What is Acerola Used For?

Acerola is an extract from the fruit of the acerola shrub. This plant, which has pink and white leaves, originated in the West Indies. Today, it is also found in Florida, Central America, South America and Texas. The fruit of the acerola is small and red and resembles a cherry. Shortly after picking, the fruit quickly loses water and shrivels up. Acerola fruit can be made into jams or pies or just eaten by itself. Because of its health benefits, acerola is also available as a dietary supplement.

Immunity Boosting

• Many factors contribute to low immunity. Lack of sleep, poor diet, poor lifestyle habits and extreme stress can lead to a buildup of free radicals in the body, which in turn causes frequent colds and infections. Acerola is high in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals. For this reason, people use it to boost their immunities.

Skin Benefits

• Taken orally or applied topically, acerola helps to heal wounds, preserve the skin and keep it in good shape. Many skin creams include acerola as an ingredient. Acerola is particularly effective in treating skin that is discolored from sun damage or birthmarks.

Heart Benefits

• Acerola fights coronary disease by helping to balance and strengthen the heart. It also aids in the body's absorption of alfalfa and soy extracts, both of which promote heart health themselves. Acerola reduces the stiffness that often takes place in the arteries and discourages the clumping together of plaque.

Liver Benefits

• Acerola works as a liver stimulant, helping the organ to regain its normal functioning capacity. The liver is responsible for detoxifying the body, ridding it of impurities by filtering the blood. Acerola helps prevent liver disease by scavenging free radicals that are responsible for low liver function.

Brazil

• In Brazil, acerola juice is as common as orange juice is in the United States, and the fruit is readily available. Brazilians eat the fruit to treat fever or stomach ache. They also use acerola to reduce inflammation, combat water retention, lower cholesterol levels and treat diabetes.