You may wonder: “Why Camu Camu? as there are many immunity boosting foods that contain a good amount of nutrients.
We all know how important is Vitamin C for our health maintenance and prevention of chronic diseases. All medical professionals agree that the best sources of vitamin C should be from fresh foods that contain this vitamin.
Camu Camu is unlike any other food .This is because it has super high Vitamin C content and health benefits resulting from this.
Let’s take a closer look at these precious berries:
What is Camu Camu?
Myciaria dubia known as Camu Camu is an exotic small,bushy tree growing in tropical and subtropical areas of the Amazon, mainly in Peru and Brazil.
Its red, cherry looking fruits are the nature highest source of vitamin C on the planet(after Kakadu Plums).
According to research studies, this superfood contains 2400 to 3000 mg/100 g in the pulp.
Fruits are very sour in taste and very acidic, therefore is are not consumed as a fruit, but in the form of juices, puree or fruit extract.
1 teaspoon of Camu Camu powder provides 760% of the recommended daily intake for vitamin C.
Vitamin C /100 g fruit comparison :
- Camu Camu 2400 -3000 mg
- Acerola 1678 mg
- Guavas 228 mg
- Kiwi 93 mg
- Oranges 53 mg
- Papaya 61 mg
Camu Camu contains 50 times more Vitamin C than oranges, 25 times more Vitamin C than kiwi ,10 times more Vitamin C than guavas. It is an exceptional source of natural Vitamin C for human consumption.
Immunity-Boosting Foods-Camu Camu
Benefit #1
- Your body needs Vitamin C to produce collagen, muscle, cartilage and maintenance of bones.
- Vitamin C plays a vital role in controlling infections and healing wounds.
- The lack of vitamin C causes scurvy, a disease that presents with symptoms such as bleeding sores, tooth loss, anemia and a lower rate of healing for injuries. It can be fatal if left untreated.
- According to this research article published in PubMed,2006, the intake of Vitamin C was shown to improve parts of the human immune system such as antimicrobial and natural killer cell activities, lymphocyte proliferation, chemotaxis, and delayed-type hypersensitivity; according to the same source, Vitamin C and zinc supplementation have important roles in immune functions; these help on reducing the risk, severity, and duration of infectious diseases”.
- It is a powerful antioxidant, which may help protect your cells against the effects of the harmful free radicals. Free radicals might play a role in heart disease, cancer and other conditions.
- Able to regulate the mood of depression or anxiety patients.
Immunity-Boosting Foods-Camu Camu
Benefit #2
An important source of vitamins, minerals and amino acids
According to this research article, Camu berries are a great source of minerals, such as
- sodium
- potassium
- calcium
- zinc
- magnesium
- manganese
- copper
Compared with an orange, Camu Camu contains 10 times more trace elements such as iron, twice as much phosphorus, proteins, beta carotene, calcium, Vitamins B1, B2 ,B3.
The fruits also contain important amino acids such as serine, valine, leucine, organic acids and fatty acids .
According to the AminoAcidsGuide, serine has an important role in various biosynthetic pathways.
It assists in the creation of immunoglobulins and antibodies for a healthy immune system .It also helps in the absorption of creatine that supports in building and maintaining muscles.
- Valine
According to the same source, valine is an essential amino acid important for a healthy nervous system and cognitive functioning.
Valine is important for daily body functions and for maintaining muscles, as well as for the regulation of the immune system.
- Leucine
Leucine is a vital amino acid for the protein synthesis and several metabolic functions .Some of these are regulating the blood sugar levels, promotes the growth and the recovery of muscle/bone tissues and supporting weight loss.
Immunity Boosting Foods-Camu Camu
Benefit #3
Great anti-inflammatory properties
- Several studies such as the one published in the Journal of Alternative medicine, 2015 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18922386 demonstrates that tropical fruit Camu-Camu (Myrciaria dubia) has valuable anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties
- Camu camu fruits contain a variety of bioactive compounds such as many polyphenols (flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, stilbenes, and lignans).
- Polyphenols are beneficial plant compounds with antioxidant properties that offer support and protection against various diseases.
Inflammation is the root of most chronic diseases starting with allergies, gut health, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and many others.The lower is the inflammation in our body, the lower is the chance of developing a disease.
How much Vitamin C is recommended for daily use?
According to the Institute of Medicine (US) Panel on Dietary Antioxidants and Related Compounds
- The Recommended Dietary Allowance for adults 19 years and older is 90 mg daily for men and 75 mg for women. For pregnancy and lactation, the amount increases to 85 mg and 120 mg daily, respectively. Smoking can deplete vitamin C levels in the body, so an additional 35 mg beyond the RDA is suggested for smokers.
- The Tolerable Upper Intake Level is the maximum daily intake unlikely to cause harmful effects on health.
- The UL for vitamin C is 2000 mg daily; intake of larger amounts may create gastrointestinal distress and diarrhea. Only under medical supervision or in controlled clinical trials, amounts higher than the UL are sometimes used.
Immune Boosting Food-Camu Camu
How To use it
You can find Camu Camu in health food stores in the form of concentrated powder or tablets. It can be mixed with water, drinks, smoothies, yogurt.
My personal favourite is to add 1/4-1/2 tsp it to our berry smoothies; for picky eaters or children, it is the easiest way to hide the sour taste.
Please know that the common Vitamin C you find in drugstores is synthetic ascorbic acid which is mostly derived from GMO corn.
According to a post in the Healthy Home Economist, in the Wise Traditions, the 2009 edition there were 3 studies showing detrimental effects of “synthetic Vitamin C intake ” such as the formation of genotoxins that can lead to cancer.
When You Should Avoid Camu Camu
Camu Camu itself has not been proven to have negative side effects; however, an excessive amount of vitamin C, in general, can create adverse effects like stomach disturbances or nausea.
Note: For educational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
For those taking medication, it is important to discuss taking Camu Camu powder with your doctor .
Conclusion
As an immune-boosting food -Camu Camu has many precious benefits that can assist in the prevention of many conditions and, in the process of healing and restoring health.
Camu Camu strengthens our immune system, it’s antibacterial, anti-fungal;it improves memory and brain health, and makes an amazing addition to your family’s health .
Camu as well as all the other great superfoods (check my other posts on these series) and natural supplements should be added for a healthy, lifestyle to see long term effects on our health.
Did you try Camu Camu powder? How do you incorporate in your daily plan ? Share your comments below
