Barbados cherry: beneficial properties, dosage
Acerola Cherry - Acerola Cherry (Latin Malpighia emarginata) is a small, rapidly growing tree of the Malpighian family. The most common names for the species are Barbados cherry, Garden cherry, Indian cherry, Manzanita. In each country, Acerola is called differently.
The vastness of Mexico is considered the birthplace of Acerola. Over time, it spread throughout the countries of Central and South America, the Caribbean. Currently, the tree grows in Australia, Brazil, Cuba, Madagascar, Thailand, Peru, Vietnam, Philippines, India, Pakistan, Indonesia.
Botanical description. Barbados cherry grows well in tropical and subtropical climates on loamy, well-drained soils. It is an evergreen deciduous tree with a height of 3 to 6 meters.
All Acerola varieties are divided into:
- Sweet varieties - Hawaiian queen, manoa sweet. Tropical ruby.
- Sour varieties - JH Beaumont, CF Rehnborg and Haley.
The leaves are oval, dark green, smooth and shiny. The size of the leaf blade is from 5 to 10 cm in length, from 2.5 to 5.5 in width. The flowers are pink, no more than 2 cm in diameter. The flowering period begins in early summer and lasts until autumn. The root system is shallow. Woody root branches break easily.
The fruits of the Barbados cherry are harvested from summer to autumn. The berries are round, slightly flattened, from 1.5 to 4 cm in diameter, weight - 5-7 grams. The pulp of the fruit is juicy. Its color depends on the variety and can be of different shades - from yellowish to orange. The fruit tastes sweet, sometimes with a sour or tart aftertaste. Each fruit contains three small, rounded seeds.
Video: description and appearance of garden Barbados cherry:
Content:
- Fruit composition
- Useful properties of the Barbados cherry
- How to use Barbados cherries?
- Recommended dosage
- Contraindications and side effects
- Conclusion
Fruit composition
-
Fats:
0.3 g
- Proteins: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 7,7 g
- Water: 91.4 g
- Ash: 0.2 g
| Nutrients | amount | % RDA |
| Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) | 1680 mg | 1866% |
| Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) | 0.309 mg | 6% |
| Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) | 0.06 mg | 4.5% |
| Vitamin A (retinol) | 38 mcg | 4.2% |
| Vitamin B9 (folic acid) | 14 μg | 3.5% |
| Vitamin B1 (thiamin) | 0.02 mg | 1.7% |
|
Minerals |
||
| Copper, Cu | 0.8 mg | 9.6% |
| Magnesium, Mg | 18 mg | 4.3% |
| Potassium, K | 146 mg | 3.0% |
| Iron, Fe | 0.2 mg | 2.50% |
| Phosphorus, P | 11 mg | 1.6% |
It is important to note that 100 g of acerola contains 1680 mg of vitamin C, which is 18 times the daily value. [1]
200 grams of Acerola contains only 31 calories, and 100 grams of cherry juice contains almost 90 grams of water. Such a rich composition provides the body with carbohydrates, proteins and the necessary energy.
Useful properties of the Barbados cherry
Acerola fruit pulp is used in various industries. It is found in vitamin drinks, food, hair and skin care products. Acerola is one of the favorite ingredients in the production of soaps, bath foams, body gels, lotions, shampoos, peels, decorative cosmetics, and aftershaves.
In medicine, cherry fruits are added to various ointments, massage oils. It is difficult to argue with its medicinal properties:
- Reducing the effects of oxidative stress. The antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of the Barbados cherry are explained by the high content of carotenoids, anthocyanins and vitamin C. A decrease in oxidative reactions was studied in mice. During the experiment, it was found that the active components of acerola inhibit lipid oxidation with a simultaneous decrease in the activity of aminotransferase. It is known that acerola juice protects liver cells from the destructive effects of ethyl alcohol.
