Table of Contents
Camu Camu is a fruit from the amazon, thought about a ‘superfood’ due to the fact that it contains large quantities of vitamin c. [1]
Introduction
Camu camu is a shrub that grows in swampy or flooded areas of the amazon rain forests of peru, brazil, venezuela, and colombia. The fruit and leaves are utilized as a medicine.
Camu camu is utilized for viral infections including the common cold, eye conditions including cataracts, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), fatigue syndrome, and numerous other conditions, however there is no good clinical evidence to support these usages.
Some individuals use camu to increase energy and preserve healthy gums, eyes, body immune system, and skin. People consume the fruit of camu as food. [2]
History
Camu-camu fruits are little, about the size of a cherry or big grape. They are green when unripe, turning a reddish purple and ultimately red when fully grown. The camu-camu tree, which could be described as a big bush, grows from about 6-25ft in height and is found on flood plain or swamps, particularly by oxbow lakes. Initially wild camu-camu trees were most numerous near the drainage areas of the xingu river (an amazon tributary in northern brazil) and the napo river in ecuador. The peruvian amazon now has the biggest range of species due to proliferation. This fruit is referred to as cacari or camu in brazil and peru, guayabo in colombia and guayabato in venezuela.
Camu-camu berries have been made use of and valued by amazonian indians for centuries. Aside from a quickly transportable nutritious food source, the berries, which are rich in phytochemicals, were used to deal with infections, as a pain reliever, and to promote long life. Typically, a poultice was made from the camu tree bark and put on injuries to prevent infection. Tree bark was likewise utilized in a preparation to deal with rheumatism.
The significance of camu-camu as a source of natural vitamin c for south american metropolitan populations and for export wasn’t recognized until the early 1990’s, at which time the fruit became a viable business agroforestry crop. One of the first nurseries was opened near km 100 of the manaus-itacoatiara highway in brazil. Later a 500 hectare plantation was developed near sao paulo, which used drip irrigation. In 1996 the peruvian federal government launched an environmentally friendly job when, as part of reforestation programs, it started planting seedlings. The intention was that an effective export market would help raise incomes of regional people and decrease hardship. Gathering camu-camu, which happens between november and march, in the wild is a sluggish and hard process since the terrain is flooded and often a great percent of the fruit trees are underwater. Farmers utilize canoes to gain access to and harvest the fruit trees in the swamps.
Recently it was thought that camu would have a big effect on export markets especially to europe, the usa and japan. Nevertheless the idea has actually been sluggish to come to fruition, partly due to the fact that numerous rural farmers might not get loans to broaden into the financially rewarding camu-camu crop market. Another aspect is that the locations where camu-camu is gathered are remote, and far from the required facilities required to process the fruit.
Given that it started, the growing of camu-camu has raised a number of ecological concerns, the most important of which is the logging of the amazon flood plains. Also the displacement of plant species in locations where camu-camu did not previously exist and the spread of illness and bugs. As a non-timber forest crop camu-camu is viewed as a favorable alternative and up previously, at least, the harvesting of wild camu-camu not appear to have had a damaging impact on the environment. This tropical fruit is likewise an essential source of food for fish in flooded areas of the forest. [3]
Description
Camu-camu is a low-growing shrub found throughout the amazon rain forest, generally in swampy or flooded areas. It grows to a height of about 2-3 m and has big, feathery leaves. It produces round, light orange-colored fruits about the size of lemons, which contain a significant quantity of vitamin c. Its high vitamin c content has actually created a demand for camu-camu fruit in the natural items market. Some groups are now beginning to study cultivation methods for this crucial new rainforest resource, which is still collected wild throughout the amazon area. Ethnobotanist mark plotkin notes in his book, tales of a shaman’s apprentice, that “a forest stand of camu-camu deserves two times the amount to be gained from cutting down the forest and changing it with cattle,” and he thinks that camu-camu cultivation holds real economic pledge for local economies. Generally, camu-camu fruit is wild-harvested in the rain forest in canoes due to the fact that the fruits mature at high water or flooding seasons in the amazon. [4]
Harvest
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Long utilized by native peoples, wild camu-camu fruit is harvested straight into canoes. The fruit has actually only just recently entered massive cultivation and sale to the world market, with japan being the significant buyer. The tree is fairly easy to cultivate within certain growing conditions. It survives finest in hot, wet, tropical climates, but will grow in the subtropics, enduring temperature levels to just above freezing. It requires massive water. Fair trade exists in low-land production from the association of camu producers of the peruvian amazon.
