Camu Camu: The Superfruit You Didn’t Know You Needed
When it comes to superfoods, we all know about acai, kale, and goji berries, but let me introduce you to the lesser known hero of the Amazon: camu camu (Myrciaria dubia). This tiny, tangy berry might be small, but it packs a punch in the health department.
So, what is camu camu?
Camu camu is a berry that grows in the Amazon rainforest and is considered one of the most potent natural sources of Vitamin C in the world. Seriously, it has 30 to 60 times more Vitamin C than an orange. It is extremely tart and is generally not tolerated for eating.
Vitamin C isn’t the only thing that makes camu camu a health rockstar. Here’s what this superfruit can do for your body...
💥 Immune System Boost
We all know Vitamin C is essential for a strong immune system, but camu camu takes it to the next level. Just a small dose can help your body fend off colds, flu, and other infections. Think of it as your immune system's personal shield loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, polyphenols and ellagic acid.
🧠Brain Health
Camu camu is rich in antioxidants that help protect your brain from oxidative stress, which has been linked to conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s. Plus, the anti-inflammatory properties can improve your mood and potentially help manage anxiety and depression. Who knew a berry could give your brain such a boost?
💪 Anti-Inflammatory Powers
Got inflammation? Whether it’s from stress, injury, or even diet, camu camu can help. It contains a compound called ellagic acid, which helps reduce inflammation throughout the body. This can benefit everything from your joints, digestive system, to your skin.
Cancer is an chronic inflammatory disease -- inflammation makes one more predisposed to have one of the diseases above, including cancer. Here's some of the things camu camu can do for prevention of disease - specifically cancer in this example.
✨ Skin Savior
We can’t forget about how camu camu benefits your skin (because who doesn’t want to glow?). Thanks to all that Vitamin C, camu camu boosts collagen production, evens out skin tone, and helps protect against UV damage. Bye-bye wrinkles, hello youthful glow!
🌿 Gut Health
Camu camu contains fiber, which is great for digestive health. But here’s the kicker: it’s also a natural prebiotic, meaning it feeds the good bacteria in your gut. And we all know a healthy gut is key to overall health—from digestion to mood and even your immune system.
A 2018 animal study found that camu camu may help in reducing obesity by positively altering the gut microbiota (highly tied to immune function) and increasing energy expenditure. Several studies found that camu camu fruit may lead to lowered fat accumulation and reducing metabolic inflammation, resulting in improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity.
Want to know more about Gut Health and what you can do to make your gut healthier? If you would like a copy of my FREE Gut Health Reboot Guide just send me an email at RadiantLifeAndBeautyByKaren@gmail.com and I will send it right over.
💚 Heart Health
Camu camu berries may help protect the heart and arteries against thickening and hardening, while also improving blood sugar levels and insulin response. A 2018 study also found that it could help improve vasodilation and blood pressure among young adults. The antioxidants in camu camu help protect your heart by lowering oxidative stress and inflammation, which can reduce the risk of heart disease, aid in weight loss, and helps maintain a healthy blood sugar and blood pressure level. This will all help to keep your heart healthy and happy.
How to Get Camu Camu in Your Life
You can find camu camu in powdered form, making it easy to add to smoothies, juices, or even water. You can also find it in capsules or as a supplement. Just a teaspoon a day can do wonders for your overall health. I have a few camu camu products I love that are really improving my joint pain and skin conditions I battle with my autoimmune diseases.
WARNING
Please check your medications to make sure there are not adverse effects with increased dosing of Vitamin C. Common side effects of camu-camu include digestive upset, nausea, and diarrhea. These often occur when taking large doses so reduce your dosing if you experience any of these. It also may affect iron absorption in some people. Those with hemochromatosis should be cautious, check with your doctor. Some people may experience heartburn or acid reflux.
As with anything, allergic reactions are rare but possible. Stop use and seek medical help if you notice itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Recommendations
I recommend a good internal product first and foremost. Beauty on the outside is built from within. These are both excellent choices to get all the health benefits of camu camu.
I01 ORAC and CAMU CAMU Olive Tree Concentrate
Hydroxytyrosol and camu camu packed with a 3000-fold higher concentration of antioxidants than is found in olive oil; to battle free radicals and act as a protective shield while it works to prevent premature skin aging. Dosing is 1 tsp mi
All the amazing health and skin benefits of camu camu and hydroxytyrosol with hemp benefits added. Provides a protective shield while promoting antiaging benefits.
Combines organic and bioactive vitamin C with hydroxytyrosol which further increases the antioxidant benefits of natural vitamin C by over 1300%. Improves the appearance of skin tone and firmness as well as pigmentation, spots, skin imperfections and counteracts the signs of aging.
References
1. Langley PC, Pergolizzi JV Jr, Taylor R Jr, Ridgway C. Antioxidant and associated capacities of Camu camu (Myrciaria dubia): a systematic review. J Altern Complement Med. 2015 Jan;21(1):8-14. doi: 10.1089/acm.2014.0130. Epub 2014 Oct 2. PMID: 25275221; PMCID: PMC4296744.
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/camu-camu, What to know about camu camu
3. https://draxe.com/nutrition/camu-camu/, Camu camu: A New Superfood with the Most Vitamin C
4. https://www.preventivemedicinedaily.com/healthy-living/longevity/camu-camu-amazonian-superfruit-packed-with-vitamin-c/, Camu Camu: Amazonian Superfruit Packed with Vitamin C
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