Enhancing the immunity, treating gastrointestinal issues, helping in weight loss, better cardiac health and being a rich source of essential nutrients are some of the health benefits of acerola for children.
Being an extremely rich source of vitamin C, acerola is used to prevent cold, flu and certain illnesses. Talking about acerola cherry, it is used to treat skin blemishes, digestive issues and also promotes skin elasticity. In addition to the ones listed above, there are also other uses of acerola that are:
- Antidepressant
- Diarrhea
- Dysentery
- Skin astringent
- Athletic endurance
- Antifungal
In what form should acerola be taken?
The acerola berry or say, the fruit part of the plant is widely consumed by people for its health benefits. One can eat it raw (the way it is) or cook the same into dishes. However, one would most commonly find the fruit in its supplement form but eating the fruit should be your prior choice. This is available in the capsule form, chewable form, powder or even liquid extract. Remember, you must follow the dosage directions on the label to avoid excessive consumption.
7 Amazing Health Benefits of Acerola
Listed below are some of the health benefits of acerola for children:
Vitamin C
Acerola consists of the second highest amount of vitamin C after ‘camu camu’. This water-soluble vitamin must be taken on a regular basis which consists of high amounts of vitamin C than even compared to oranges and strawberries. It also helps to prevent free radical damage, treats certain illnesses, builds collagen, prevents scurvy and protects mucus membranes.
Vitamin A
A small acerola berry consists of as much Vitamin A that equals to the amount of it present in a full-sized carrot. Thereby, eating 1 or 2 acerola per day can easily fulfil your daily requirement of vitamin A. It is also because of thus that acerola is used as a natural vitamin A supplement.
Essential nutrients
Not only is acerola a rich source of vitamin A and C, but it also consists of other essential nutrients that are vital for our body. B-vitamins (B1 or thiamine, B2 or riboflavin, B3 or niacin, B5 or pantothenic acid, B9 or folic acid etc), malic acid sugars (sucrose, fructose, dextrose etc), protein, lipids, fatty acids, dietary fiber and minerals and electrolytes (iron, magnesium, calcium, [potassium, zinc, copper, phosphorus etc) are all present in it, thus providing your body with all the essential nutrients it requires.
Enhances immunity
Acerola consists of antioxidants, especially vitamin C and phytochemicals that help in making the immune system stronger. Not only this, it also prevents us from degenerative diseases, inflammation, cancers and other diseases.
Gastrointestinal issues
Being high in dietary fiber, acerola berry helps to facilitate the bowel movements and also cleanses the intestines overall keeping the gastrointestinal system healthy. Due to this, digestive issues like constipation, dysentery, constipation are also easy to be treated.
Helps in Weight loss
If your child suffers from excessive body fat and thus want to lose some weight, acerola berries can be a good option. They are extremely low in fat and calories, provide required nutrition to the cells, boosts metabolism, which are all essential to control obesity.
Promotes Better cardiac health
Acerola helps in regulating the blood pressure level and normalises the heart rhythm, thus keeping the cardiovascular system strong. In addition to this, acerola berry also helps to put off atherosclerosis, thrombosis and coronary artery diseases etc.
Recipe of Acerola cherry salsa
Ingredients
- Acerola cherries
- Grind of black pepper
- Pinch of salt
- Green chilli
- Coriander
- Garlic
- Lime juice
- Rapeseed oil
- Allspice
Method
- Remove the seeds and stalks and crush the cherries.
- Chop the cherries, chilli, coriander and garlic.
- Mix them all together and serve.
Does it have any side effects?
Although acerola serves to provide us with enormous health benefits but it is important that we consume it in moderation. Thereby, it is essential that you follow the label, as directed on the supplement and always purchase the same from a known and trusted manufacturer. Taking too much of it can lead to following issues:
If you experience any such symptoms, it is recommended that you consult your doctor. Side or lower back pain could also be a symptom, if you go through one, discuss about the same with your doctor.
Conclusion
Having discussed the health benefits of acerola above, it is clear that the fruit serves to be beneficial not only for adults but also for the children. Although acerola is present in the supplement forms, but when it comes to children, it is better if you only rely on the natural fruit and not on the supplemental forms. The supplements should not be the first choice when it comes to your child.
