Consuming the West Indian Cherry will help to boost immunity, protect the body from cancers, aging, degenerative diseases and inflammation. Recent research has suggested that the compound known as chlorogenic acid in these cherries may lower blood sugar levels and control blood glucose levels in type-II diabetes.

The fruits are small; weigh 4-5g/ fruit, contain high percentage of vitamin C (4515mg/100g). The daily requirement of vitamin C is 28-70mg/person from child to adult. Therefore, a single fruit of West Indian Cherry can satisfy daily requirement of vitamin C of an adult living in this state 2.

Common names include acerola (from Arabic: الزُّعرُورَة, romanized: az-zuʿrūra "azarole"), Guarani cherry, Barbados cherry, West Indian cherry, and wild crepe myrtle.