There are so many options of fruits out there and camu camu is probably not among the fruits you commonly find in the fruit market. However, you should know that camu camu is one of the berry fruits from Brazil you should try due to its amazing nutrients. The health benefits of camu camu is including excellent immunity booster due to its high content of vitamin C and anti-viral properties.
What Is Camu Camu?
The tree plant which is originated from Amazon has scientific name Myrciaria dubia but it is well known as camu camu or cacari. Initially, this fruit is only well known around Brazil, Peru and some parts of South America but since its remarkable nutrients revealed to the world, the demand of this fruit is significantly increased. The uniqueness of this fruit is not only from the name but also from the flavor with is extremely sour which is a strong indication that this fruit is excellent source of vitamin C benefits, the main reasons why this fruit is considered as one of the super foods. Due to its sour flavor, instead of consuming camu camu in its fresh form, people prefer to make it into ice cream or sweet while commercially camu camu is dried and made into powder and consumed as food supplement.
Nutritional Values of Camu Camu
As mentioned above camu camu is well known due to the presence of vitamin C. However, as super fruit, camu camu is also packed with several vitamins and minerals including some potent antioxidants, anti-viral properties, amino acids and anti-inflammation properties. The list of health benefits of camu camu below will tell you more about how amazing this fruit is.
- Excellent Source of Vitamin C
The main health benefit of camu camu is the presence of vitamin C in quite high amount. Vitamin C is essential for human metabolism because its responsible in optimal absorption of iron which prominent for the production of red blood cells.
- Immunity System Booster
The combination of vitamin C and antioxidants found in camu camu are excellent for immunity system. They are not only fighting free radicals but also providing one more layer of protection of human body. That’s why camu camu is well known as excellent immunity booster.
- Promotes the Production of Collagen
One more benefits of taking vitamin C tablets for skin is related to the production of collagen. Collagen is one of the chemical responsible in keeping the elasticity of skin. In other words, if you want to have healthy and younger skin, consuming fruits which are high in vitamin C is a great idea. Moreover, antioxidants found in camu camu are also preventing premature aging that causes dull skin and wrinkles.
- Improves Cognitive Ability
Camu camu contains some potent antioxidants which have essential function in preventing conditions caused by macular degenerations in brain cells and at the same time improving the cognitive ability. Some studies have showed positive result of camu camu in how to prevent Alzheimer and dementia.
- Contains Anti-Inflammation Properties
Some studies regarding the potential effect of vitamin C could act as anti-inflammation as well. Studies conducted to 20 smokers. Those who are taking camu camu juice regularly have better result than those who are taking vitamin C supplement or tablet.
- Prevents Cancer
Vitamin C is one of the potent antioxidants found in camu camu. Not only that, some studies also find the presence of flavonoids and carotenoids which could act as super power antioxidants to fight all worst conditions caused by free radicals including cancer. It is one of the ways of how to prevent cancers naturally.
- Contains Relaxing Effects
Mood swing could happen to anyone, women during PMS, those who are suffering from the symptoms of depression and women who face menopausal symptoms. Camu camu contains some sedative properties that could give relaxing effects and help balancing the mood swing condition.
- Antibacterial Agents
Some studies have found out that camu camu contains some potent antibacterial and antiviral agents. Its ability is including fighting E. coli and even various bacteria and virus such as herpes.
- Increases Body Metabolism
Healthy metabolism is the key to healthy life. With healthy metabolism you could avoid some serious health conditions, manage your weight and have a long happy live. Camu camu is packed with vitamins and minerals as well as some traces of amino acids like valine, leucine and serine that have prominent role in body metabolism.
- Great for Vision
One of the potent antioxidants found in camu camu is carotenoids. This potent antioxidant has been well known to be great for vision. Free radicals are the reasons to some macular degeneration conditions including problems in ocular system during senior age. Consuming camu camu may help reducing the risk.
- Promotes Healthy Digestion
Compared to the amount of vitamin C, dietary fiber found in camu camu is not as significant in other fruits but still it is enough to help your digestion functioning optimally. Not only that, some studies also find the connection of health benefits of fiber in helping diabetic patients in regulating the blood sugar level.
- Manages Cholesterol Level
Fiber found in camu camu is the reason why this fruit is able to help managing cholesterol level. Fiber is not something that your body could break down but its main function is to bind unnecessary stuff in the intestine to be washed off the system, including excessive amount of cholesterol.
Cautions of Camu Camu
If camu camu is not type of fruit you commonly consume, surely there are some cautions you should aware of this fruit.
- If you are allergic to berries, perhaps avoiding camu camu is the safest move because it comes from the same family as guavaberry and rumberry from the family of
- The sour flavor of camu camu is probably not safe for you who are currently having stomach problems.
- There are a lot of food supplements made from camu camu which offer all the benefits that camu camu could offer. However, those who have gout and uric acid problems may need to avoid camu camu because it is only worsening the symptoms.
- Camu camu supplement should be avoided by those who are currently doing chemotherapy and taking medications.
The best thing you could do when you want to add camu camu supplement to your diet is consulting them with your doctor first to avoid all the worst conditions that may occur as side effects. Moreover about camu camu is you should be aware of the fact that not all health supplements that claimed to be made from camu camu is actually 100% made from camu camu. For all the health benefits of camu camu, you should buy the supplement from the respectable supplier only or at least consult the options with your doctor first.