The Mysterious Barbados Cherry

Since I was a little girl, I always wondered what kind of fruits our backyard bushes blossomed. My protective dad used to tell me to not eat them because he didn't know if they were poisonous or if there would be a cold-blooded barrier protector eager to strike.

Needless to say, I wanted to know what was growing in my backyard.

The deep, bright red berry appears small, round, and barely one inch in diameter. The mini fruit possesses a thin waxy skin and yellow-orange pulp center. The leaves are elongated and wavy. Known as acerola cherry, the fruit likes to grow on small trees in clusters of two and three. Oddly, the miniature fruit seems to mock "mini apples".

I can understand why the Amazon Cherry is used more as a festive ornament shrub, like around Christmas time.

The Barbados cherry is classified as Mapighia glabra within the Malpighia family. Alternatively known as the West Indian Cherry, originated from the Caribbean, Central America, the West Indies, and Mexico.

A haven for antioxidants.

Antioxidants are essential for healthy immunity. Every day, our human bodies experience wear and tear from the environment, toxins, and other damaging elements that can decline our immune system.

Studies illustrated Barbados cherries are ideal for electrolytes and minerals.

The bright red fruit is packed with minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, selenium, copper, phosphorus, and potassium to name a few.

Antioxidants like phytonutrients, flavonoids, and carotenoids were used in modern and traditional medicine.

An unripe Barbados cherry contains as much Vitamin C as an fully ripe fruit. About 100 grams of Barbados cherries contain between 1,500 to 4,500mg of Vitamin C - more than lemons!

Anthocynains are phytonutrients that supply the vivid red color present in the Amazon cherry. Rutin, a flavonoid, found in Barbados cherry extract combats against oxidative damage. Phenolic acid found in the superfruit also provides adaquate amounts of antioxidants.

Barbados cherries is a great source for quercetin and caffeic which helps cell and tissue development. Both antioxidants help protects immunity from oxidation of free radicals and lipid peroxidation.

The superfruit contains ascorbic acid which combats against harmful pathogens and microorganisms. The absorbic acid found in the high water content fruit removes toxic compounds and acts an anti-inflammatory agent that combats certain cancer tumors, infections, aging, and brain disorders.

Ascorbic acid can strengthen immunity and prevent infections.

Absorbic acid decreases the risks of infections of the gums, throat, coughs and colds. The beneficial acid also prevents fatty liver diseases by decreasing fat accumulation in the liver.

Moreover, the Antilles cherry has about 32% of malic acid, an organic acid that boosts the absorption of minerals.

Perfect for your cardiovascular system.

I believe it's very important to have knowledge about what we consume and put in our bodies. Food is an investment for a healthy life and longevity for the cardiovascular system.

Adding the low calorie fruit to eating regimen can help lower bad "LDL" cholesterol and triglycerides in addition with aiding healthy weight management.

The B vitamins, such as thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), pantothenic acid (B5) and folate (B9), helps cell development of red blood cells as well as maintain cholesterol levels in the blood. Maintaining your cholesterol levels helps decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including but not limited to heart attacks, blood clots, and stroke.

Studies show the Barbados cherry contains chlorogenic acid which helps lower blood sugar levels and lower the risks of Type 2 diabetes.

Other studies proved polychenic compounds found in Barbados cherries can lower glucose absorption.

Add Barbados cherries to your diet regimen!

Add powdered Barbados cherries in smoothies, juices, and shelf stable beverages. Use Barbados cherries in sauces, jellies and preserves, and salads.

What are your thoughts about the backyard fruit?

Tip and comment below!