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Acerola is a tropical fruit originally from Central America. Lately, it has been gaining the attention of consumers and health professionals alike. This fruit has a high concentration of vitamin C, carotenoids and phenolic compounds which make it a nutritional bomb. This fruit is not often eaten fresh because of its highly acidic taste. The most common presentation for this fruit is as an extract, in capsules or integrated into a juice.
The vitamin C content in acerola is a powerful dose of antioxidants, which has been linked to the prevention and management of certain diseases (cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and cancer), as well as slowing down signs of aging. If you’d like to know more about this dazzling red fruit and all of its health benefits, read on.
Contents
- 1 Key Facts
- 2 The best acerola supplements on the UK market
- 3 Shopping Guide: Everything you should know about acerola supplements
- 3.1 What is acerola exactly?
- 3.2 What type of flavour does acerola have?
- 3.3 How to eat acerola fruit?
- 3.4 What nutrients are found in acerola?
- 3.5 What health benefits can acerla have?
- 3.6 Why is the vitamin C in acerola so important?
- 3.7 Which antioxidants can be found in acerola?
- 3.8 What types of acerola supplements are there and how do I know which one is right for me?
- 3.9 What is the recommended dose for acerola supplements?
- 3.10 What is the difference between acerola supplements and traditional vitamin C supplements?
- 3.11 Can children have acerola?
- 3.12 Who can benefit from taking acerola supplements?
- 3.13 What are the adverse effects of acerola?
- 4 Shopping Criteria
- 5 Summary
Key Facts
- To avoid the acidic taste of acerola, it is best to ingest it in the form of an extract, juice, chewable tablets or capsules.
- Despite the fact that acerola supplements have a very high concentration of vitamin C, making it a great antioxidant, keep in mind this vitamin is also critical for the synthesis of collagen, metabolising energy and proper immune function.
- Acerola also contains other antioxidants like polyphenols and carotenoids. These compounds are known to help neutralise the oxidising agents that cause cell degeneration. This is how the antioxidants in acerola can aid in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and the development of cancerous cells.
The best acerola supplements on the UK market
There are many diverse forms of acerola supplements available in the UK, making easy to reap the rewards of all the healthy properties this fruit has to offer. Keep in mind that unlike the capsules or chewable acerola tablets, extracts and juices are very versatile and can be easily combined with other foods. Check out this ranking with the best acerola products available to you:
- Vitamin C with organic acerola cherry
- Organic acerola powder
- Acerola powder with the maximum levels of nutrients
- Acerola powder to increase your nutrient intake
- Acerola + Vitamin C capsules
Vitamin C with organic acerola cherry
This premium supplement by Naturelo is made of 100% natural Vitamin C and Acerola Cherry in the form of 90 timed-release capsules. Unlike most other vitamin C supplements on the market that are made of cheap, synthetic, ascorbic acid, this product is made from real fruits and plant-based nutrients; the price is the first indicator of its high quality.
Each capsule provides 500mg of vitamin C from Organic Acerola Cherries. This supplement is free of GMOs, soy, gluten, yeast, dairy, eggs, nuts, caffeine, coloring, preservatives, and artificial flavorings.
It is a supplement suitable for almost anyone. Naturelo has added citrus bioflavonoids from organic oranges and lemons to enhance the bioavailability of vitamin C. Naturelo keeps up with the latest news in scientific findings that have shown bioflavonoids play an important role in the absorption of vitamin C as much as 35%. This supplement helps increase collagen production and stimulates antibody production to increase the health of the immune system.
Organic acerola powder
Green Origins, always produces its products to prioritise long-term health with natural and non-synthetic ingredients. Unlike other vitamin C supplements that contain isolated or synthetic vitamin C that is highly acidic and causes nutrient imbalances, this 100% food-based Vitamin C powder is as pure as nature intended, providing you with all the benefits of this miracle vitamin without compromising the health of your body.
The 50g. supplement packet contains organically sourced vitamin C powder that abides by strict regulations and harvested at its nutritional peak. This supplement will help in reducing the appearance of wrinkles, helping maintain the skin’s elasticity and firmness. Because vitamin C is naturally sourced directly from acerola cherries, it has higher bioavailability that makes its powerful antioxidant activity more powerful and effective.
This product provides aprox. 10 servings of Acerola vitamin C that you can easily add to a smoothie stir into your parage or yoghurt or sdd to a homemade snack bar.
