What is it
The acerola (Malpighia glabra) is a shrubby plant, climbing native to the tropical and subtropical areas of America, which can reach up to 5 meters in height. It prefers clayey soils rich in humus and requires temperatures that do not fall below 15 ° C.
The fruits, drupes with a diameter of one to two centimeters, are very similar to cherries and for this reason acerola is also known as Barbadian or Brazilian cherry. Inside, however, the fruit is divided into segments.
The fruit has a very high content of vitamin C, about fifteen times higher than that of kiwi and 20 times that of orange juice.
Activities
In addition to the very high content of vitamin C, about 1,600 milligrams per hectogram, it also contains good amounts of provitamin A (about the same as carrots), B vitamins (in particular pantothenic acid) and bioflavonoids and tannins. Among the mineral salts are well represented calcium, iron and magnesium.
Thanks to its composition, it stimulates the immune system, increasing the phagocytosis activity of white blood cells and promoting their maturation. It also develops an antioxidant action by inactivating free radicals.
It has antianemic effects thanks to the stimulation of the intestinal bacterial flora to produce folic acid, which in turn favors the absorption of iron. It has a protective action on the capillaries.
Why is it used
It is particularly indicated to prevent and combat flu syndromes, colds and rhinitis, but also in all cases of asthenia, vitamin deficiencies, convalescence.
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Due to its astringent properties it is useful in case of diarrhea.
Fights gum bleeding.
How to use it
Acerola preparations are presented as capsules or tablets of dry extract of the nebulized fruit and titrated in vitamin C (up to 25%).
The daily dosage ranges from 5 to 7 mg per kilogram of body weight, to be taken preferably in two daily administrations, preferably between meals.
Effects
The intake of acerola is not recommended for those suffering from kidney stones, because an excess of vitamin C promotes the formation of oxalates that give rise to stones. Another disorder that does not recommend taking acerola is gastric acidity.
Interactions
The high doses of vitamin C contained in acerola counteract the disinfectant activity of the urinary tract of hydroquinone glucosides contained in herbal preparations based on bearberry, strawberry tree, rosemary.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
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