengthening immunity. Increases the production of white blood cells and antibodies. Thanks to vitamin C, defense reactions, resistance to viruses and bacteria increase in the body.
  • Tonic effect. Replenishment of useful substances has a beneficial effect on the psyche, irritability decreases, mood improves, and efficiency increases. Vitamin C stimulates the production of hormones, such as norepinephrine, which has an effect on psychophysical reflexes. Ascorbic acid also accelerates the elimination of toxins formed as a result of stressful metabolism.
Thus, the Barbados cherry can be used as a traditional medicine in the following cases:
  1. To improve memory;
  2. In order to prevent the development of diabetes mellitus, diseases of the cardiovascular system, osteoporosis, rickets;
  3. To improve the functioning of the liver and kidneys;
  4. To normalize cholesterol levels;
  5. To slow down the aging process;
  6. In the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract and the weakening of their symptoms;
  7. For support during the recovery period of the body after serious illnesses;
  8. To combat atherosclerosis (additional natural sources of vitamin E should be introduced into the diet);
  9. During pregnancy for the normal development of the fetus.

Contraindications to the use of malpighia naked


The fruits of the Barbados acerola cherry do not contain toxic substances, therefore, they do not have a direct negative effect on the human body, but you should not get carried away by the uncontrolled eating of this berry so that an excess of certain components does not form in the body.

The main contraindications are the presence of the following factors:

  • Allergy, individual intolerance. It is not recommended to use this berry in the presence of an allergy to latex, as well as in case of individual intolerance to certain substances that make up the pulp.
  • Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. With caution, acerola should be used by people suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. A strict contraindication is the increased acidity of the stomach and obesity.
  • Chronic lung disease. The presence of chronic lung diseases is not the reason for the complete rejection of these berries, it is enough to normalize portions.
  • Diabetes. It is not recommended to use berries with high blood sugar.
  • Taking medicines. Before eating berries, it is better to consult with your doctor, because. When combined with certain medications, this cherry may increase your risk of developing gout due to an increase in uric acid levels.

Options for using acerola


To get the maximum benefit from the Barbados cherry, you need to choose the most ripe fruits: they should not be soft, the color of the berries is a uniform red, without specks. Just rinse them under running water before use.

Options for using acerola:

  1. They eat fresh fruits, prepare jams, jams, jellies, juices.
  2. For long-term storage, sublimation is carried out - drying of berries. Storage of fresh fruits is limited to 5-7 days.
  3. In pharmacology, medicines and dietary supplements are made with a high content of vitamin C.
  4. In cosmetology, fresh fruits can be used to make nourishing and moisturizing masks that can prolong the youthfulness of the skin, and decoctions for rinsing hair. Extracts from these fruits are present in the composition of shampoos and balms.
Watch the video about the Barbados cherry:


Due to the complexity of transportation and storage, acerola is almost impossible to find fresh in our stores. The most acceptable option is dried berries, which, when properly dried, retain the maximum possible amount of nutrients. Freezing, heat treatment deprive them of almost all properties. In our country, it is enough to simply buy acerola in the form of a drug in a pharmacy or as a dietary supplement via the Internet.

It is also called malpighia naked, tropical cherry, Puerto Rican cherry, Malpighia punicifolia, Malpighia glabra, an amazing tropical evergreen tree whose fruits are the richest source of vitamin C in the world. Acerola is grown in Barbados, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Suriname, Western India, Madagascar. Acerola belongs to the Malpighian family.

The richest fruit in vitamin C content in the world is tropical acerola cherry. Moreover, there is not just a lot of vitamin C. There is a monstrous amount of it - 30-80 times more than in lemons or oranges. Eating one hundred grams of Spanish orange you get an average of 49 mg of vitamin C, 100 grams of lemon 57 mg, and 100 grams of acerola - 1678!