The tree happens in locally dense populations and even monospecific stands in amazonian flood plains and riparian plant life. The plant is incredibly tolerant of flooding, holding up against 4 to five months with the roots and even much of the aerial parts submerged in water. the types propagates through seeds. In cultivation, the tree begins flourishing after achieving 2 cm (0.79 in) in stem girth (three years after development of the seedling). Plants flower at the end of the dry season and produce fruit at the peak of the rainy season. Observations with both wild and cultivated plants suggest that the trees can stay productive for a number of decades.
Wild trees have actually been found to yield 12 kg (26 lb) of fruit usually. At suggested planting densities of 600– 1100 trees per 1 ha (2.5 acres), about 12 t (12 long heaps; 13 brief loads) fruit might be derived in growing from one hectare. [5]
Nutritional info
Camu camu is a nutritionally dense fruit, which is why it is so popular. It contains large quantities of vitamin c, various minerals, antioxidants, and polyphenols.
Vitamin c
Camu camu is rich in vitamin c. In fact, it is among the most significant sources of this vitamin amongst plants, consisting of about 877– 3,133 milligrams (mg) per 100 grams (g) of fruit pulp.
Minerals
Camu camu is an outstanding source of a variety of minerals. The minerals discovered in camu consist of:.
Anti-oxidants
Anti-oxidants are substances that assist battle complimentary radicals in the body. Free radicals are substances known to cause cellular damage and increase the threat of illness like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
While the body has a natural defense reaction to fight free radicals, antioxidants found in food can help reduce their numbers even further.
Powerful anti-oxidants discovered in camu are ascorbic acid (vitamin c) and 2 anthocyanin compounds: cyanidin-3-glucoside and delphinidin-3-glucoside. According to research, the ascorbic acid and antioxidant levels in camu are the greatest amongst brazilian fruits.
It is difficult to determine the precise amount of these compounds found in camu because the levels alter based on aspects consisting of where it was grown and soil composition. Regardless, camu seems a terrific source of anti-oxidants.
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are a group of chemicals discovered in plants that are known to have numerous health benefits. Studiestrusted source have actually shown that polyphenols have antioxidant capabilities and can assist decrease inflammation, therefore decreasing the danger of different inflammatory diseases like diabetes, heart problem, and cancer.
Camu camu also contains various polyphenols, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, stilbenes, and lignans.
The amount discovered in camu depends on how mature the fruit is when plucked from the plant and which extraction methods are utilized. However, experts think that the phenolic material of camu is higher than that of other tropical fruits, with most of it focused in the seeds and peel. [6]
How is it utilized?
- The juice of the fruit is typically taken as a fermented beverage, as well as a dietary supplement.
- Capsules are likewise available in health food stores. [7]
How it works?
Camu camu consists of crucial phenolic substances, mainly carotenoids, flavonoids and anthocyanins, which considerably contribute to its antioxidant, immune stimulant impacts. Its extraordinary amount of vitamin c (ascorbic acid) improves the body immune system by increasing the absorption of iron and scavenging complimentary radicals. Together, all these phytonutrients seem to be responsible for a lot of camu properties. [8]
Health benefits of camu camu
Let’s take a more detailed look at the health benefits of this fruit.
Vitamin c material
There’s no other way to talk about camu without first mentioning the huge quantity of vitamin c found in this impressive little drupe. It has one of the greatest concentrations of vitamin c of any food source, and given that vitamin c is not just important for human health however likewise difficult to naturally develop in our body, having an abundant source like camu is a big advantage. Also, the artificial vitamin c that has just recently been injected into foods to improve their potency is not nearly as useful as naturally happening vitamin c. Ascorbic acid promotes leukocyte production, which significantly enhances the body immune system, and is likewise an essential part in collagen production, which assists to fix and develop cells, tissues, and organs. Just as a contrast, camu has 200 times more vitamin c than a banana in terms of vitamin c per ounce.