Acerola powder with the maximum levels of nutrients
Sevenhills Wholefoods and non-GMO, this organic acerola powder is an excellent source of natural Vitamin C, freeze dried to retain maximum levels of nutrients. Raw – processed at temperatures that never exceed 45 degrees Celsius, as this helps to retain heat sensitive nutrients. 100% pure with nothing added, allergen free, certified organic by the Soil Association, environmentally sustainable practices employed, GMO free, non-irradiated, tested for heavy metals, mycotoxins etc. Registered with the Vegan Society. Sevenhills Wholefoods products are widely recommended by the press, including the BBC Good Food Magazine
Acerola (Barbados Cherry) is a small fruit native to Central and South America, it has a delicious, sweet flavour with a hint of acidity. Their fruit are from Brazil, grown in ideal rainforest conditions. Fruit are hand-picked from the topmost tree branches and quickly pressed into a pup.
This is freeze-dried to retain as many nutrients as possible, then milled to a fine powder. This brands acerola is pure and has no anti-caking agents, so some clumping is normal due to natural amorphous sugar content. Acerola powder can be added to juices, smoothies, cereals, cakes and desserts.
Sevenhills acerola powder is sourced from organic producers. Organic means working with nature and is better for the environment – lower levels of pesticides, no manufactured herbicides or artificial fertilisers and more environmentally sustainable management of the land.
Organic food comes from trusted sources, all organic farms and food companies are inspected at least once a year and the standards are laid down in law.
Acerola powder to increase your nutrient intake
This product is a great way to increase your nutrient intake and incorporate one of the earth’s amazing “superfoods” into your diet. Natural acerola fruits without any additions, sugar or chemicals – natural origin certified by laboratories! Acerola is famous for boosting natural immnuity and helping in production of collagen. One acerola fruit weighting 4.5 g has as much vitamin C as a kilogram of lemons.
Sweet natural taste. Recommended 2g of powder per day (1/2 teaspoon). Would be added to muesli, cocktail, yogurt, any juice or just water.
100% acerola without sugar and without any additions. The goal of the company Nature Gold is to promote a healthy life style within the European Union. We provide healthy food to customers who above all appreciate the quality of natural products. A company that helps you find the best quality food.
Acerola + Vitamin C capsules
The vitamin C and acerola capsules by Supplement Tree are multifaceted supplements that provide various benefits to the body. Vitamin C is believed to boost the immune system as well as provide antioxidant protection against free radicals, aids in iron absorption, supports cardiovascular health, aids in collagen formation and promotes healthy vision.
These capsules are potent and effective, providing 500 mg of vitamin C per capsule with rose hips and acerola cherry for maximum absorption and bioavailability.
Supplement Tree Vitamin C Capsules are manufactured in the UK to GMP code of practice and ISO 9001 quality assurance certification. This supplement is Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Supplemen Tree´s Food State Vitamin C complex combination is made up of natural food ingredients; as recognised and required by the body for maximum digestion, absorption and utilisation.
This form of Vitamin C is retained longer in the body due to it’s array of beneficial bioflavonoids, vitamins, minerals and other phyto-nutrients.
Shopping Guide: Everything you should know about acerola supplements
In order to reap all of the benefits of acerola, you must first make sure to ingest it properly. In this next section, we give you all the information you need. What is the daily recommended dose of acerola? Is it better to have it in the form of juice, extract or chewable tablet? Is taking acerola better than taking a traditional vitamin C supplement? Read on to find the answers to all these questions and many more.
Fresh acerola fruit has a high water, fibre, sugar, vitamins and minerals content.
(Source: Somyot Pattana: 60466390/ 123rf.com)
What is acerola exactly?
Acerola fruit is a bright red cherry-like fruit containing several small seeds. Mature fruits are soft and pleasant tasting. They contain 80 percent juice and it’s important to note they are not often sold fresh in stores because the fruits deteriorate rapidly once removed from the tree.
What type of flavour does acerola have?
How to eat acerola fruit?
Nonetheless, you can always opt for acerola supplements in the form of juice, capsules, chewable tablets or as a powdered extract. Moreover, acerola fruit can also be used to make jams, ice cream, spirits, jellies, and compotes. Keep in mind however, these products won’t have the same health benefits.
What nutrients are found in acerola?
When the fruit is at mid ripeness and it is still very sour, its concentration of vitamin C can be up to 4830 mg per 100 grams. This means that acerola, depending on how ripe it is, can have 10 to 100 times more vitamin C than an orange. Other valuable components found in this fruit include polyphenols and carotenoids.
