12 benefits of acerola for the health of the body, skin and hair

Acerola is rich in vitamins and offers a number of health benefits. To learn more, we consulted nutritionist Carolina Queiroga (CRN 08101736), postgraduate in clinical nutrition at UFRJ and in phytotherapy in clinical practice at ABFIT, specialist in applied nutrition and aesthetics at IPGS and member of the multidisciplinary team at Dr. Joana D’arc Diniz. Follow up!

12 benefits of acerola

Acerola, despite being a small fruit, has great nutritional value that translates into benefits. “A very small fruit, but with a great nutritional value. Considered, for some years now, as a functional food, for presenting great health benefits”, points out Carolina.

How about staying on top of all these benefits? See below the main advantages listed by the nutritionist that will convince you to consume the fruit!

1. Source of vitamin C: vitamin C, ascorbic acid, has potent antioxidant action and acerola concentrates excellent levels of this vitamin, as the nutritionist says: “100 ml of concentrated acerola juice can contain 1000 mg to 3000 mg of Vitamin C, while the same amount of orange juice corresponds to 80mg and lemon juice 30mg”.
2. Strengthens the immune system: due to the levels of vitamin C found in the fruit.
3. Assists in the synthesis of collagen: also thanks to vitamin C, which helps in the synthesis of collagen, acting in the hydration and elasticity of the skin. According to Carolina, collagen is also important for healing and post-surgical.
4. Reduction of damage caused by free radicals: action also conferred due to the levels of vitamin C present in acerola. “It reduces the damage caused by the action of free radicals, being a potent anti-aging agent”, points out the nutritionist.
5. Rich in vitamin A: the presence of this vitamin acts in the synthesis of collagen and helps to strengthen skin, nails and hair. Too much, huh?
6. It contributes to eye health: this is also due to vitamin A. According to Carolina, it is an essential antioxidant for eye health.
7. Helps regulate the immune system: due to carotenoids, such as beta-carotene and lycopene, which have antioxidant and immune-regulating action.
8. It helps in reducing cholesterol levels: an action derived from carotenoids, as Carolina explains: “They also help in reducing blood cholesterol rates, mainly in reducing LDL cholesterol”.
9. Anticancer action and helps to reduce cardiovascular diseases: according to the nutritionist, carotenoids bring these beneficial effects. “It has anticancer action, minimizes cardiovascular diseases, macular degeneration, reduces damage caused by the action of free radicals”, she explains.
10. Photoprotective capacity, preventing blemishes on the skin: “In addition to its clinical action, in aesthetics it also has great benefits, among them, photoprotective action – helping in the treatment and prevention of blemishes on the skin, it has rejuvenating action”, explains the nutritionist in relation to the effects of the carotenoids found in acerola.
11. Improves intestinal transit: a super important effect for more well-being! The consumption of acerola improves intestinal transit, as it is rich in fiber.
12. It has low calories: 100 g of acerola contains on average only 33 calories, bringing all the benefits already mentioned and being a great alternative to include in your diet!

After checking all the benefits, find out if consuming acerola can bring any harm or if there are contraindications!

Is acerola bad?

According to the nutritionist, the fruit has no contraindication, but one should pay attention to excessive consumption. “There are no contraindications. One should only pay attention to excess consumption thinking that it will increase the nutritional supply of Vitamin C. Our body only absorbs a certain amount of vitamin C, its excess is excreted through the urine”, she concludes.

Regarding daily consumption, Carolina points out that you can eat this fruit daily, but it is important to keep an eye on the amount so that it is not excessive, in addition to seeking a variation of fruits and vegetables in the diet. Therefore, consulting a nutritionist is essential to evaluate the ideal amounts for you!

how to consume acerola

Carolina said that the best way to consume the fruit is in natura, inserted in juices or fruit salads, but warns: “Attention only when preparing the juice, as it must be consumed immediately after preparation to maintain the integrity of nutrients, especially vitamin C, otherwise it oxidizes”. Want to learn how to make a juice with the nutritionist’s recipe? Write it down!

How to make acerola juice

laxative juice

To make the juice that helps your intestines, especially when there is that feeling of constipation, you will need 300 g of acerola, 1 small slice of papaya formosa, 2 black plums or 2 dates, 1 tablespoon of flour linseed and 200 ml of ice water.

Step by step:

1. Chop the papaya and place it with the other ingredients in the blender;
2. Beat for a few minutes until smooth and serve! The nutritionist points out that the juice should not be strained and it is not necessary to sweeten it, as the plums will already do the work!

Juice for immunity

For this immune-boosting juice, you will only need the following ingredients: 300 g of acerola, ½ small beet, ½ carrot, 2 slices of ginger and 200 ml of ice water.

Step by step:

1. Chop the beets and carrots, to help beat, and put all the ingredients in the blender;
2. Blend everything and, here, it is also not necessary to strain, because, according to Carolina, the fibers present in both juices, when not strained, promote greater satiety and improve intestinal transit!

In addition to these recipes, there are other options for juices with medicinal powers that are wonderful for health, bringing different benefits and flavors. Take a look!

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.