April 19, 2024

Camu-Camu: What lies behind the superfood

The camu camu plant grows in the western region of the Amazon and belongs to the myrtle family. The plant is particularly widespread in northern Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela and Peru.

The shrub of the camu camu plant reaches an impressive height of between three and eight meters. It is particularly abundant around lakes and rivers, where its great need for moisture and nutrients is optimally met.

The berries of the bush reach a size of up to three centimeters and weigh up to 14 kilograms in total. Their appearance is reminiscent of apples, as they are red-orange to yellowish in color.

In the form of a dietary supplement, the plant is particularly popular as Camu Camu powder bio. What is behind the new superfood trend, shows the following article.

What the camu-camu contains

100 grams of the camu camu fruit contain 2.000 milligrams of vitamin C – thus the content is ten times that of a bell bell pepper.

These are true power fruits, which are so rich in nutrients that one portion already covers the entire daily requirement of vitamin C. The vitamin is particularly important to support the function of a healthy immune system.

However, there is much more in camu camus. In addition to vitamin C, they contain other important micronutrients, for example:

  • Potassium,
  • Calcium,
  • Iron,
  • Vitamin B1, B2 and B3,
  • Beta-carotene,
  • Amino acids.

The composition of nutrients in camu camu is similar to that of acerola. However, the camu camu has the edge in a direct comparison of nutrients.

The effect of Camu-Camu

Beta-carotene, which is also found in the camu camu, is an extremely powerful antioxidant. Thus, the fruit helps to effectively combat oxidative stress.

It also contains polyphenol compounds and bioflavonoids. The bioflavonoids are the color pigments of leaves and flowers. They also support the body’s defense against free radicals.

Studies have already scientifically proven that oxidative stress can be significantly reduced by taking the juice of the plant.

Especially athletes benefit from the high content of vitamin C in the camu camu. The immune system is supported by this namely especially after an intensive physical activity.

Those who take camu-camu after a hard workout can therefore particularly enjoy the positive effect of the superfood.

The dosage forms of Camu-Camu

One small camu camu is already enough to completely cover the body’s daily requirement of vitamin C.

Therefore, the exotic fruit is an optimal way to cover the vitamin supply of the body simply and easily. In addition, the organism is supplied with health-promoting antioxidants.

Camu camu is commercially available in various powder forms. These are usually made from the freshly harvested fruit through a freeze-drying process.

The berries’ own flavor is a bit bitter, plus vitamins can be lost in the long journey, so powdered form is more appropriate than eating the fruit raw.

The powder can be dissolved in water, for example, but can also be added to yogurt, juice or porridge.

It also makes an excellent ingredient in a healthy cereal. However, camu camu is also available in convenient capsule form for direct ingestion.