Camu Camu – the mysterious fruit with the highest vitamin C content in the world

Camu Camu is a myrtle plant from the Amazon region, originally from Peru. It is still largely unknown here, yet it can rightly be called the new superfood. In 100 g of Camu Camu, there are 2000 mg of Vitamin C, complemented by numerous valuable ingredients such as antioxidants and amino acids. The Camu Camu fruit is considered an anti-aging remedy and, according to studies, alleviates numerous ailments.

Table of Contents

The valuable ingredients of the Camu Camu fruit

  • Vitamin C: The exotic fruit contains 60 times as much Vitamin C as an orange. With just one teaspoon of Camu Camu powder, 1100% of the daily requirement can be met.
  • Valine: This is an amino acid that the body cannot produce on its own, so it must be obtained through diet. In the organism, valine plays a important role for the central nervous system and cognitive processes.
  • Potassium:The body needs potassium to keep the kidneys and the heart healthy. There are 71 mg of potassium in 100 g of Camu Camu.
  • Serine:The organism requires the amino acid serine to make proteins and peptides usable for the body.
  • Leucine:The essential amino acid contributes to healthy muscle and bone tissue and enables the body to recover and ensure the production of growth hormones.
  • Ellagic acid: It appears that ellagic acid possesses antioxidant qualities. Furthermore, it is being investigated whether it can be helpful in cancer diseases.
  • Flavonoids: The vitamin-rich fruit contains various flavonoids. These are secondary plant compounds that can have antioxidant effects and combat free radicals.

A study from 2011 concluded that Camu Camu is a good source for treating immune-related diseases

Camu Camu and its anti-inflammatory properties

A study from Saga University in Japan has demonstrated the reduction of oxidative stress associated with Camu Camu.Experts suspect that oxidative stress may negatively affect life expectancy and trigger numerous diseases. The study also attributed an anti-inflammatory effect to the vitamin-rich fruit. The study group consisted of 20 male smokers. While one group received vitamin supplements, the other group consumed 70 ml of Camu Camu juice daily. After a supplementation period of 7 days, a urine test was conducted. In the group that took vitamin supplements, the researchers could hardly detect any changes. In those who had consumed the Camu Camu juice, there was a significant reduction in oxidative stress and inflammatory markers.2 Another study from 2011 concluded that Camu Camu is a good source for treating immune-related diseases.therapies.3

Camu Camu for overweight

Researchers from a Brazilian university found in their studies that body fat can be reduced with the help of Camu Camu. For the study, overweight rats were observed, which were divided into two groups. One group received no substances, while the second experimental group consumed 25 ml of pulp extracted from the Camu Camu berry. During the 12-week study phase, it was observed that the cholesterol and glucose levels in the blood of the rats had decreased. Additionally, a reduction in fat tissue was demonstrated.From the study results, the scientists concluded that Camu Camu could possibly have a supportive effect on weight reduction.

Camu Camu as an anti-aging remedy?

In the Amazon region, Camu Camu is used in cosmetics and applied to the hair to protect it from split ends.But the exotic fruit is also at the center of attention regarding a possible anti-aging effect. The antioxidants contained are capable of capturing free radicals. This process can support the destruction of cell membranes. In addition to antioxidants, vitamin C is also involved in collagen formation, enabling a fine skin texture and firm, tight skin.

Camu Camu Forms of Administration

The Camu Camu fruit is available in the following forms of administration:

Camu Camu is particularly popular in powder form, as it can be used flexibly in everyday life. Sprinkled into drinks or foods, it has proven to be especially effective, as it naturally has a sour taste.But even processed in capsule form, Camu Camu is enjoying increasing demand. The Camu Camu extract is filled into a capsule and coated. Capsules typically contain 600 mg of Camu Camu powder (organic) and are therefore already pre-dosed. The intake is quick and easy. Although Camu Camu is also available in tablet form, it is not particularly popular, as most users prefer Camu Camu capsules or Camu Camu powder. The juice from the Camu Camu fruit is quite rare in Europe, as the freshly processed berries do not have a long shelf life.

Dosage and Side Effects of Camu Camu

The recommended daily dose of Camu Camu is 5 mg. The Camu Camu powder is particularly popular in combination with fruit and vegetable juices. However, it can also be mixed with water.A natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup takes away the sour taste.

There are no known side effects from taking Camu Camu. However, its use during pregnancy has not been sufficiently studied. Therefore, a corresponding dietary supplement should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Buy Camu Camu

When purchasing Camu Camu products, users should pay particular attention to the quality, which can vary significantly. This is especially true for Camu Camu powder. Organic is the motto here, as people also exploit resources to meet the increasing demand. For this reason, users should look for organic quality and sustainable cultivation when making a purchase. Initial quality differences can already be observed during production.Therefore, users are well advised to prefer products that carry the label of an organic product. By the way: Camu Camu products should be protected from sunlight, as UV light can potentially alter ingredients and thus their effectiveness.

Sources:

  1. Sorifa, A., Sejong, O., Jong-Bang, E., Maruf, A. (2011). Nutritional compositions and health promoting phytochemicals of camu-camu (myrciaria dubia) fruit: A review, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2011.03.045
  2. Inoue, T., Komoda, H., Uchida, T., Node, K (2008) Tropical fruit camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18922386
  3. Yazawa, K., Suga, K., Honma, A., Shirosaki, M., Koyama, T. (2011) Anti-inflammatory effects of seeds of the tropical fruit camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia), https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21512298
  4. Nascimento, OV., Boleti, AP., Yuyama LK., Lima, ES.(2013) Effects of diet supplementation with Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia HBK McVaugh) fruit in a rat model of diet-induced obesity, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23460435
  5. De Souza Schmidt Gonçalves, A.E., Lajolo F.M., Genovese, M.I. (2010) Chemical Composition and Antioxidant/Antidiabetic Potential of Brazilian Native Fruits and Commercial Frozen Pulps, https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf903875u