Camu camu or a myrciaria dubiais a sour fruit that resembles a cherry. It is a fruit native to the Amazon rainforest, but has begun to be consumed around the world as its health benefits are becoming known and gaining popularity.
Fresh camu camu fruit It is very sour in terms of flavor so it is usually consumed in the form of supplements such as powder, pills or fruit juice.
Camu camu plantIt is considered a superfood because of its content of certain nutrients and potent plant compounds, especially vitamin C.
What is Camu Camu?
Myrciaria dubia or camu camuIs a bushy tree native to the Amazon region. The tree bears round red fruits loaded with vitamin C and these fruits are used in many local medicine mixes.
Camu camu fruitIt has potential therapeutic uses and is loaded with essential nutrients such as vitamin C and antioxidants.
Camu Camu Fruit Nutrition Value
Camu camuoffers a powerful blend of phytochemicals, minerals and amino acids such as leucine and valine. It also contains an estimated 355 micrograms of carotenoids.
Camu camu fruitIt is the predominant carotenoid, along with lutein, beta-carotene and zeaxanthin.
100 gram camu camu fruit nutrient its content is as follows:
0.4 grams of protein
0.2 grams of fat
2145 milligrams vitamin C (3575 percent DV)
2.1 milligrams manganese (106 percent DV)
0.2 milligram copper (10 percent DV)
0.5 milligram iron (3 percent DV)
12.4 milligrams magnesium (3 percent DV)
15.7 milligrams calcium (2 percent DV)
83.8 milligrams of potassium (2 percent DV)
0.4 milligram zinc (2 percent DV)
Camu What Are the Benefits of Camu Fruit?
High in vitamin C
This fruit, C vitamin rich in terms. Vitamin C plays many important roles in our body.
For example, it helps strengthen the immune system and is needed for the formation of collagen, a protein that supports skin, bones and muscles.
It also acts as a powerful antioxidant and protects cells from unstable molecules called free radicals.
Although free radicals are a normal byproduct of cellular function, too many free radicals can be formed as a result of stress and poor nutrition.
When free radicals are in excess in the body, it leads to a condition called oxidative stress associated with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Eating foods rich in antioxidants like vitamin C helps prevent oxidative stress and fight free radical damage.
Camu camu fruit100 grams of the contains 3 grams of vitamin C. However, due to its strong sour taste, it is rarely eaten fresh and is generally available in powder form.
Since there is no water in the powder, it contains more vitamin C per gram compared to fresh fruit.
According to the nutritional information of the product, 1 teaspoon camu camu powderProvides 5 grams of vitamin C.
Contains powerful antioxidants
This fruit has impressive antioxidant capacity, along with many powerful compounds such as anthocyanins and flavonoid antioxidants, including ellagic acid.
Camu camufruit ofIts high antioxidant content destroys excessive free radicals that cause oxidative stress in smokers.
In a 20-week study in 1 men who smoke, 1.050 ml of vitamin C containing 70 mg daily camu camu juice drinkers significantly reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP).
Moreover, there were no changes in these markers in the placebo group who took the vitamin C tablet. It, camu camu fruitIt indicates that the combination of other antioxidants in it has powerful antioxidant effects.
Fights against inflammation
This fruit is effective in reducing inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation negatively affects the health of cells and causes conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune disease.
Camu camu fruitContains ellagic acid, an antioxidant that inhibits the inflammation-triggering enzyme aldose reductase. The seed of this fruit also contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds.
Supports the immune system and intestinal health
Camu camucan contain 60 times more vitamin C than an orange and 56 times more than a lemon. This fruit provides the body with the essential nutrients it needs to recover from problems such as colds or flu.
Camu camu fruitThe nutrients in it support intestinal health. An animal study conducted in 2018 found that the fruit can help prevent obesity by positively changing the gut microbiota (highly dependent on immune function) and increasing energy expenditure.
Camu camuWith its powerful antioxidant and phytochemical content, it benefits the liver in various ways. Its high vitamin C content is particularly central to its ability to improve liver health.
Improves mood
Camu camu fruitHigh levels of vitamin C can help the brain produce more serotonin, which improves mood. Studies show that people with vitamin C deficiency feel more depressed.
Improves oral and gum health
Thanks to the powerful antioxidants and antiviral components of the fruit, camu camuAmong the benefits of gingivitis It takes place in the fight against gum diseases such as.
Studies have shown that antioxidant-rich drugs help reduce free radicals, which are the causative inflammatory factors in the progression of gum and periodontal health problems.
Supports cardiovascular health
Inflammation is the main root cause of many age-related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and arthritis.
Camu camu fruitIt helps protect the heart and arteries against thickening and hardening (a risk factor for heart disease) while also improving blood sugar levels and insulin response.
A 2018 study found that the fruit can help improve vasodilation and blood pressure among young adults.
Protects eye health
Camu camu fruitbecoming more common with increasing age macular degeneration such as can have a positive effect on eye problems.
Vitamin C and other essential nutrients can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration and loss of visual acuity.
How to Eat Camu Camu Fruit
It is very sour and most people do not want to eat this fruit alone because of its taste. It is consumed in the form of puree, pulp or fruit juice and after sweetening.
The powder of this fruit is the most popular form. In this way, as the juice is taken, the concentration of the fruit increases and its shelf life extends.
Camu camu powder; Smoothie, oats, muesli, yoghurt and salad dressings. Combining it with other flavors masks the sour taste and makes it more delicious.
Besides these forms, camu camu extract and concentrated supplements.
What Are Camu Camu Losses?
Camu camu fruitPotential harms are related to its high vitamin C content. Just 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of camu camu provides 760 mg of vitamin C, which is 682% of the RDI for this nutrient.
The Tolerable Upper Limit (TUL) for vitamin C is 2.000 mg per day. Amounts less than this are safe for most people.
Consuming excessive amounts of vitamin C can cause digestive discomfort such as diarrhea and nausea. These symptoms typically improve when vitamin C intake is reduced.
Vitamin C increases iron absorption, so people with iron overload - such as hemochromatosis - camu camu should avoid eating.
It is unlikely to take large amounts of vitamin C as long as you follow the recommended amount. Also, if you are on medication, camu camu powder It is recommended that you consult a doctor before taking or supplements.
Insomnia and loss of appetite
Researches, camu camu fruitHe says that the body increases serotonin levels. Serotonin is needed to regulate mood and appetite. This is a neurotransmitter that tells the brain whether you are hungry or not.
A healthy serotonin level can alleviate depression, improve mood and make you feel happier, but an excess can also lead to negative effects such as insomnia and loss of appetite. This can lead to a lot of problems if it occurs over a long period of time.
As a result;
Home camu camu fruit as well as its seed is rich in nutrients and powerful antioxidants, including vitamin C and flavonoids.
Studies show that this fruit fights inflammation and is effective in reducing blood sugar and blood pressure.
Although the fresh taste is very sour, it can be consumed as a powder or concentrate.
