Acerola Cherry Powder: Nature’s Vitamin C Powerhouse

Despite their small size, acerola cherries are jam-packed with nutrients, containing up to 100 times more vitamin C than oranges. With numerous health-boosting properties, dried acerola cherry powder is a tasty and versatile supplement that can be easily added to your daily wellness routine.

In this article, we’ll explore the health benefits of dried acerola cherry powder, potential risks, and ways to make the best use of this superfood supplement. 

What is Acerola Cherry Powder?  

Acerola cherries, also known as the Barbados Cherry or West Indian Cherry, are one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C in the world. The fruits contain 50 to 100 times more vitamin C than oranges, making them a celebrated superfood and popular dietary supplement. 

The acerola shrub grows in warm, tropical climates across Central and South America, as well as in the Caribbean. It has a long history of use in these regions, including the treatment of arthritis and fever in traditional medicine. 

In recent years, acerola cherries have gained popularity in the health and wellness industry, with manufacturers creating a variety of acerola-based supplements. Freeze dried acerola cherry powder is one of the most popular, allowing the fruit to be easily transported while preserving all its essential nutrients in a multi-purpose powdered form.
 

Health Benefits of Vitamin C

Vitamin C, scientifically known as ascorbic acid, is essential for human health. It’s what’s known as an essential vitamin, meaning the body can’t produce it on its own. As such, it needs to be obtained through your diet or supplements. 

Key Functions of Vitamin C:

Antioxidant Protection

Vitamin C helps neutralise free radicals, which are reactive molecules that can disrupt cells from functioning properly. This damage is known as oxidative stress, and it’s one of the biggest contributors to ageing and chronic diseases. 

Immune System Support

Vitamin C plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system – the body’s natural defence against disease-causing microorganisms. Specifically, it increases the production of white blood cells. 

Collagen Formation 

Vitamin C is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, the primary building block of skin, muscles, and bones. It supports the structure and elasticity of skin and is essential for muscle recovery and bone health. Collagen is also vital for wound healing. 

Iron Absorption 

Vitamin C helps the body to more easily absorb non-heme iron, meaning iron that comes from plants as opposed to animals. Iron is an essential mineral required for the blood to carry oxygen throughout the body. 

Nutrients in Acerola Cherries 

As well as vitamin C, acerola cherries contain an abundance of other essential micronutrients, including:

• Vitamin B - involved in energy production

• Vitamin A - supports vision, respiration and digestion

• Potassium - important for nerve and muscle cell function

• Magnesium - regulates muscle cells and supports sleep

Acerola also contains phytonutrients, which are compounds that protect plants from the sun and UV damage. While not required by the body, like micronutrients, phytonutrients have a positive effect on overall health.

Acerola contains the following phytonutrients:

• Carotenoids - antioxidants that support eye health

• Phenolics - antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may help protect against diseases caused by over inflammation

• Flavonoids - supports cardiovascular health 

• Anthocyanins - antioxidants that support heart and brain health
  
  

Potential Clinical Uses of Acerola Cherry Powder 

By supporting cellular health and body function, acerola cherries may have a preventive effect against various diseases. Some evidence suggests it could have clinical benefits, supporting disease treatment. However, most research to date has been conducted in animal studies and laboratory experiments, so further human studies are needed to fully understand these potential applications. 

Cancer Therapy and Protection 

Acerola could help improve the effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs. For instance, one study found that dissolved components of acerola cherries inhibited P-glycoprotein (Pgp) — a protein found in tumour cells responsible for drug resistance.

In another study, researchers found that pre-treating mice with an acerola extract slowed down the development of lung cancer. It prevented the activation of the Ras pathway, a chemical signalling chain that causes cancer cells to divide. 

Treating Bacterial Infection

Acerola cherries contain phenolic compounds, which are known for having anti-bacterial activity. By disrupting the survival and division of bacterial cells, Acerola may prevent bacterial infection through its pholic compound content. 

In one study, acerola extracts were shown to inhibit the growth of several disease-causing bacterial species, including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas, and Escherichia coli.

Regulating Blood Sugar Levels 

In a mouse study, scientists extracted polyphenols from acerola fruit and evaluated their effects on blood sugar levels. The extracts reduced sugar absorption and lowered blood sugar spikes in healthy mice after they ate a meal. However, the extracts were less effective at regulating blood sugar in diabetic mice, suggesting that acerola may be beneficial in preventing diabetes, but not in managing or treating it. 

