HEALTH TALKS.

Acerola Cherry.

Known for Highest Vitamin C fruit.

Acerola cherry is juicy, often as much sour as sweet in flavor and very high in vitamin C and other nutrients. It is incredible and unbelievable that one tiny cherry has higher vitamin C content than an orange. Specifically, the vitamin C content is 65 times greater than an orange, which means one cherry has a vitamin C content that is equal to the minimum daily recommended requirements. It is one of the richest sources of vitamin C in fruit.

The acerola cherry also contains approximately double the magnesium, potassium and vitamin B5, as an orange. They are known to have high levels of vitamin A, often equal to that of raw carrots. In addition to vitamins A, B and C, acerola cherries also contain the key minerals calcium, iron, and phosphorus.

 

As well as these powerful essential vitamins and minerals, acerola cherries also contain other health promoting plant compounds such as flavonoids and anthocyanins that are part of a bigger category of health compounds called polyphenols. Acerola even boasts a novel flavonoid so far only discovered in only these cherries(3), though that does not rule out the possibility that this compound could also be present but undiscovered in other fruits.

And Acerola fruits are an excellent source of Vitamin C.  One study showed that these berries have 32 times as much of the vitamin as do oranges. At one point, the juice of the berry was being added to apple juice to fortify the juice with Vitamin C as an alternative for young children who might not be able to tolerate the high acid content of orange juice.

Of course, most of us know that Vitamin C is not a wonder cure for colds as was once believed, but it is essential in keeping our immune system strong and healthy. However, when it combined with beta carotene, the supplement will create a synergy effect to boost up the antioxidant effect. It is very effective at battling free radicals. Plus, for one, the berry contains chemicals that help keep the acidity levels in the body normal which is going to aid in digestion.

GOOD FOR :

Reduce Blood Sugar Levels

For diabetics, high blood sugar levels can be very dangerous so anything that can bring them down into a normal range is a good supplement to a diet. Acerola berry extract can help do that. Some of the studies on the polyphenols contained in the fruit have shown marked reductions in blood sugar levels.

It can become a good safeguard for your heart and coronary artery when combining with vitamin A which aims to prevent arteriosclerosis, heart failure, and stroke.

Skin Discoloration

Some of the latest cosmetics on the market now or soon heading to market are also incorporating Acerola berry extract. These products are skin whiteners or bleach products. While they started in Japan where women desire white skin because it’s symbolic of being from a higher class, these products can also be used to treat skin conditions elsewhere, including melasma.

The high amount of Vitamin C in the extract inhibits the tyrosinase, which is needed for the production of melanin (the element that turn your skin dark). So, ladies… Without sufficient melanin, the skin is going to get lighter.

Treating a fever
Astringent
Tuberculosis
Liver, kidney system stimulant
Restore cuts
Inflammation (inflamation)
A healthy heart function
Rheumatic diseases (rheumatic)
Help nutritious for anemia

 

TO PLANT ACEROLA BERRIES TREES:

Instructions

1.       

• 1 Plant acerola seeds only if they are clean, dry and treated with fungicide. Germination rates of acerola seeds are typically 5 percent to 50 percent. Transfer seedlings to containers when they are 2 to 3 inches tall.
• 2 Plant acerolas from cuttings for your best chance at success. Use cuttings from branches that are 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick and 8 to 10 inches long. If the cutting has two or three leaves, treated with a rooting agent, and is set in sand while constantly misted, it should root within 60 days.
• 3 Plant your acerola in the warmest place on your property. A young acerola needs to be protected if the temperature goes below 30 degrees F. A more mature tree can survive a short exposure to temperatures down to 28 degrees.
• 4 Plant your acerola in well-drained soil and do not let it get wet feet. It will grow well in a number of types of soil, including limestone and clay, as long as it does not get water-logged. It can tolerate drought, although the fruit may be delayed until rainfall.
• 5 Plant your acerola in the spring, and try to plant it before your area's rainiest time of year. If you live near the ocean, pick a spot that is protected from oceanfront breezes or salty water, as this will negatively impact the acerola's growth.
• 6 Fertilize with any fertilizer designed for fruit trees. Using too much will encourage the vegetation too much and will negatively impact fruit growth.
• 7 Prune after fruit production in the early fall. Prune to shape the tree and to thin out the growth, which will create heavier fruit production the following year.
• 8 Mulch the acerola well and irrigate regularly to prevent its most common pest, the root-knot nematode, which is a microscopic worm, from damaging the tree.
• 9 Keep the leaves of the acerola dry to prevent the Cercospora leaf spot, which is the only common disease that you need to worry about. High humidity encourages this condition, and dark, sunken spots on the leaves are an indication that it is present.
• 10 Pick the fruit your acerola produces quickly, as it will not remain viable if left on the tree. It's packed with vitamin C, and can be eaten just off the tree, or used for jellies and other recipes.