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Acerola (natural source Vitamin C)

Malpighia punicifolia

Acerola can be found growing wild and under cultivation on the sandy soils throughout north-eastern Brazil. It is native to northern South America, Central America, and Jamaica, Florida and Texas. The fruit of the Acerola Cherry tree, Malpighia punicifolia L. is rich in Vitamin C and carotenoids, with the cherry-like fruits being one of the richest known natural sources of vitamin C. The fresh fruit can contain up to 4000 mg Vitamin C per gram of fresh weight. Oranges provide 500 to 4,000 parts per million Vitamin C or ascorbic acid, while Acerola assays in the range of 16,000 to 172,000 parts per million.

Dosage

1g (1/4 tsp) one or two times daily, or as required. Viridian's Acerola powder provides approximately 18% vitamin C. Therefore 1g of powder provides 180mg vitamin C.

Potential applications:

Cold and flu prevention, detoxification, skin health, vascular disorders, vitamin C deficiency, tooth decay prevention. Acerola is also used traditionally as an astringent, diuretic, arterial stimulant for the liver and renal systems, and as a heart tonic. It is employed as a natural aid for anemia, diabetes, high cholesterol, liver problems, fungal infections, rheumatism, tuberculosis, and during convalescence. The free radical scavenging benefits of acerola are also useful for preventing abnormal growths and fighting cellular aging. The purity and presentation of acerola powder is ideal for children, providing an organic source of highly bio-available vitamin C and its co-factors.

Known contraindications

A study published in 2002 reported that acerola evidenced similar allergic reactivity to that of a well-known allergen, latex. Those who may be allergic to latex may also be allergic to acerola in supplement form or to its addition in various fruit juices.

Interactions

None known.

Use in conjunction with

Immune support - zinc complex, echinacea/astragalus, garlic, antioxidant complex

Note

Other constituents include: flavonoid-type antioxidants such as anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, pectins, tannins, natural sugars, plant acids, red and yellow pigments, especially carotenoids, and essential oil.

REFERENCES

© Cheryl Thallon at Viridian

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