What's in it Wednesday?
Acerola Cherry | Shakeology
For this
weeks What's in it Wednesday, I'm going to go over super fruit, Acerola Cherry!
Acerola is a modest shrub
or small tree that bears a delicious cherry-like fruit, which explains why you
usually hear the term “acerola cherry”, rather than just acerola. It is native
to Mexico, South America, and Central America, and has been prized for
thousands of years because of their distinct flavor.
They are eaten in much the
same way as regular cherries are, even though they aren’t related. The real
benefit comes from its rich mixture of nutrients and vitamins, in addition to a
wealth of antioxidants and one of the highest concentrations of vitamin C in
ANY fruit.
Here are some health benefits
of Acerola:
Diabetes Management:
Recent
research has shown that the antioxidants in acerola cherries can help slow the
release of sugar into the bloodstream. This regulation of insulin and glucose
is a critical means of preventing diabetic spikes and drops, which can be
dangerous (or even deadly) for people suffering from diabetes.
They can even
help to prevent the onset of the condition.
Cancer Prevention:
Acerola
cherries contain a various mix of antioxidants, including carotenoids and
bioflavonoids. Both of these neutralize the effects of free radicals in the
body. Free radicals are the damaging byproducts of cellular metabolism that cause
healthy cells to mutate into cancerous or unhealthy cells, while also intensifying
other serious diseases.
The antioxidants in acerola cherries have been linked
to reducing the spread of lung cancer in patients suffering from this very common
form of the disease.
Anti-Aging Properties:
This
fruits high level of antioxidants are also great for generally cleansing the
body of dangerous toxins and substances that cause its breakdown. The
carotenoids in acerola cherry help to protect your eye health and boost the
health of your skin. The bioflavonoids help to boost your cognitive function
and prevent the onset of other age-related diseases.
Immune System Boost:
Acerola
cherries have one of the highest contents of vitamin C, just falling second to camu camu. Vitamin C encourages the production of
white blood cells, which are the body’s primary line of defense against foreign
agents and pathogens. Additionally, vitamin C is a essential component in
collagen, which means that your body can heal itself faster with repairing
cells, blood vessels, organs, and tissues from illness or injury.
For those who
want a quick immune system boost, add some acerola cherries into your diet and
see how much better you feel!
Metabolism Booster:
You need
to regulate your metabolism if you want to keep your body running at a normal
pace. One of the most important groups of vitamins to do this with is the
vitamin B family. These vitamins include niacin, riboflavin, and folic acid and
can help to regulate your hormonal and metabolic processes to ensure that your
body runs smoothly.
Improves Heart Health:
As a rich
source of potassium, acerola cherry can also boost heart health. Potassium is a
vasodilator; therefore, it helps to relieve strain on the cardiovascular system
by dilating the blood vessels and increasing blood flow which reduces blood
pressure. This can lower your chances of developing atherosclerosis, which also
prevents heart attacks and strokes. The rich variety of antioxidants also helps
to keep the cardiovascular system clear of excess cholesterol and free radicals
causing oxidative stress.
Helps Promote Healthy Digestion:
Though acerola
cherries don’t have as much fiber as many other fruits, it is still noteworthy enough
to help boost your digestive health. Dietary fiber supports smooth passage of
food through the gastrointestinal tract, which relieves constipation, bloating,
diarrhea, cramping, and more serious issues like gastric ulcers.
Also, dietary
fiber even helps clear out dangerous cholesterol from the heart.
*Too many acerola cherries
can also cause diarrhea. The high levels of vitamin C can also be dangerous if
you suffer from gout, as it can boost levels of uric acid. Other than that,
acerola cherries are not commonly known as an allergenic food.
*Watch for "What's in it Wednesday?" every Wednesday at
7:30 PM EST over at Facebook.com/RachelFaulFitness!
Stay
tuned for next week! :)
share this on » |
{Facebook} |
{Twitter} |
{Pinterest} |
