Table of Contents
Camu is a fruit from the amazon, considered a ‘superfood’ since it includes large quantities of vitamin c. [1]
Summary
Camu camu is a shrub that grows in swampy or flooded locations of the amazon tropical rain forest of peru, brazil, venezuela, and colombia. The fruit and leaves are utilized as a medication.
Camu camu is used for viral infections including the acute rhinitis, eye conditions including cataracts, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), chronic fatigue syndrome, and many other conditions, however there is no good scientific proof to support these uses.
Some individuals utilize 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 mature. The camu-camu tree, which could be described as a large bush, grows from about 6-25ft in height and is found on flood plain or swamps, especially 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 largest variety of types due to proliferation. This fruit is called 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 an easily transportable healthy food source, the berries, which are abundant in phytochemicals, were utilized to treat infections, as a pain reliever, and to promote long life. Traditionally, a plaster was made of the camu tree bark and placed on wounds to prevent infection. Tree bark was likewise utilized in a preparation to treat rheumatism.
The value of camu-camu as a source of natural vitamin c for south american urban populations and for export wasn’t acknowledged up until the early 1990’s, at which time the fruit became a feasible industrial 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 watering. In 1996 the peruvian federal government launched an environmentally friendly project when, as part of reforestation programs, it began planting seedlings. The intent was that a successful export market would assist raise earnings of regional individuals and reduce poverty. Harvesting camu-camu, which happens in between november and march, in the wild is a sluggish and challenging procedure because the terrain is flooded and frequently an excellent percent of the fruit trees are undersea. Farmers utilize canoes to gain access to and harvest the fruit trees in the swamps.
In the last few years it was thought that camu would have a huge effect on export markets especially to europe, the usa and japan. However the concept has been sluggish to come to fulfillment, partly due to the fact that numerous rural farmers could not get loans to expand into the profitable camu-camu crop market. Another element is that the areas where camu-camu is collected are remote, and far from the essential centers needed to process the fruit.
Considering that it began, the growing of camu-camu has raised a variety of environmental issues, the most pressing of which is the deforestation 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 positive alternative and up previously, a minimum of, the harvesting of wild camu-camu not appear to have had a harmful impact on the environment. This tropical fruit is also a vital source of food for fish in flooded locations of the forest. [3]
Description
Camu-camu is a low-growing shrub found throughout the amazon jungle, mainly in swampy or flooded areas. It grows to a height of about 2-3 m and has large, feathery leaves. It produces round, light orange-colored fruits about the size of lemons, which include a substantial quantity of vitamin c. Its high vitamin c content has actually produced a demand for camu-camu fruit in the natural products market. Some groups are now starting to study growing techniques for this essential brand-new rainforest resource, which is still gathered 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 is worth two times the amount to be acquired from reducing the forest and changing it with cattle,” and he believes that camu-camu cultivation holds real economic guarantee for regional economies. Normally, camu-camu fruit is wild-harvested in the jungle in canoes since the fruits mature at high water or flooding seasons in the amazon. [4]
Harvest
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Long utilized by native individuals, wild camu-camu fruit is collected directly into canoes. The fruit has actually only just recently entered into massive cultivation and sale to the world market, with japan being the major buyer. The tree is reasonably easy to cultivate within certain growing conditions. It endures finest in hot, moist, tropical environments, but will grow in the subtropics, surviving temperature levels down to simply above freezing. It requires generous water. Fair trade exists in low-land production from the association of camu producers of the peruvian amazon.
The tree happens in locally thick populations and even monospecific stands in amazonian flood plains and riparian plants. The plant is incredibly tolerant of flooding, holding up against four to five months with the roots and even much of the aerial parts submerged in water. the types propagates through seeds. In growing, the tree begins bearing fruits after obtaining 2 cm (0.79 in) in stem girth (three years after introduction 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 recommend that the trees can stay efficient for several years.
Wild trees have been found to yield 12 kg (26 pound) of fruit usually. At suggested planting densities of 600– 1100 trees per 1 ha (2.5 acres), about 12 t (12 long lots; 13 brief loads) fruit may be obtained in growing from one hectare. [5]
Nutritional information
Camu camu is a nutritionally thick fruit, which is why it is so popular. It contains large quantities of vitamin c, numerous minerals, antioxidants, and polyphenols.
Vitamin c
Camu camu is abundant in vitamin c. In fact, it is among the most significant sources of this vitamin among plants, containing about 877– 3,133 milligrams (mg) per 100 grams (g) of fruit pulp.
Minerals
Camu camu is an outstanding source of a range of minerals. The minerals found in camu consist of:.
Antioxidants
Anti-oxidants are compounds that assist fight off totally free radicals in the body. Free radicals are substances understood to trigger cellular damage and increase the danger of illness like cancer, heart problem, and diabetes.
While the body has a natural defense mechanism to fight complimentary radicals, anti-oxidants discovered in food can help decrease their numbers even further.
