National Cancer Institute (NCI extension) from the United States specifies Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) as “a nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to function and maintain health”. In fact, it is essential for our tissues to be healthy against free radicals (highly reactive chemicals), when we need wounds to heal or to fight infection.
We can find Vitamin C is in green leafy vegetables, potatoes, tomatoes, broccoli, watermelon, strawberries, and more. In general, we know that this nutrient is found in citrus fruits and vegetables, such as lemons and oranges. But have you ever wondered which fruit has the highest amount of vitamin C in the world?
Surely you thought orange, but that’s not the correct answer. its name acerola It is known as West Indian cherry or Barbados cherry. This last name is due to the fact that it is a small fruit and is very similar to the cherry grown in some countries of South America.
The benefits of acerola in our bodies
Acerola is a fruit that grows in tropical and warm climates. You can find these shrubs from southern Texas to northern South America, through the Caribbean and Central America. but The country that stands out as the largest producer is Brazil.
On the other hand, according to Stady Phytopharmacology of Acerola (Malpighia emarginata) and its potential as a functional food”. Acerola fruits are known for their high vitamin C contentphenolic compounds, including benzoic acid derivatives, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins and carotenoids.
The beneficial effects of vitamin C consumption have been demonstrated in the prevention of cancer, aging, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases, since these diseases have an oxidative component in their origin and spread, quoted Lorena Mardones, PhD in Biological Sciences at Universidad Católica de la . Santisima Concepcion (UCSC).
The study also indicates that extracts and bioactive compounds isolated from acerola are being tested for their various health and vitality-promoting activities such as antioxidant, anticancer, antihyperglycemic, and skin protecting activities.
in addition to, Acerola fruits can be considered as good candidates for the development of new functional foods. However, detailed in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, especially studies based on mechanisms, are needed to develop functional food products in the future.
In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the role of acerola as a dietary or functional food, with its market value increasing.
Among the main conclusions of the study, it is clear that with the increase in health awareness worldwide, natural foods are increasingly valued, especially in the treatment of chronic diseases. Also, there is a file Great demand for acerola in Europe, Japan and the United States, Because of its high vitamin C content.
“Infuriatingly humble social media buff. Twitter advocate. Writer. Internet nerd.”