Acerola, like other fruits, is naturally free of lactose and gluten.
(Source: Getsaraporn Thammason: 83481078/ 123rf.com)
What health benefits can acerla have?
- Antioxidant protection from the damage of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules which can contribute to cells oxidation, which can cause disease or premature ageing. Some conditions linked to oxidative stress include: atherosclerosis, chronic fatigue, cancer and certain eye, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases.
- Helps maintain adequate vitamin C levels in smokers and recent ex-smokers. This demographic needs higher levels of this nutrient than those who don’t smoke.
- Aids in slowing down macular degeneration associated with aging. Thanks to acerola’s high levels of beta-carotene (provitamin A) and lutein, it works to manage this disease — which is the leading cause of blindness in adults.
- Antihyperglycemic effect. This basically means that it helps prevent spikes in blood glucose levels. This is particularly important for diabetics.
- Works to protect the skin against free radicals and the ultraviolet radiation associated with the emergence of wrinkles. Furthermore, fresh acerola and in supplements, helps stimulate the production of collagen — a protein responsible for keeping skin firm and smooth.
- Helps regulate and improve mood. Since vitamin C plays a key role in norepinephrine production, acerola works to improve overall emotional wellbeing.
- Acerola strengthens the immune system. It has antimicrobial action against viruses, bacteria and other pathogens.
- Can have a role in the prevention of various types of cancer. The anthocyanin found in acerola has tumour fighting actions in breast and lung cancer.
- Acerola supports increased absorption of iron. Iron is present in green leafy vegetables, nuts, legumes, seeds, egg yolk and other foods. Its a key nutrient in helping prevent anaemia, which is often caused by iron deficiency.
Why is the vitamin C in acerola so important?
- It increases the absorption of non-heme iron. This is the type of iron found in non meat sources.
- Supports healthy immune function. It is an essential nutrient involved in the proper functioning of the immune system.
- Helps fight cold and flu symptoms. It also helps speed up recovery time.
- Vitamin C facilitates energy metabolism. By allowing the body to access the energy found in food.
- Stimulates collagen production. In the skin, tendons, joints and bones.
- Acts as a powerful antioxidant. Which works to neutralise free radicals.
- Assists in the synthesis of mood-related neurotransmitters. Working as a natural and powerful mood regulator.
Which antioxidants can be found in acerola?
Acerola supplements are a great way to consume antioxidants and to provide a boost to the immune system. (Source: Supakorn Rovijit: 78551558/ 123rf.com)
What types of acerola supplements are there and how do I know which one is right for me?
- Tablets: are usually made with gelatin and binding agents that create a capsule or tablet that holds the acerola extract inside. Moreover, chewable tablets can be flavoured with natural ingredients like oranges or other citrus flavors.
- Powdered extract: is made by cold drying (freezing) the acerola fruit, dehydrating it and forming a mass which is then crushed into powder. This presentation has a more concentrated natural acerola flavour. To ingest it, it can be mixed into liquids or other foods.
- Juice: the juice is extracted by cold pressing the fruit, this is done in order to retain most of the vitamin C — which is thermosensitive and is destroyed or degraded when exposed to high temperatures. The juice will have the characteristic acerola flavour, which can be drunk on its own or mixed into a smoothie.
| Features | Tablets | Powder | Juice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flavour | These may have neutral or natural acerola taste. They can also be flavoured with other ingredients (eg. citrus). |
Intense acerola flavor | Pleasant, sweet and sour taste, typical of acerola. |
| Method of intake | They can be taken on their own, or with water. However, most tablets are flavoured and chewable. | Commonly mixed with water, milk, yogurt, vegetable juice or smoothies. | Can be drunk on its own, it doesn’t need to be mixed or diluted with water. |
| Amount of processing | Moderate. The extract needs to be mixed with other ingredients in order to be made into a capsule or tablet. | Low | Low |
| Recommended dose/serving | 1 or 2 tablets a day | 3 to 5 grams daily | 50 to 100 ml |
| Amount of vitamin C per serving | 500 mg per tablet or capsule on average | 438 to 730 mg | 800 to 1600 mg |
What is the recommended dose for acerola supplements?
What is the difference between acerola supplements and traditional vitamin C supplements?