Powerful antioxidants discovered in camu are ascorbic acid (vitamin c) and two 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 tough to identify the exact quantity of these compounds found in camu because the levels change based on factors consisting of where it was grown and soil composition. Regardless, camu seems a terrific source of antioxidants.
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are a group of chemicals discovered in plants that are understood to have many health advantages. Studiestrusted source have actually shown that polyphenols have antioxidant capabilities and can assist reduce inflammation, thereby minimizing the danger of various inflammatory illness like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Camu camu also contains various polyphenols, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, stilbenes, and lignans.
The quantity discovered in camu depends upon how fully grown the fruit is when plucked from the plant and which extraction techniques are used. Nevertheless, experts think that the phenolic content of camu is higher than that of other tropical fruits, with most of it concentrated in the seeds and peel. [6]
How is it utilized?
- The juice of the fruit is typically taken as a fermented beverage, in addition to a nutritional supplement.
- Capsules are likewise readily available in natural food stores. [7]
How it works?
Camu camu contains crucial phenolic substances, mainly carotenoids, flavonoids and anthocyanins, which considerably add to its antioxidant, immune stimulant results. Its extraordinary quantity of vitamin c (ascorbic acid) enhances the immune system by increasing the absorption of iron and scavenging totally free radicals. Together, all these phytonutrients appear to be responsible for most camu residential or commercial properties. [8]
Health advantages of camu camu
Let’s take a more detailed look at the health advantages of this fruit.
Vitamin c material
There’s no way to talk about camu without very first pointing out the enormous amount of vitamin c discovered in this exceptional little drupe. It has among the highest concentrations of vitamin c of any food source, and given that vitamin c is not only vital for human health however also impossible to naturally produce in our body, having a rich source like camu is a huge advantage. Likewise, the synthetic vitamin c that has actually recently been injected into foods to improve their effectiveness is not almost as useful as naturally happening vitamin c. Ascorbic acid stimulates white blood cell production, which considerably increases the body immune system, and is likewise a key part in collagen production, which assists to fix and develop cells, tissues, and organs. Just as a comparison, camu has 200 times more vitamin c than a banana in regards to vitamin c per ounce.
Liver health
Camu camu is understood to enhance liver health. Research at the united graduate school of agricultural science, japan states that the presence of a compound called 1-methylmalate in it helps in dealing with a liver injury.
Weight loss
According to a recent research study carried out on the effects of camu in a weight-loss diet, the fruit has in fact displayed numerous useful properties. It has the ability to help you preserve healthy gut bacteria, which plays an essential role in metabolism. Additionally, including camocamo to your diet will not just help you in shedding extra kilos however likewise assist in lowering your threat of chronic illness that are linked to weight problems.
Enhances cognitive capability
The various antioxidant results of camu camu, some of which are stemmed from the substantial amount of vitamin c, likewise help to remove plaque build-up in the cognitive pathways, often brought on by complimentary radicals and oxidative tension. It has been connected to preventing particular cognitive conditions. It can likewise increase cognitive ability in more youthful people, increasing focus, memory, and concentration skills.
Anti-inflammatory home
Vitamin c is a natural anti-inflammatory substance, but the other nutrients and amino acids found in camu camu, such as anthocyanins, catechins, and flavonols, are also potent anti-inflammatory agents. For individuals who struggle with arthritis and gout, to hemorrhoids and headaches, it can offer discomfort relief and relieve swelling.
Lowers state of mind swings
Research has shown that camu can have a peaceful impact on the body, acting nearly like a sedative, which can certainly help to stabilize state of mind swings and relieve psychological anxiety. Although the specific pathway isn’t totally clear, the high levels of magnesium and other vitamins that decrease swelling and soothe the body are likely the cause behind this important health advantage, particularly for people suffering from depression or menopausal state of mind swings.
Antiviral and anti-bacterial properties
The natural antibacterial qualities of camu make it ideal for warding off bacterial and viral infections, consisting of e. Coli and various sexually transmitted diseases, such as herpes. This makes it a powerful dietary supplement for everybody, as our body immune systems are constantly attacked by these foreign agents.
Avoids infertility
Camu camu has been shown to prevent infertility by specifically safeguarding the health of sexual organs and making sure the correct functioning of those systems.
Tones muscle
The varied blend of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and organic substances discovered within camu make it among the complete health foods out there, but this mix likewise facilitates the development and defense of muscles. If you are wanting to boost your metabolism and increase your muscle tone, eating it can be an ideal workout complement.
Enhances vision
Carotenoids are mainly applauded for their capability to secure eye health as an antioxidant, although they do have other important functions in the body. By getting rid of oxidative stress in the ocular system, camu camu’s carotenoids can prevent the onset of macular degeneration and the development of cataracts, enabling you to see plainly well into your aging.