-
Prevention of obesity. As recent studies show, obesity is not simply the result of a mismatch between calorie intake and energy expenditure. It has been established that obesity is associated with impaired functioning of cellular mitochondria. Cherry juice stabilizes blood sugar levels. The active compounds of acerola inhibit triglycerides, which blocks weight gain, the growth of "bad" cholesterol and signs of inflammation, while enhancing overall metabolism. All processes in the body contribute to the processing of free fatty acids as an energy source. Using your own resources makes it possible to maintain the tone the body needs. [2]
- Prevention of diabetes mellitus. Hyperglycemia can cause premature birth, spontaneous abortion, and overweight. Hyperinsulinemia provokes respiratory and metabolic disorders in the newborn. The active elements of acerola juice help prevent an increase in sugar levels and a violation of the content of lipoproteins, triglycerides in the blood. Polyphenols inhibit the negative effects of maltase and glucosidase, which helps to reduce glucose absorption. In patients with diabetes, polyphenols prevent the formation of glycation compounds. With the help of cherry antioxidants, it is possible to stop the complications associated with micro- and macrovascular diabetes. Acerola juice stops oxidative stress caused by free radicals. These features allow you to maintain the health of blood vessels,who are the first to suffer from diabetes.[3]
- Antioxidant action. The antioxidant properties of the Barbados cherry are provided by a high concentration of iron, calcium, kaempferol, anthocyanins, quercetin, vitamin C, caffeic and chlorogenic acids. The powerful antioxidant effect of acerola is more pronounced than that of alpha-tocopherol. Carotenoids provide the body with nutrients. With the help of antioxidants, the indicators of "bad" cholesterol and blood glucose are reduced.
- Hepatoprotective action. The antioxidant effect of the Barbados cherry is directly related to the protection of liver cells. Phenolic compounds and vitamin C prevent the harmful effects of free radicals on the hepatocyte membrane. The positive therapeutic effect of acerola juice in liver diseases has been proven by the results of medical research. [4]
- Supports skin health. Nutrients - copper, vitamin C have a beneficial effect on the skin. With their help, the texture of the skin is improved, mimic wrinkles are smoothed. Nutrients contribute to deep hydration of the skin, slow down the aging process. Copper is essential for the production of elastin and collagen. Vitamin C strengthens ligaments, tendons, vascular walls, accelerates the processes of skin regeneration. The combined action of these elements ensures the preservation of skin elasticity and turgor.
- Heals the cardiovascular system. To synthesize its own "good" cholesterol, the body needs pantothenic acid and vitamin B5. According to medical research, vitamin B5 regulates cholesterol levels, keeping them at healthy levels. Pantothenic acid prevents the formation of cholesterol plaques in the lumen of the arteries, which are a common cause of strokes and heart attacks. It should be noted separately that vitamin B5 is involved in the processes of hematopoiesis. It is with its help that new erythrocytes are formed, which transport oxygen to all organs and systems. Thus, hemoglobin indicators increase. Regular consumption of cherry juice or fresh acerola fruits reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
- Prevents colon cancer. In laboratory conditions, acerola cherries have been shown to help the body stop the growth of colon cancer. [five]
[Video] Barbados cherries are an amazing superfruit!
How to use Barbados cherries?
In grocery stores, cherry jams, marmalades, and confitures are most often presented. For more benefits, it is best to consume fresh berries or make your own fruit supplements. It is best to purchase fresh, juicy bright red berries with a pleasant aroma. Cherries are best stored frozen in the freezer. This is due to the fact that after picking berries, the content of vitamin C in them sharply decreases.
Barbados cherries are available in several food forms:
- The juice. Acerola fruits contain up to 80% liquid. When choosing juice in health food stores, pay attention to the expiration date. It is best to use freshly squeezed juices, as they retain vitamin C.
- Cherry Powder. Recently, acerola powder in capsules has appeared. It is also loaded with vitamin C. For drinks, you can mix cherry powder with water, other fruit or vegetable juices.
- Extracts, tinctures of Barbados cherry. They are used as additives to baked goods and confectionery.
- Cosmetic creams. Skin care products, which contain acerola, promote the synthesis of their own collagen, increase the firmness and elasticity of the skin.
Barbados cherry juice, extract, or powder can be added to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or corn porridge. The taste of acerola goes well with other berries, therefore it is suitable for preparing compotes, fruit mixed juices, fruit salads.