Ripe acerola fruit dark red in color, does not reach two centimeters in diameter, crispy, with a piquant taste, with a bitter-sweet aftertaste. Acerola has traditionally been used in folk medicine as an immune booster. In Barbados, for example, the local population tends to eat acerola in case of a cold.

It turned out that due to the specific vitamin and mineral composition acerola has a regenerating effect on the skin, especially under conditions of stress and overwork.

Useful components of Acerola:

Vitamins (per 100 g of berries):

Vitamin C - up to 3300 mg (2800% DV)
Vitamin A - 135 mcg (15% DV)
Vitamin B1 - 20 mcg
Vitamin B2 - 60 mcg
Vitamin B3 (PP) - 400 mcg
Vitamin B5 - 300 mcg
Vitamin B9 - 14 mcg

Polyphenols and Bioflavonoids (Vitamin P)

Micro and macro elements:

Calcium - 7 mg
Iron - 0.1 mg
Phosphorus - 13 mg
Copper - 0.1 mg
Magnesium - 17 - mg
Selenium - 0.6 mcg
Potassium

Fiber - 1.1 g (per 100 g of berries)

Have acerola another feature is the high content of phosphorus in the berry. Perhaps if you can chew a lot of this sour meat, then a glow will begin to emanate from the inside of the body and you will be mistaken for a messenger from heaven. However, not a single person will eat so much acerola. Phosphorus, as we know, is one of the first substances for the musculoskeletal system, liver, brain and many other organs. Academician Fersman called phosphorus "an element of life and thought."

Useful functions of acerola:

- strengthens the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells and antibodies
- a powerful antioxidant;
- neutralizes free radicals
- enhances the production of collagen and strengthens the connective tissues of the body
- Provides strength and elasticity to the skin
- combats fatigue, invigorates
- necessary for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases
– very useful for accelerating rehabilitation after long and severe illnesses
- recommended during pregnancy and lactation
- Possesses powerful antibacterial properties
- effectively treats colds
- prevents the appearance of wrinkles, fights skin damage
- effectively treats diarrhea
- recommended for liver diseases
– effective for the prevention and adjuvant treatment of coronary heart disease
- prevents anemia, immunodeficiency states
- prevents the occurrence of pathologies of pregnancy
- used to prevent certain forms of cancer
reduces gum bleeding

Application:

* with a lack of vitamin C during pregnancy, lactation, growth;
*when overworked; after a long illness;
*for the prevention and treatment of viral and infectious diseases;
* with cardiovascular and oncological diseases;
* in the treatment of dysfunction of the male and female reproductive system.

It turned out that due to the specific vitamin and mineral composition, acerola has a regenerating effect on the skin, especially under conditions of stress and overwork.

The Barbados cherry is a plant familiar to the inhabitants of India and America, as well as those who live in subtropical climates. Another name for cherries is acerola. The berry is used not only in cooking, but also in cosmetology, medicine, and naturopathy. Acerola fruits are used to prepare culinary delights - pastries, fruit salads or desserts.

The plant belongs to the Malpighian family. Other popular varieties are Malpighia naked and Malpighia glabra. The homeland of the plant is considered to be Barbados, as well as the coastal zones of the island of Jamaica, Madagascar and some parts of India. In modern times, the tree is successfully cultivated in Cuba, as well as in Florida and the Philippines.

The acerola tree is evergreen, does not exceed a height of more than five meters. The leaves are epileptic in shape, 5-7 centimeters long, depending on the region of growth.

Outwardly, the berries are similar to ordinary cherries, but differ in a flattened shape and a sour taste. In addition, inside the fruit there is no bone familiar to the inhabitants of the CIS - instead of it there are seeds. Acerola flowers are collected in small inflorescences about 2 centimeters in diameter.

Due to the fact that the tree is unpretentious to environmental conditions, it can be grown even in a small garden pot and placed in the house based on your own preferences. Important to remember, that under the influence of sunlight the number of fruits on the tree increases.