Liver health
Camu camu is understood to improve liver health. Research at the united graduate school of agricultural science, japan states that the presence of a substance called 1-methylmalate in it assists in dealing with a liver injury.
Weight-loss
According to a recent research study performed on the impacts of camu in a weight loss diet, the fruit has actually showed lots of advantageous properties. It has the ability to assist you maintain healthy gut bacteria, which plays an essential function in metabolic process. Moreover, including camocamo to your diet plan will not just assist you in shedding additional kilos but also help in lowering your risk of chronic illness that are connected to obesity.
Improves cognitive ability
The different antioxidant effects of camu camu, a few of which are derived from the huge quantity of vitamin c, also help to get rid of plaque build-up in the cognitive pathways, typically caused by totally free radicals and oxidative tension. It has been connected to preventing certain cognitive disorders. It can also improve cognitive ability in more youthful people, increasing focus, memory, and concentration abilities.
Anti-inflammatory residential or commercial property
Vitamin c is a natural anti-inflammatory substance, however the other nutrients and amino acids found in camu camu, such as anthocyanins, catechins, and flavonols, are also powerful anti-inflammatory agents. For individuals who struggle with arthritis and gout, to hemorrhoids and headaches, it can provide pain relief and relieve inflammation.
Reduces mood swings
Research study has actually suggested that camu can have a peaceful impact on the body, acting almost like a sedative, which can certainly help to stabilize state of mind swings and relieve psychological anxiety. Although the exact pathway isn’t entirely clear, the high levels of magnesium and other vitamins that reduce swelling and calm the body are most likely the cause behind this crucial health advantage, particularly for people struggling with depression or menopausal state of mind swings.
Antiviral and antibacterial properties
The natural antibacterial qualities of camu make it ideal for fending off bacterial and viral infections, including e. Coli and different sexually transmitted diseases, such as herpes. This makes it a powerful dietary supplement for everybody, as our body immune systems are constantly assaulted by these foreign agents.
Prevents infertility
Camu camu has actually been revealed to prevent infertility by particularly securing the health of sexual organs and guaranteeing the proper functioning of those systems.
Tones muscle
The diverse mix of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and organic compounds discovered within camu make it one of the total health foods out there, but this mix likewise facilitates the development and protection of muscles. If you are wanting to improve your metabolic process and increase your muscle tone, consuming it can be an ideal exercise enhance.
Enhances vision
Carotenoids are mostly applauded for their capability to secure eye health as an antioxidant, although they do have other important roles in the body. By getting rid of oxidative stress in the ocular system, camu camu’s carotenoids can avoid the beginning of macular degeneration and the advancement of cataracts, allowing you to see clearly well into your aging.
Help in food digestion
The dietary fiber content of camu isn’t as amazing as its vitamin c material, however it is still considerable and can assist to improve your total health by enhancing your gastrointestinal procedures and even safeguarding your heart from the threats of unbalanced cholesterol levels. Fiber also controls the activity of insulin receptors in the body, consequently assisting to manage conditions like diabetes. [9]
Further more
Camu camu powder is excellent for colds and total health
Naturally, the majority of agree that vitamin c is fantastic for resistance, and considering that camu has a ton of vitamin c, plus naturally occuring co-factors and phytonutrients, it makes sense that it might aid with colds.
Camu camu is likewise stated to help with shingles, asthma, atherosclerosis, fatigue syndrome, depression, gum disease, headaches, osteoarthritis, and herpes. However, studies haven’t shown this one method or the other. [10]
Advantages of camu for skin
Here is how camu berry benefits your skin in various methods.
Brightens your skin
Packed with vitamin c, it’s no surprise that the camu berries work as an extraordinary brightening agent. This little gem not just assists fight coloring, but it likewise assists exfoliate dead skin cells, thus offering your skin a healthy glow!
Lowers pigmentation
Not just does camu contain vitamin c, but it likewise consists of an element called niacin. A mix of these two elements has a fantastic effect on cells that produce melanin in your skin. Together they help in reducing any sunspots or discoloration on your skin.
Decreases noticeable indications of aging
Camu camu assists significantly in reducing visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. Packed with vitamin c, camu promotes the production of collagen– a protein that makes your skin look plump. Moreover, this fantastic skincare active ingredient likewise assists enhance the elasticity of your skin, making it appear younger.
