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Acerola: a little-known food with an incredible amount of vitamin C
The acerola is a small red fruit native to Central and South America, also known as the Barbados cherry or Antigua cherry. It is extremely rich in vitamin C and thanks to these properties, acerola strengthens the immune system, promotes cell regeneration and counteracts premature ageing.
This 'tropical cherry' is considered one of the most effective natural sources of ascorbic acid for the body's well-being. Its flavour is sweet and slightly tart, with an aftertaste reminiscent of apple.
Let's discover together the uses and some benefits of this little-known fruit.
Autor: Marcelo P. B. Silva – Vlastní dílo, Volné dílo, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.p
Acerola: a natural source of vitamin C
Acerola is a small red fruit native to Central and South America. This 'tropical cherry' is considered one of the most effective natural sources of ascorbic acid for the body's well-being. Its flavour is sweet and slightly tart, with an aftertaste reminiscent of apple. Let's discover together the uses and some benefits of this little-known fruit. (Source: wikipedia, my-personaltrainer.it)
Autor: Wilfredor – Vlastní dílo, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1
A small red fruit native to Central and South America.
The acerola is a small red fruit native to Central and South America, also known as the Barbados cherry or Antigua cherry. It is extremely rich in vitamin C and thanks to these properties, acerola strengthens the immune system, promotes cell regeneration and counteracts premature ageing.
Not only vitamin C
Acerola contains not only vitamin C, but also carotenes, tannins, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, provitamin A and minerals including: iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium.
Acerola in pregnancy
During pregnancy, acerola is particularly beneficial due to its vitamin C content. This vitamin contributes to the production of folic acid, an essential substance for the health and well-being of the gestating baby.
Ocular health
Acerola is beneficial for ocular health: it helps prevent degenerative retinal diseases and the appearance of cataracts. It is also beneficial in the presence of myopia.
Anti-aging fuonction of acerola
The abundance of vitamin C helps to prevent the onset of wrinkles and keep the skin supple.
By Mateus Hidalgo - photo taken by Mateus Hidalgo, CC BY-SA 2.5 br, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/
How to use fresh or dried acerola?
In the kitchen, acerola can be used fresh to prepare juices, jams and desserts, or dried to enrich muesli and fruit salads. In addition, acerola can also be used to prepare relaxing and purifying infusions.
a little tip for dental health
There are many fruits in the world with a high concentration of ascorbic acid, hence, vitamin C. Their consumption contributes significantly to health. However, it is important to rinse the mouth with water before and after consuming these fruits to prevent possible damage to tooth enamel caused by acidity.
Acerola dietary supplements
Dietary supplements containing acerola are useful for boosting the immune system and fighting cellular ageing. Acerola can be taken in the form of capsules or tablets, always observing the recommended daily dose.
Recipes
20/09/2023
Reusing kitchen waste saves us money, as well as reducing food waste and helping to protect the environment. There are various creative and practical solutions we can adopt in the kitchen to reuse waste.
For example, vegetable scraps such as the green leaves of carrots, celery and fennel can be used to prepare soups, broths and sauces. In addition, citrus peel can become an excellent base for preparing sauces, perfumes and liqueurs. Coffee grounds can also be reused in the kitchen, being an effective exfoliating agent for the skin or as a fertiliser for plants.
Finally, we can use old bread to prepare meatballs, gratins and baked croutons. Taking care of kitchen waste helps us save money, and also gives new life to food and protects the environment.
Recipes
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Sweet potatoes, also known as 'American potatoes' are a great ingredient for many recipes.
Rich in nutrients such as vitamin A and beta-carotene, vitamin C, fibre, manganese, potassium, copper and magnesium, they are a healthy choice to enrich many dishes.
They are perfect as a healthy side dish, but also as a main ingredient in nutritious soups or other dishes.
Get inspired with some of our tips on how to use sweet potatoes in the kitchen and, most importantly, try them out!