Acerola flowers are collected in small inflorescences about 2 centimeters in diameter.

The beneficial properties of the berry are due to the content in it of a large number of different substances. For example, acerola is considered the champion among berries for the presence of ascorbic acid, which can support the body's immune system.

Other useful ingredients:

  1. Vitamin C. The element allows the body to fight viruses and infections. It is widely used to fight viral diseases, flu and colds. At the same time, vitamin C has the ability to regulate the process of protein coagulation in the blood, promotes better absorption of iron.
  2. Vitamin C. Doctors recommend taking acerola, since it is this substance that helps to restore the body after cancer and various types of chemotherapy.
  3. Vitamin A. It has a positive effect on vision, it is prescribed for people in a state of rehabilitation after operations on the visual apparatus.
  4. Vitamin B. Improves the activity of the central nervous system, relieves stress and insomnia. Improves memory.
  5. Potassium. It affects the circulatory system, prevents the development or exacerbation of chronic diseases associated with blood vessels and heart muscle.

Gallery: Barbados cherry (25 photos)



















Features of the use of acerola (video)

Micro and macro elements in the composition of the Barbados cherry:

  • Iron;
  • Selenium;
  • Phosphorus;
  • Zinc;
  • Magnesium;
  • Calcium;
  • Sodium;
  • Potassium.

Barbados cherries are low in calories. There are only 32 kcal per 100 grams of product. For comparison, the same amount of currants has twice as many calories. A small amount of carbohydrates and vegetable protein allows you to eat a berry without accounting for the volume eaten.

Inside the fruit there is no bone familiar to residents of the CIS - instead of it there are seeds

Collection, harvesting and storage of Barbados cherries

Harvesting should be done when the cherries have acquired a bright red hue. Sublimation will help preserve the freshness of the Barbados cherry, as well as all the beneficial substances in its composition. It is not recommended to store the berry fresh for more than six days - after the product becomes dangerous to human health.

Drying of raw materials will help to ensure the safety of the product - after it, almost all ascorbic acid remains in the cherry.

Useful and healing properties of acerola

Acerola is widely used for vitamin deficiencies, and, in particular, vitamin A and C, with overwork and prolonged stress, depression, in the period after a serious illness. Also cherry is prescribed by specialists for the treatment of viral and infectious diseases, dysfunction of the reproductive system in men and women. In cosmetology, it is used to get rid of mimic wrinkles, as well as to regenerate the skin, restore wounds and ulcers. The systematic use of berries in food can prevent diseases associated with the oral cavity, as well as varicose veins, diarrhea.

Drugs for the prevention of viral diseases (video)

Immunostimulatory properties

The berry is able to strengthen and restore the normal functioning of the immune system, which is responsible for the safety of the body and protection from harmful bacteria and viruses. Researchers have done several studies showing that Barbados cherry can reduce stress and compensate for energy spent on physical activity. For the experiment, the subjects were placed in an extreme environment, but they could freely consume cherries. Experience has shown that the likelihood of getting a cold has been reduced by almost half!

Harvesting should be done when the cherries have acquired a bright red hue

Collagen production

Vitamin C is a substance that takes an active part in the process of producing natural collagen in the body. Collagen is responsible for the elasticity of the skin, the walls of blood vessels, and the tendons themselves. Its deficiency can lead to dry skin, the appearance of microscopic cracks, pain, and injuries with minor loads.

In cosmetology, acerola is used as a means for healing and restoring the skin, combating gradual aging. Even regular eating of acerola significantly tightens the skin, can change the tone of the face and remove pallor, blue circles under the eyes.

In cosmetology, acerola is used as a means for healing and restoring the skin, combating gradual aging.

natural antioxidant

The Barbados cherry contains anthocyanins, which contribute to better assimilation of information. In addition, this substance prevents the occurrence of diabetes and diseases associated with the circulatory system and the heart itself. Acerola can fight free radicals, which can cause various diseases.