Safeguards your skin from sun damage
The ultra violet rays of the sun can have a really destructive effect on your skin. Constant direct exposure to uv rays can result in photoaging, i.e., early aging of the skin. Nevertheless, with some great spf residential or commercial properties, vitamin c and flavonoids, camu greatly secures your skin from sun damage. [11]
How to utilize camu powder for skin?
- Mix one spoon filled with camu powder with plain yogurt for finest results in a bowl.
- Mix it well with a spoon to form a thin paste.
- Use all of it over the face and keep it for 15 minutes.
- Wash it off with water and feel more glowing and radiant.
- You may replace yogurt with rose water, for another refreshing face pack. Apart from the do it yourself face packs, ready-made camu face packs are also readily available in the market. [12]
Is camu helpful for your hair?
You can attempt consuming camu orally for hair care however you’re probably better off using camu oil directly to your hair and scalp. The vitamin c and antioxidants may support healthy collagen levels on your scalp. Research studies reveal that collagen can reduce age-related hair loss and thinning.
Some think that camu can enhance your hair’s shine and color. Because it’s safe to use topically, there’s no reason to prevent giving camu a shot for hair care. [13]
10 methods to use camu-camu powder
Slip it into healthy smoothies
The possibly most typical method to utilize camu powder is to slip it into smoothies. If you require dishes, check out healwithfood.org’s quinoa, banana and guava healthy smoothie which gets an additional nutrient kick from camu powder, or this raspberry and camu shake. For even more recipes, you may want to get julie morris’ superfood smoothies, a cookbook featuring tons of smoothie dishes showcasing exotic superfoods, including a number of camu recipes.
Use it in baked goods
Did you know that you can likewise use camu powder in baking? In addition to improving the nutrient profile of baked products, this andean superfood might likewise assist enhance the texture of your breads and breakfast buns. Including a percentage of vitamin c powder to bread mixes has been revealed to increase the efficiency of the yeast, assisting to raise loaves, and who can consider a better natural source of vitamin c than organic, freeze-dried camu powder?
Include it to homemade pasta dough
If you have among the new completely automatic electric pasta makers, and even just an old-fashioned pasta machine with a crank manage, remember: camu powder can also be used to increase the nutritional profile of homemade pasta dough! And even if you don’t make your pasta from scratch, you can still integrate this superfood powder into your pasta dishes by including it into the sauce (see tip # 4 listed below).
Eat it in sauces
One of the most convenient ways to utilize camu powder is to include it to sauces. Camu camu powder dissolves better in sauces than in thin liquids (such as juices or water), and the spices, herbs and other strong-flavored components frequently used in sauces help make sure that the acidic taste of camu doesn’t subdue the meal. The very best method to utilize camu powder in sauces is to stir it into the mixture towards the end of the cooking process; in this manner, you won’t destroy too much of the vitamin c in camu camu.
Tenderize a steak with a camu marinade
You can likewise attempt incorporating a percentage of camu powder (or juice, if you can get it) into your preferred meat marinade recipe. An acidic element in a meat marinade– whether it’s vinegar, lemon juice, or camu camu– assists soften the meat, leading to a softer and juicier steak.
Slip camu powder into salad dressings
Yet another excellent method to sneak some camu into your diet is to include a dash of dried and ground camu to salad dressings. If you do not currently have a great fundamental recipe for an oil and vinegar-based salad dressing, attempt this: pour 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons vinegar into an empty mason container. Include 2 tablespoons sliced fresh herbs (or a pinch of dried herbs), 1 teaspoon dijon mustard, a pinch of salt and black pepper, and– if utilizing– 1/4 teaspoon camu powder. Screw on the cover, shake well, and let the flavors mix in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes prior to utilizing the dressing.
Use camu in breakfast dishes
Not just is camu terrific in frozen yogurt, it likewise makes a wonderful addition to regular yogurt eaten at breakfast. Yogurt aside, you can also add camu powder to lots of other popular breakfast meals, such as oatmeal and granola. The perfect way to begin a day of rest right!
