Acerola—Small Berry, Big Boost

What is Acerola?

Acerola falls into the "superfood" category, meaning it's packed with high levels of essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Just like goji berries or quinoa, acerola is an unprocessed, natural food that contributes significantly to your overall well-being.

The berries grow on evergreen shrubs in Central and South America, and they resemble small, juicy cherries with a slightly tart flavour. You can enjoy acerola as a juice, or it can be dried and processed into a powder.

But what really makes this berry stand out? It’s the exceptionally high vitamin C content—acerola is one of the richest vitamin C sources out there.

A Powerful Antioxidant for Your Immune System

Vitamin C is one of the most important antioxidants, playing a crucial role in protecting our cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. It helps neutralise these harmful molecules, which can otherwise lead to tissue damage, inflammation, and even illness. Ensuring your body has enough vitamin C is essential, and this is where acerola can lend a hand.

By getting your vitamin C from a natural source like acerola, your body may be better equipped to handle external stressors such as UV radiation or environmental toxins. Vitamin C helps neutralise free radicals, protecting your immune cells from oxidative stress and keeping your immune system functioning at its best.

Acerola Vitamin C vs. Synthetic Vitamin C: What’s Better for You?

There are differences between natural vitamin C from acerola and synthetic vitamin C. These differences impact their health benefits, including their origin, composition, and bioavailability. The vitamin C in acerola is naturally derived, while synthetic vitamin C is produced in an industrial setting. While both are chemically identical, acerola also offers additional bioactive compounds like flavonoids, carotenoids, and polyphenols, which provide extra antioxidant protection that synthetic versions lack.

When planning your nutrition, it’s important to consider the source of your vitamin C. Without the natural compounds found in acerola, you may not experience the full range of health benefits that vitamin C offers.

Acerola and Histamine Intolerance: How Vitamin C Can Help

Histamine intolerance occurs when the body becomes overly sensitive to histamine, which is found in many foods and can also be produced by the body itself. Common symptoms include headaches or skin rashes. Fortunately, acerola may help in this area as well. The vitamin C in acerola aids in breaking down excess histamine in the body by supporting the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO), which helps lower histamine levels in the blood. If you’re looking to reduce histamine levels, acerola could be a helpful addition to your diet.

Make sure your overall diet includes enough vitamin C to help regulate histamine levels, and consider adding supplements if necessary.

The Best Foods for a Vitamin C-Rich Diet

Want to know which foods are packed with vitamin C? Knowing the vitamin C content in various foods can help you plan your meals and meet your health goals. Here are some top contenders for a vitamin C-rich diet: