Mother Nature has provided us some great gifts. Some of these we have used and misused, and some we are not even aware of. The acerola berry is one such marvelous gift whose true value is coming out into the open only in recent times. This berry offers all the benefits that berries offer but a look at all the scientific research that has been conducted proves that these are no ordinary berries.

Normally, we locate the acerola berry in North and South America - more the latter than the former because of the tropical landscape where it blooms with ease. It is also seen in Caribbean islands and numerous growers have managed to cultivate the acerola tree in Florida as well.

Dark and deliciously red, this berry is also known as the Barbados cherry, Cereso and Antilles cherry amongst other names. It has a sweet and sour taste, much like citrus fruits. But what is amazing is that it has 32 times as plenty Vitamin C as orange juice, so it's more powerful than your regular citrus fruits like grapefruit and limes.

The acerola berry can be eaten fresh but you can also add it to smoothies, jams, syrups and jellies. There's a huge choice to the different ways in which this berry can be included to your diet and if you are an inventive chef or baker, you'll find many ways to include it into your family's meal.

How it helps

• Since it is so full of vitamin C, the acerola berry is extremely helpful in making sure that your immune system becomes strong. So, obviously it helps keep away flu and cold. Since our body can't produce or store vitamin C and bioflavonoids, fruits such as the acerola berry help in restocking those levels, and together they enhance blood circulation and help the body fight against illnesses.

• The vitamin C in acerola has another important use. It helps the body in forming collagen which is the foundation for connective tissue and skin. Of course, it also helps in healing wounds.

• As the acerola berry is full of vitamin C, it can protect the body from free radicals which are the main causes of conditions such as cancer and heart condition.

• If you're diabetic, then the acerola berry is really great for you as it can reduce the blood sugar to reasonable levels. Acerola berries contain polyphenols which help significantly in reducing blood sugar.

• Acerola berries can help fight cancers such as those of the stomach , lung, colon and others as well. This is because of the high level of antioxidants that they have which help in fighting free radicals.

• One more intriguing use of the acerola berry is strengthening bones and teeth. Acerola berries have several vitamins which help greatly in protecting and rebuilding teeth and bones. This is especially beneficial if you are suffering from chipped teeth and brittle bones.

• Most skin products that are being made to treat conditions such as melasma contain acerola berry extracts in them. The acerola berries are perfect for curing skin discoloration also because the high content of vitamin C in them lowers the production of melanin which makes the skin dark.

• You can sustain acidity levels in your body with the help of acerola berries and this also helps the process of digestion.

• When mixed with soya, the acerola berries can even help in lowering cholesterol.

• Since these berries are low on sugar, they make an excellent snack which even helps you lose weight.

Acerola berries are every health conscious person's wish. These berries make you feel great and look great also. While many people prefer to consume them fresh, it is perfectly fine to get the frozen version as well. Apart from using the berries as fillings for pies, tarts and cookies, you can steep them in hot water and drink the resultant tea type of preparation.

If you can't find acerola berries in your city, then it is not a bad idea to try and grow them also. Acerola berries can grow in your backyard, provided you live in a warm climate. Typically found in countries such as Puerto Rico, Texas, Mexico and the Caribbean, this berry has made a large comeback in recent times.

Great to know:

Acerola berries are one of the most essential nutrients that inhibit stress significantly. These berries fight aging, boost levels of vitamin C in the body and make you look and feel younger.