Skin Health 

Acerola is featured in a wide range of skincare products. Being rich in vitamin C, it can help boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity and firmness. Acerola cherries also support skin health through their antioxidant activity. 

In one study, acerola extracts were shown to protect skin cells from several markers of oxidative damage, a key contributor to skin ageing and sun damage.

Protection Against Liver Disease

Researchers tested the effects of acerola juice on liver health. Juice was given to mice for 15 days before exposing them to alcohol-induced liver stress. Blood and liver tests showed that acerola juice helped prevent damage to fats and enzymes in the liver, indicating it protects against liver toxicity.  

Why Freeze-Dried Acerola Cherry Powder is the Best 

While acerola cherries can only grow in tropical areas, their benefits can be accessed worldwide by drying them into an easily transportable powder.

At NutriCraft, we freeze-dry our acerola cherries to preserve their natural goodness. This process first freezes the cherries and then gently removes the water under low pressure. Unlike other drying methods that use high heat, freeze-drying protects the delicate compounds in the cherries, keeping them intact so they can continue to provide their full biological benefits.

Research shows that freeze-drying acerola cherries is one of the most effective methods for preserving their essential nutrients and maintaining their antioxidant properties. 

Health Risks of Dried Acerola Cherry Powder 

Despite its many benefits, acerola cherry powder isn’t for everyone. One study found that acerola contains lipid transfer proteins (LTPs), which are allergens found in foods like peanuts, nuts, and certain fruits and pollens. 

If you already have food allergies, you may be at an increased risk of an allergic reaction to acerola cherries, so it’s always best to start with a small dose and see how you react.

In addition, too much vitamin C is known to cause a range of side effects, including: 

• Gastrointestinal issues, e.g., bloating, nausea, stomach cramps, heartburn, acid reflux

• Headaches

• Insomnia, if taken too close to bedtime

In rare cases, people can develop kidney stones by consuming excessive amounts of vitamin C over a prolonged period. Individuals with hemochromatosis may also be at risk of iron overload if they consume excessive amounts of vitamin C. 

How to use Acerola Cherry Powder

While there are no formal studies on the optimal dose of acerola, be sure to use no more than two tablespoons per day (10g) to stay within the recommended daily limit of vitamin C intake. It’s always best to start small and see how you react before increasing the dose. 

Here are some different ways you can add the powder to your daily routine:

1. Add to Smoothies:
Boost your smoothies with a spoonful of acerola cherry powder. It blends well with fruits like bananas, berries, or mango, adding a bright, tangy-sweet flavour.

2. Mix into Recipes:
Sprinkle the powder into yoghurt, oatmeal, or baked goods for a natural fruity twist. 

3. Make Your Own Capsules:
For convenience, acerola cherry powder can be filled into capsules, allowing you to enjoy its benefits on the go. Our NutriCraft HPMC capsules are some of the most affordable high-quality capsules on the market. 

4. Stir into Drinks:
Mix it with water, juice, or herbal teas for a vitamin C-rich beverage. It will add a slightly sweet and tart taste. 

NutriCraft Dried Acerola Cherry Powder

At NutriCraft, we source our acerola cherries directly from a supplier based in the Brazilian Amazon. The company partners with local communities to ensure sustainable practices that have a positive impact on both the environment and the lives of people in the region.

Our dried acerola cherry powder is completely organic with no additives. We aim to preserve all vital minerals and vitamins through our freeze-drying methods, ensuring you receive the maximum amount of health benefits possible. The powder contains a minimum of 13% vitamin C by weight, but recent batches have been tested at levels as high as 20%.  

If you’re looking to boost your immune system or skin health, or simply improve overall wellness, our dried acerola cherry powder could be part of your solution. Check out our product range to find a size that suits you. If you’re interested in larger packages, please contact us to learn more about our wholesale options. 

Key Takeaways:

• Acerola cherries are one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C

• They contain several other micronutrients, including vitamins A, B, potassium, magnesium, as well as phytonutrients

• Acerola has clinical benefits, such as supporting cancer therapy, fighting bacterial infections, regulating blood sugar and protecting the liver

• NutriCraft’s freeze-drying process maintains vitamins, antioxidants, and phytonutrients for maximum health benefits

• Acerola may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, and high doses of vitamin C can cause side effects

• Dried acerola powder can be added to smoothies, baked goods, yoghurt, drinks, or made into capsules for convenient daily supplementation

• NutriCraft’s dried acerola cherry powder is sustainably sourced and 100% organic certified