To learn more about these tropical superfruits, mbg reached out to registered dietitians who explain the health benefits and side effects of acerola cherries, plus how to get more in a diet. While they can be eaten in their raw, fresh form, they perish quickly. In regions where the shrub does not grow, acerola cherries are more often sold in a powder, supplement, or juice form. “They are actually higher than most other food sources of vitamin C,” registered dietitian Jess Cording, M.S., R.D., CDN, tells mbg. “United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) data2 notes that they contain about 13 times the amount found in an equivalent serving of oranges.” The vitamin C and other phytonutrients found in acerola cherries have been shown to help manage diseases associated with oxidative stress, Cording explains. Along with vitamin C, acerola cherries3 are high in vitamins A, B1, B2, niacin, albumin, iron, phosphorus, and calcium, one study writes. “If you’re already on a vitamin C supplement, go slow with the juice and touch base with your doctor if you want to take a powder, extract, or capsule form,” Cording adds. “Additionally, if you’re allergic to cherries, consult with your doctor as to whether this would be an appropriate choice for you, depending on the severity of your allergy.” When drinking acerola cherries in juice form, Cording says to take the carbohydrate and sugar content into account, as well. It can also be found in the antioxidant blend found in mbg organic veggies+ greens powder, along with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, black currant, acai, and cranberries. This veggies powder is easy to add to snacks, desserts, and smoothies to help manage inflammation and support immune function.* While acerola cherries can be consumed in their raw, fresh form, Cording says this is less common because of their short shelf life.
