Camu Camu or Myrciaria dubia is a sour cherry-size fruit that grows on small bushy trees on the banks of rivers in South America, particularly in Peru and Brazil and is now cultivated in Japan too. It has been used traditionally for hundreds of years by the Amazonian Indians, as food, pain reliever and to treat infections. It had first been analysed in the 1950’s and started becoming popular in the 1990’s, now that more results have been gathered, we’re starting to get a better understanding of its amazing potential, is it for you though? Keep reading to find out with our Top 5 Health Benefits of Camu Camu!
1. Vitamin C powerhouse
It’s a ‘superfood’ (we think pretty much all food is ‘super’ in its own way) with the highest Vitamin C content, about 50 times more than an orange, with 100g providing 2145mg and a teaspoon giving you about 1000% of your daily needs. Vitamin C has been shown to be key for many of your body’s organs including skin and is a potent source of metabolic energy.
2. Anti-inflammatory
Camu camu helps to fight conditions such as gingivitis (gum disease), arthritis and has shown potential in slowing down aging, macular degeneration and, oxidative stress-related diseases (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, etc). It’s been shown to be effective due to its synergy of vitamin C, antioxidants, phenolic compounds and carotenoids.
3. Anti-viral
Thanks to its high vitamin C content and active compounds, it can help you fight flu, colds, and has been shown to be effective against more serious herpes and Epstein-Barr viruses -it’s a potent immune- system booster which can be especially helpful when your body undergoes environmental stress or even, seasonal changes.
4. Antioxidant
Camu camu contains important amounts of tannins, is a good source of antioxidant phenolics and performs better than vitamin C in tablets of equal quantity. There are significant amounts of ellagic acid, lutein, beta-carotene, anthocyanin, betulinic acid and it has been shown to be one of the best sources of antioxidants found amongst the tropical fruit treasures of the Amazon. It’s very likely to be useful as an anti-cancer agent as well.
5. Brain food
Camu camu also supports your nervous system, brain, and eyes, for better vision and improved cognitive abilities. It also supports your skin’s cellular regeneration and collagen production, adding it will very likely help you look good, and improve your cognitive abilities.
You can add camu camu to smoothies, jams, ice-cream, just keep in mind it’s fairly sour, due to its vitamin C content and you may want to mix it with something sweet like fruits, a juice, etc the same way you might for a lemon. Fan of camu camu, what effect does it have on you? Let us know below, join in the conversation on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. (Check out our other easy-read Top 5’s to help you quickly get and Keep YOUR Fit ON!)
