Acerola Berry

Eric Gaba – Wikimedia Commons user: Sting

The Acerola Berry, also known as Barbados cherry, West Indian cherry (Malpighia emarginata), is a member of the malphighiaceae Family.

This is considered a tropical shrub or small tree. After the plant is three years old it produces a bright red drupe, which grows in pairs or trios. Each individual berry has three triagular seeds. 

This berry is native to South America, south Mexico and Central America. The berry is very high in vitamin C and is also a good source of vitamins A, B1, B2, Be, carotenoids, and bioflavonoids.

Sailors would often use this to prevent or treat scurvy. It has also had a history of preventing heart disease, hardening of the arteries, blood clots and cancer. It can also be used to treat a common cold, pressure sores, bleeding in the eye, tooth decay, gum infections, depression, hay fever and collagen disorders. 

Some of the side affects can include nausea, stomachcramps, sleepiness and insomnia and it can worsen gout. If taken in too large of doses, it can cause diarrhea and can increase the chances of getting kidney stones. 

The fruit can be eaten when ripe or can be made into jelly, jam or syrup if done soon after harvest. If allergic to latex, this berry should be avoided.

For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How to Make a Skin Brightening Vitamin C Mask

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tsp of natural Vitamin C powder that  says L-asorbic acid Vitamin C (find it here)
• 1 tsp of fresh aloe gel or raw honey
• 1/8 tsp spring water— Optional (if the mask is too gritty, add more water a few drops at a time until smooth)
• 1-2 drops sandalwood, eucalyptus, frankincense, tea tree, geranium, or helichrysum essential oil (you can get great essential oils HERE)

Instructions–

• Mix ingredients with a small brush until smooth
• Apply with the brush in an even layer all over face, avoiding the eye area
• Leave on for up to 15 minutes
• Rinse with warm water or wipe away with a warm cloth (if you put it on really thick you can peel it off in pieces if you like)
• You may experience some redness for up to an hour afterwards but this is normal

Here is a smoothie recipe which includes this wonderful berry:

This recipe is adapted from a great book I’m reading called “The Hormone Diet” by Natasha Turner, Naturopathic Doctor. It is anti-aging, satisfying (keeps cravings away) and a delicious breakfast idea!

1 serving hemp protein powder (or brown rice protein powder)

1/2 cup raspberries

1/2 cup blueberries

1/2 cup strawberries

1/4 cup blackberries

1 cup water

2 tsp flaxseed oil – for your Essential Fatty Acids

Place all the ingredients into a blender and blend at high speed until smooth. Garnish with some mint and a berry on top! Make sure you use all organic ingredients because berries are highly sprayed with chemicals – pesticides and fertilizers. You will avoid genetic modification as well aka super-strawberries. See my post on genetic modification!

Nutrition Information:

Calories 340 | Carbs 30.4g | Protein 26.9g | Fat 11.87g | Fiber 9.3g