Make healthy vegan “ice cream”
In peru, camu fruit is sometimes utilized as an active ingredient in flavored ice cream. However, regular ice cream made with refined sugar and heavy cream isn’t exactly the healthiest dessert out there, which is why we will not be consisting of a dish for peruvian camu ice cream here. Rather, we’ll be including a super-healthy dish for vegan ice cream that you can spice up with a little camu powder, or practically any other superfruit powder. And the very best thing is, this recipe is unbelievably easy: all you need to do is put a sliced up banana in the freezer for at least three hours, then whiz it up in a mixer together with a pinch of camu powder till it gets creamy. For additional taste and color, you can also add some frozen strawberries or raspberries to the blender before striking the blend button.
Camu camu can be utilized in other frozen desserts, too
If the above recipe for vegan banana ice cream with camu didn’t win you over, don’t dismiss the concept of a frozen camu dessert just yet. In the guide and cookbook peruvian power foods, for instance, signed up dietitian manual villacorta shows that you can also utilize camu powder to offer popsicles and frozen yogurt an increase.
Make energy bars that feature camu camu
Homemade energy bars are the perfect on-the-go snack. Generally used ingredients like honey, raisins, nuts, seeds and grains, homemade power bars are generally rich in vitamin e, protein and minerals. And, if you integrate a teaspoon of camu powder into your favorite energy bar recipe, your power bars will also be packed with vitamin c. [14]
Risks and side effects
Is camu safe? While it’s a natural berry and does not generally cause excessive adverse effects, it has actually not been studied thoroughly, so it’s possible that it might trigger side effects in some individuals.
Due to the fact that it includes an extremely high amount of vitamin c, when taken in large dosages it can possibly lead to negative effects such as: gastrointestinal issues like upset stomach, queasiness, diarrhea and throwing up, as well as particular kidney concerns. It may especially negatively affect the digestion system in people who are susceptible to ulcers.
It’s possible that in tablet or supplement form it might also disrupt some chemotherapy medications. Constantly consult your physician prior to taking it if you are receiving treatment for any medical problems like cancer or if any other continuous health concerns.
Is camu safe for pregnancy? It’s best to consume it in small amounts, due to its high vitamin c material, which in excess amounts (more than 1-3 teaspoons per day of powder) may have harmful results during pregnancy. [15]
Dosing
The suitable dose of camu depends on several aspects such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is inadequate scientific information to figure out an appropriate range of doses for camu camu. Bear in mind that natural products are not constantly necessarily safe and does can be essential. Make sure to follow relevant instructions on item labels and consult your pharmacist or doctor or other health care professional before using. [16]
Interactions
Camu camu may potentially communicate with couple of chemotherapy drugs that rely on free radicals. The vitamin c in camu might fight the free radicals and disrupt treatment. Nevertheless, detailed clinical research study is not performed to clearly develop this interaction. [17]
Tips and preventative measures
The advantages of camu have not been studied much, for that reason, its side effects are not well recorded, it is a natural berry, so it is usually safe. However, consuming excessive vitamin c can trigger diarrhea, indigestion, queasiness, and vomiting. If you are prone to swallow ulcers, then prevent consuming camu in any type.
Wherever high vitamin c interferes with medication, camu will, too. Therefore, if you are taking chemotherapy drugs, consult your medical professional, who might suggest that you stop using throughout the course of chemotherapy. [18]
Conclusion
Camu camu is a common amazon native fruit shrub that possesses a diploid genome, moderate hereditary diversity, and population structure. The fruits build up numerous vital nutrients and synthesize l-ascorbic acid (vitamin c) in great quantities and a range of diverse secondary metabolites with supported in vitro and in vivo health-promoting activities. These useful effects include antioxidative and antiinflammatory activities, antiobesity, hypolipidemic, antihypertensive and antidiabetic results, dna damage and cancer protection effects, and other bioactivities. Many health-promoting phytochemicals are biosynthesized in numerous metabolic paths of camu camu. Their restoration from the fruit transcriptome database was accomplished by our research group. These include basic metabolic pathways such as glycolysis and pentose phosphate path, vitamin c biosynthesis paths, and paths involved in secondary metabolites production. Due to their agronomic capacity and fruits growing demand, just recently, based upon an ideotype, programs were initiated for their domestication and genetic enhancement, but so far with very minimal achievements. As a result, we propose new methods to speed up the processes of domestication and hereditary enhancement based on state of the art innovations for multiomic information analysis and ingenious molecular tools. [19]
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