Camu Camu Berry
The camu camu grows in bushes near the Amazon rainforest in Peru and Brazil and bears a red/purple cherry like fruit. The fruit has a purplish red skin with a yellow pulp and are approximately the size of large grapes.
It is harvested directly into a freezer boat. and then brought to a processing plant, where is peeled, liquefied and flash-frozen. The result is a pale pink, yellow beige powder, with huge healing effects.
What is Camu Camu
It is rich in flavonoids, such as flavonols and flavanols, anthocyanins, catechins, delphinidin 3-glucoside, cyaniding 3-glucoside, rutin and ellagic acid. The fruit also contains hydrolyzed tannins. It has one of the highest quantity of vitamin C: 2800-3000 miilligrams/100g.
In Peru and Loreto it is traditionally used to treat the following conditions: flu, migraine, depression, hepatitis, glaucoma, gingivitis, asthma, atherosclerosis.
How to Use Camu Camu
It is recommended to consume ¼ or ½ daily of Camu Camu powder. It will provide 80% of the daily allowance of vitamin C. Add it in sweet fruits smoothies, sweet foods or desserts because alone it tastes acidic. Some example of food items it is excellent in is ice creams, lemonade, and kefir.
Benefits of Camu Camu
Camu camu has many health benefits you can take advantage of using the powder in foods. Below is a list of some of the reasons to use it. The antioxidants in camu camu help reduce free radicals which can contribute to the cause of many illnesses.
Type 2 Diabetes
Some say it is a natural cure for type 2 diabetes. It was found that camu camu it’s rich in antioxidants and ellagic acid which is a substance shown to offer antidiabetic effects.
Skin Care
The Vitamin C helps collagen formation. The content of beta-carotene helps protect the skin against sun damage.
Eye Health
It preserves eye health and has a positive effects on eye issues such as macular degeneration.
Brain Health
Protects brain against degenerative disease and can help block the buildup of plaque in the brain which can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
Improves Liver health
Once again, the high level of vitamin C has positive effects on people suffering from liver disease, such as cirrhosis.
Other Camu Camu Health Benefits
- Boost the immune system, thanks to the high presence of vitamin C
- Fights against inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Anti-anemic (thanks to the concentration of iron and ascorbic acid)
Enhance the healing process
Additional Camu Powder Benefits
There are a few other ailments camu camu has been said it protects against too. Here is a list of these conditions:
- Cold sores
- Depression
- Arthritis atherosclerosis
- Gum disease, such as gingivitis.
Where to Buy Camu Camu Powder
Organic raw camu camu powder is available to purchase safely online. You can purchase it here from this recommended site.
Camu Camu Side Effects
There aren’t known adverse side effects of camu camu powder consumption. Still, it may interact with medicine used in chemotherapy treatments, but there weren’t reported interference with antidepressant medicine. You should consult a nutritionist and or your doctor before using it.
Camu Camu FAQ
What is camu camu powder used for?
Camu camu powder provides the nutrients of the fruit but with a more palatable taste. Camu camu is extremely high in vitamin C which can boost your immune system.
What does camu camu fruit taste like?
The camu camu fruit itself has a sour taste which is why the powder form is so popular. With the powder, you can mix it with other foods to help dilute the sourness.
How much camu camu can I take?
The typical suggested dosage amount is one teaspoon of camu camu powder per day. Most people mix it in liquid such as water, juices or smoothies.