Camu camu is a fruit with many therapeutic benefits for human health, especially those related to the cardiovascular and hepatic systems.
In the following article, we give you all the information about this wonderful fruit and its health benefits.
What is camu camu?
Camu camu is a fruit that comes from a shrub of the same name (Myrciaria dubia) , from the Peruvian Amazon and distributed in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela.
To highlight: It is a fruit with many therapeutic benefits, most of them coming from its high content of vitamin C, whose concentration has been estimated at 30 times higher than the rest of the known fruits, including lemon and orange.
It is a fruit is a small fruit, reddish in color and acid flavor due to its citric acid content. Camu myrciaria dubia , concentrates vitamin C mainly in the peel of the ripening fruit, although it contains other antioxidants in the pulp, as well as important nutrients. (1)
What properties does camu camu have?
The therapeutic properties for the health of camu camu come from its chemical and nutritional compounds that give it nutritional value, and which we mention below:
1. Vitamins
Camu camu fruits contain vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and ascorbic acid.
Important: The greatest presence of vitamin corresponds to ascorbic acid, which provides 2,089 mcg for each 100-gram portion of edible fruit, representing 3,482% of the recommended daily intake.
2. Minerals
Camu camu is a good source of minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, zinc , magnesium, manganese, iron, and copper.
The greatest mineral presence is represented by calcium, since it provides 28 mcg per 100 grams of edible portion. (two)
Note: Camu camu has a large amount of bioflavonoids and essential amino acids such as serine, leucine and valine.
What are the benefits of camu camu?
The high content of antioxidant substances and minerals make these fruits provide interesting health benefits, which we mention below:
1. Boosts the immune system
Thanks to its content of vitamin C and antioxidant compounds such as carotenoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids and anthocyanins, camu camu strengthens the activity of the immune system.
In this sense, in controlled trials it was shown that 100% camu camu juice decreased the total number of reactive species in smokers , concluding that the supply of camu camu juice enhances the immune system. (3)
2. Lowers blood pressure
Lipid oxidation is caused by the action of free radicals and their consequent degradation, giving rise to arteriosclerotic plaque.
This process is reversed thanks to the content of antioxidants and vitamin C in camu camu fruits, avoiding the oxidation of lipids such as cholesterol, preventing the formation of atheromas in veins and arteries.
To highlight: This action prevents the thickening of the endothelium, thus improving blood flow and the regulation of blood pressure, avoiding cardiovascular diseases.
3. Fights oxidative stress
Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance in the body between free radicals and antioxidants , that is, the amount of free radicals is greater than the amount of antioxidants to combat them.
This excess of free radicals causes deterioration in healthy cells, accelerating their premature aging. The vitamin C contained in camu camu fruits compensates and even exceeds the availability of this antioxidant in order to eliminate these free radicals, favoring the general health of the organism.
4. Decreases inflammation
This fruit is also capable of reducing inflammatory processes in the body. And it is that its vitamin C content and its antioxidant power can exert an anti-inflammatory effect, by acting to reduce inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein and interleukin . (4)
Important: Studies found that the extract of camu camu powdered seeds exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. (5)
5. Control blood glucose
The fruit of camu myrciaria dubia , in addition to vitamin C, contains other antioxidant compounds that work to regulate blood glucose.
Among these compounds are anthocyanins and phenolic compounds such as quercetin, myricetin, glycosides, ellagic acid and ellagitannins, all of which have benefits for diabetes.
Note: Studies indicate that camu camu also possesses a low α-amylase and high α-glucosidase inhibitor which is ideal for treating the early stages of type II diabetes. (6)
6. Prevents liver diseases
The vitamin C present in camu camu helps prevent liver diseases such as those related to alcohol consumption.
This vitamin from camu camu and its antioxidant power contributes to the elimination of radicals produced in the metabolism of alcohol and that cause premature degeneration of liver cells. (7)
Note: This food, considered a powerful antioxidant, is also marketed in capsules or powder.
7. Promotes healthy skin and eyes
This natural food also intervenes in the health of the skin. As we know, vitamin C is involved in the synthesis of collagen, an important protein that gives elasticity and firmness to the skin and is also involved in the wound healing process.
In relation to eye health, camu camu contains, apart from vitamin C, carotenoids, especially lutein and zeaxanthin, which together act to prevent macular degeneration.
Important: Vitamin C takes care of our retina as it protects it from solar radiation.
8. Improves mood
The components of camu camu stimulate the production of serotonin, also called the happiness hormone , which produces feelings of happiness, improves mood and favors the cognitive functions of the brain.
This food also improves the quality of sleep and alleviates the symptoms of psychological disorders such as depression.
Important: The consumption of this fruit mitigates the symptoms of depression and helps maintain emotional and mental well-being.
How do you take camu camu?
To consume camu camu, there are a variety of ways that go from preparing juices and smoothies, to enriching your yogurts and ice creams.
This food is sold in powdered form and used to prepare cold and refreshing drinks, adding water and sweetener. It can also be combined with nuts and eaten as a snack.
Note: Eating camu camu is not contraindicated or generates side effects , except in cases of excessive consumption of vitamin C.
Key Findings
- Camu camu has a high nutritional value , highlighting the presence of Vitamin C with a much higher contribution than any other fruit.
- Its therapeutic benefits range from boosting the immune system to improving people’s moods.
- Prevents the appearance of diseases of the circulatory system such as hypertension and coronary diseases , also metabolic diseases such as type II diabetes.
- It contains, in addition to vitamin C, powerful antioxidants that can prevent the appearance of many diseases, including cancer.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.