• Acerola berry extract comes from trees or shrubs found in parts of North and South America
• The extra contains 32 times as much Vitamin C as orange juice
• Acerola berry extra may help reduce blood sugar and treat skin discoloration
• Prevention is the best way to avoid skin discoloration, with some of the most effective prevention skin care treatment methods being Daily Moisturizer and Face Factor SPF30 Face & Neck

The Acerola berry (sometimes also called the Acerola cherry) has been one of the nature’s best kept secrets for decades. Now Acerola berry extract’s benefits are becoming more widely known as consumers see their benefit in helping reduce blood sugar levels, improving the effectiveness of their immune system, and preventing skin discoloration. Here’s a little background on the wonders of this unique berry.

Origins of Acerola Berry Extract

The extract comes from juicy bright red fruits that grow on small trees or shrubs known as Acerola. These can be found naturally throughout the lower part of North America, including Texas and Mexico, and through parts of South America and the Caribbean. The fruit itself is said to have a unique blend of sweet and sour tastes much like other citrus fruits, such as the grapefruit and the orange.

High in Vitamin C

As most of us know, citrus fruits are an excellent source of Vitamin C. And Acerola fruits are no exception. In fact, they have very high levels of Vitamin C. One study showed that these berries have 32 times as much of the vitamin as do oranges. At one point, the juice of the berry was being added to apple juice to fortify the juice with Vitamin C as an alternative for young children who might not be able to tolerate the high acid content of orange juice.

Of course, most of us know that Vitamin C is not a wonder cure for colds as was once believed, but it is essential in keeping our immune system strong and healthy.

Reduce Blood Sugar Levels

For diabetics, high blood sugar levels can be very dangerous so anything that can bring them down into a normal range is a good supplement to a diet. Acerola berry extract can help do that. Some of the studies on the polyphenols contained in the fruit have shown marked reductions in blood sugar levels. Although more tests are needed, these early studies show the berry may have a lot of potential to deal with one of the more serious chronic disorders.

Skin Discoloration

Some of the newest cosmetics on the market now or soon heading to market are also incorporating Acerola berry extract. These products are skin whiteners or bleach products. While they started in Japan where women desire white skin because it’s symbolic of being from a higher class, these products can also be used to treat skin conditions elsewhere, including melasma. The high amount of Vitamin C in the extract inhibits the tyrosinase which is needed for the production of melanin. Without sufficient melanin, the skin is going to get lighter.

Other Health Benefits of Acerola Berry Extract

Many other exciting health possibilities have been discovered in preliminary studies, as well. For one, the berry contains chemicals that help keep the acidity levels in the body normal which is going to aid in digestion. Because the berries also contain a high level of antioxidants, they may be effective at battling free radicals. Plus, when combined with soy products they might even be able to help lower cholesterol.

As mentioned before, prevention is the best way to avoid unnatural looking skin discoloration, and some of the best prevention skin care methods are Daily Moisturizer and Face Factor SPF30 Face & Neck, both of which are excellent for treating damaged skin, combating the effects of free radicals, with the first even more effective because it is specially designed for protecting the skin from harmful UV rays, both UVA and UVB.

Herbal Treatment19 Mar 2009