The differences between acerola and pure vitamin C supplements lies in the anthocyanins and carotenoids found in the fruit. The combination of nutrients in acerola have additional benefits not found in vitamin C supplements, including antihyperglycemic and antimicrobial properties, as well as preventing macular degeneration.
| Benefits | Acerola supplements | Vitamin C supplements |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | Yes | Yes |
| Antihyperglycemic | Yes | No |
| Strengthens the immune system | Yes | Yes |
| Prevents macular degeneration associated with age | Yes | No |
| Stimulates collagen production | Yes | Yes |
| Antimicrobial | Yes | No |
Can children have acerola?
Who can benefit from taking acerola supplements?
- Smokers and those who recently quit smoking
- Vegans and vegetarians who have suffered from an iron deficiency
- People with a diet low in fruits and vegetables — fresh fruits and veggies are the main sources of vitamin C
- People suffering from a cold or the flu
- Diabetics (who don’t use insulin)
- People with a predisposition for age-associated macular degeneration
What are the adverse effects of acerola?
- Patients with chronic liver or kidney conditions. This does not necessarily mean they cannot take acerola supplements, but people suffering from these conditions should consult with their doctor before taking any dietary supplements.
- Latex allergies. There can be a negative reaction between the latex allergen and the acerola molecule.
- Hemochromatosis. This is an illness characterised by the excessive accumulation of iron in the tissues and organs. As vitamin C increases the absorption of iron, acerola supplements can aggravate this condition.
- People who take phenothiazines. Because vitamin C can limit or block their effects.
Aside from these special cases, acerola supplements are generally safe. This is because vitamin C is hydrosoluble, meaning that any accumulated excess will be discarded through the urine — this makes it very hard for someone to overdose on acerola. Nonetheless, excess vitamin C may cause diarrhoea, stomach pain, and kidney stones.
Shopping Criteria
Although acerola products are generally safe, you should consider other important aspects when choosing the right supplement for you. If you have any of the conditions in which acerola can help to improve your health or prevent illness, you should consider the following aspects to make sure you get the best product:
Format
The easiest way to take acerola supplements is in tablets. Some of these may have to be swallowed with a sip of water, but the majority of options are chewable, designed to be eaten like sweets. Moreover, the juice is also simple to ingest, just make sure to store in the fridge after you’ve opened it.
Last but not least, the powdered extract is perfect for people looking for a supplement which is 100% natural. This is because it is produced by freeze-drying the acerola fruit and then crushing it into a fine powder. Nonetheless, the drawback of this option is that you need to mix it with some kind of liquid or food in order to take it.
Acerola spoils very quickly after it’s been harvested, making it difficult for retailers to carry fresh acerola fruit (Source: Getsaraporn Thammason: 78797318/ 123rf.com)
Flavour
The juice, along with the chewable tablets, has a subtle, pleasant taste. The powder, on the other hand, has an intense, acre flavour (it leaves a rough feeling in the mouth), although it becomes much more pleasant to take when added to shakes or smoothies with other citrus, berries, pineapple or banana.
Ease of consumption
This mainly pertains to children that can or need to have acerola supplements. It’s vital to choose products which have an agreeable taste, have a suitable vitamin C concentration for their age (60 – 120 milligrams per tablet). You should also look for organic products because kids are more susceptible to toxins and additives.
Allergies
Even though acerola is naturally lactose and gluten-free, anyone with restrictions, allergies or intolerances should carefully check the list of ingredients. Keep in mind that people who have an allergy to latex should not ingest any acerola.
Production and processing conditions
It is always advisable to opt for supplements which have been made through sustainable farming practices, not only because of health reasons but also to care for the environment. Another point to consider regarding this criteria is the packaging, it’s always preferable to choose products made with recyclable packaging.
In the same way, it’s better to buy supplements without artificial colours, flavours or aromas. Keep in mind that because acerola is a fruit which quickly goes bad, excessive additives could be used to hide changes to the original raw material.
Summary
Acerola is a fruit which is rich in vitamin C, phenolic compounds and carotenoid pigments. These key nutrients result in one of the best natural sources of antioxidants. This nutrient content gives this fruit the ability to prevent illness and slow down the aging process. It can be taken in the form of tablets, capsules, juice or powder.
Because vitamin C and acerola pigments (anthocyanins, beta carotene, and lutein) play key roles in the proper functioning of the body, these supplements are beneficial for both children and adults alike. Last but not least, even though these supplements are often safe, it’s always important not to exceed the recommended daily dose.
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(Source of featured image: Somyot Pattana: 29697752/ 123rf.com)
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