Recommended dosage
There are no specific recommendations for the dosage of acerola at the moment. Taking into account the fact that the active ingredients can cause an allergic reaction, recommendations have been established for taking cherry powder. Adults can take 1 teaspoon of acerola powder dissolved in 250 ml of water or other juice. For optimal intake of vitamin C in the body, it is enough to take the product in this form 3-5 times a week.
It is important to remember that the maximum allowable dose of vitamin C for an adult is no more than 2000 mg per day. Before you start taking acerola powder, carefully read the instructions and dosage recommendations.
Contraindications and side effects
Barbados cherries are well tolerated by most people. The development of allergic reactions is possible in persons sensitive to other varieties of cherries, tropical fruits or other types of berries.
A high concentration of vitamin C can cause some negative symptoms:
- Diarrhea.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Convulsions.
- Excessive sweating.
- Dizziness.
- Headache.
A question is often asked about the possibility of consuming Barbados cherries during pregnancy. There is no unequivocal opinion on this matter, since no medical research has been carried out. Given the composition of the fruits of acerola, it is recommended to be taken fresh by pregnant women in moderation. At the same time, you cannot take an extract or powder in parallel.
To refrain from introducing acerola into the diet should be people who take the following drugs:
- Fluphenazine (Prolixin)
- Warfarin.
- Estrogenic hormonal agents.
- Drugs for the treatment of kidney.
- Specific drugs prescribed for certain blood diseases.
The limitations are associated with the fact that vitamin C negatively affects active pharmacological compounds. When prescribing any medications, you should check with your doctor if you can eat acerola or products containing it.
Video: we grow Surinamese (acerola) cherries at home.
Conclusion
The Barbados cherry is a tropical tree species that belongs to the Malpighian family and is a relative of other types of cherries. Juicy bright red berries are rich in vitamins A, C, group B, antioxidants, fiber and microelements.
Medical research has shown that Barbados cherry is able to reduce the harmful effects of free radicals, protect the vessels of the heart and brain. Active substances help to eliminate the symptoms of inflammation, stabilize digestion and metabolism.
You can eat not only fresh or frozen acerola fruits. It retains its beneficial properties in the form of food additives - juice, powder, capsules or extracts. You can find similar products in specialized stores, order from trusted sellers on the Internet.
Sources of information:
- Pollyanna C. Cardosoa Ana Paula B. Tomazinib Paulo C. Stringhetac Sonia MR Ribeirob Helena M. Pinheiro-Sant'Anab. Vitamin C and carotenoids in organic and conventional fruits grown in Brazil. Volume 126, Issue 2, 15 May 2011, Pages 411-416
- Daniela Dimer Leffa, Gislaine Tezza Rezin, Francine Daumann, Luiza M. Longaretti, Ana Luiza F. Dajori, Lara Mezari Gomes, Milena Carvalho Silva, Emilio L. Streck & Vanessa Moraes de Andrade. Effects of Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) Juice Intake on Brain Energy Metabolism of Mice Fed a Cafeteria Diet. Published: 21 January 2016.
- Sandra M. Barbalho, Debora C. Damasceno, Ana Paula Machado Spada, Mireia Palhares, Karla Aparecida Martuchi, Marie Oshiiwa, Viviane Sazaki, and Vanessa Sellis da Silva. Evaluation of Glycemic and Lipid Profile of Offspring of Diabetic Wistar Rats Treated with Malpighia emarginata Juice. Published 23 Jan 2011.
- Neuza Felix Gomes Rochette. Effect of the pretreatment with acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) Juice on ethanol-induced oxidative stress in mice - Hepatoprotective potential of acerola juice. November 2013.
- Ch. Manogna, Asish Bhaumik, T. Haritha, SK. Nasreen, M. Sucharitha, M. Uttara. Evaluation of cytotoxic activity of variousextracts of sweet cherry (Prunus avium) againsthuman colorectal adenocarcinoma HT-29 cell line. International Journal of Chemical Studies 2016; 4 (3): 17-21
The author of the article: Kuzmina Vera Valerievna | Endocrinologist, nutritionist
Education: Diploma of the Russian State Medical University named after NI Pirogov with a degree in General Medicine (2004). Residency at Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, diploma in Endocrinology (2006).
