CategoriesPlants and Active Ingredients Guide

Camu Camu: Benefits, origin, use as a dietary supplement

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Camu Camu

Introduction

Camu Camu, also known as Myrciaria dubia, is a fruit native to Amazonia, mainly Peru and Brazil. This small, round, red fruit is considered a superfood due to its high vitamin C content and numerous health benefits. In recent years, it has also become popular as a dietary supplement.

In this article, we'll take a look at the origins of Camu Camu, its benefits and its use as a dietary supplement.

Origin of Camu Camu

Camu Camu is a fruit that grows mainly along rivers, swamps and lagoons in Amazonia. It is traditionally harvested by native Amazonian populations for local consumption.

The name "Camu Camu" comes from the tree on which the fruit grows, called "Camu Camu" in the Quechua Amerindian language. Camu Camu trees can grow to around 4 to 6 metres in height and produce fruit in bunches throughout the year.

Nutritional composition of Camu Camu

Camu Camu, in addition to its high content of vitamin CIt is also rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, essential amino acids and minerals such as potassium, zinc, magnesium and calcium. It also contains phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antifungal properties.

According to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), 100g of fresh Camu Camu contains around 2,316 mg of vitamin C, making it one of the most vitamin C-rich foods in the world. This is equivalent to more than 30 times the amount of vitamin C found in an orange. What's more, this vitamin C is highly bioavailable, which means it is easily absorbed by the body.

The benefits of Camu Camu

Thanks to its exceptional nutritional composition, Camu Camu offers numerous health benefits. Here are some of the main benefits:

  • Boosts the immune system: the vitamin C in Camu Camu plays an important role in boosting the immune system and protecting against disease and infection.
  • Powerful antioxidant: Camu Camu contains antioxidants such as anthocyanins and flavonoids, which help fight free radicals and protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress.
  • Regulates stress and anxiety: thanks to its essential amino acid content, Camu Camu can help to regulate stress and improve mood.
  • Improves skin health: the antioxidants in Camu Camu can also help stimulate the production of collagenwhich contributes to firmer, younger-looking skin.
  • Prevents cardiovascular disease: the flavonoids in Camu Camu can help reduce inflammation in the cardiovascular system, which can help prevent heart disease.

Use of Camu Camu as a dietary supplement

Camu Camu is available on the market in various forms, including powder, capsules, juice, syrup and supplements. Due to its high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties, it is often used as a dietary supplement to boost the immune system, combat stress and anxiety, improve skin health and prevent cardiovascular disease.

It is recommended that you take between 500mg and 1g of Camu Camu a day, depending on your needs and the form in which it is consumed.

Precautions for use

Although Camu Camu is considered safe and has no major side effects, it is always advisable to consult a health professional before consuming it, especially if you are taking medication or suffer from any health problems. It's also important to check where the fruit comes from to avoid contamination by pollutants or heavy metals, as it is grown in a natural environment.

Conclusion

Camu Camu is a superfood that offers a wide range of health benefits thanks to its high vitamin C and antioxidant content. As a dietary supplement, it can help boost the immune system, combat stress and anxiety, improve skin health and prevent cardiovascular disease. However, it is important to consume it in moderation and to take into account the advice of a health professional.

Don't hesitate to include Camu Camu in your diet to take advantage of its benefits and exceptional nutritional properties.

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