Help in food digestion
The dietary fiber content of camu isn’t as exceptional as its vitamin c material, however it is still substantial and can assist to improve your overall health by optimizing your digestive processes and even safeguarding your heart from the threats of out of balance cholesterol levels. Fiber also manages the activity of insulin receptors in the body, therefore helping to handle conditions like diabetes. [9]
Further more
Camu camu powder is terrific for colds and total wellness
Naturally, the majority of concur that vitamin c is fantastic for immunity, and since camu has a lots of vitamin c, plus naturally taking place co-factors and phytonutrients, it makes sense that it might assist with colds.
Camu camu is also said to assist with shingles, asthma, atherosclerosis, fatigue syndrome, anxiety, gum disease, headaches, osteoarthritis, and herpes. Nevertheless, research studies haven’t proven this one way or the other. [10]
Benefits of camu for skin
Here is how camu berry benefits your skin in different ways.
Brightens your skin
Packed with vitamin c, it’s no surprise that the camu berries serve as an amazing lightening up representative. This little gem not just helps combat pigmentation, however it likewise assists exfoliate dead skin cells, for this reason providing your skin a healthy radiance!
Minimizes coloring
Not only does camu contain vitamin c, but it likewise contains a component called niacin. A mix of these 2 elements has an incredible effect on cells that produce melanin in your skin. Together they help in reducing any sunspots or discoloration on your skin.
Decreases noticeable signs of aging
Camu camu assists significantly in lowering noticeable 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. Additionally, this great skin care ingredient likewise helps improve the elasticity of your skin, making it appear youthful.
Protects your skin from sun damage
The ultra violet rays of the sun can have a really destructive result on your skin. Consistent direct exposure to uv rays can cause photoaging, i.e., early aging of the skin. Nevertheless, with some great spf residential or commercial properties, vitamin c and flavonoids, camu greatly protects your skin from sun damage. [11]
How to use 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.
- Apply it all over the face and keep it for 15 minutes.
- Wash it off with water and feel more radiant and radiant.
- You might replace yogurt with rose water, for another revitalizing face pack. Apart from the do it yourself face loads, ready-made camu face packs are also offered in the market. [12]
Is camu helpful for your hair?
You can attempt consuming camu orally for hair care however you’re probably much better off applying camu oil straight to your hair and scalp. The vitamin c and anti-oxidants may support healthy collagen levels on your scalp. Studies reveal that collagen can lower age-related hair loss and thinning.
Some believe that camu can enhance your hair’s shine and color. Given that it’s safe to use topically, there’s no reason to avoid giving camu a shot for hair care. [13]
10 methods to utilize camu-camu powder
Slip it into smoothies
The maybe most common method to use camu powder is to slip it into smoothies. If you require recipes, take a look at 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 a lot more dishes, you may want to get julie morris’ superfood healthy smoothies, a cookbook including tons of smoothie recipes showcasing unique superfoods, consisting of a variety of camu recipes.
Utilize it in baked goods
Did you understand that you can likewise utilize camu powder in baking? In addition to boosting the nutrient profile of baked products, this andean superfood might likewise help improve the texture of your breads and breakfast buns. Adding a small amount of vitamin c powder to bread blends has been revealed to increase the performance of the yeast, assisting to raise loaves, and who can think about a much better natural source of vitamin c than natural, freeze-dried camu powder?
Add it to homemade pasta dough
If you have one of the brand-new totally automated electrical pasta makers, or perhaps simply an old-fashioned pasta maker with a crank handle, bear in mind: camu powder can likewise be used to enhance the nutritional profile of homemade pasta dough! And even if you do not make your pasta from scratch, you can still include this superfood powder into your pasta dishes by including it into the sauce (see suggestion # 4 listed below).
Consume it in sauces
Among the most convenient ways to use camu powder is to add it to sauces. Camu camu powder liquifies better in sauces than in thin liquids (such as juices or water), and the spices, herbs and other strong-flavored active ingredients commonly utilized in sauces help make certain that the acidic flavor of camu doesn’t subdue the meal. The best way to use camu powder in sauces is to stir it into the mixture towards completion of the cooking procedure; in this manner, you won’t damage excessive of the vitamin c in camu camu.
Soften a steak with a camu marinade
You can also attempt incorporating a percentage of camu powder (or juice, if you can get it) into your preferred meat marinade recipe. An acidic part in a meat marinade– whether it’s vinegar, lemon juice, or camu camu– helps soften the meat, resulting in a softer and juicier steak.
Sneak camu powder into salad dressings
Yet another fantastic 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 good 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. Add 2 tablespoons sliced fresh herbs (or a pinch of dried herbs), 1 teaspoon dijon mustard, a pinch of salt and black pepper, and– if using– 1/4 teaspoon camu powder. Screw on the cover, shake well, and let the flavors mix in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before using the dressing.
Use camu in breakfast meals
Not just is camu fantastic in frozen yogurt, it likewise makes a wonderful addition to routine 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 best way to begin a day of rest right!
Make healthy vegan “ice cream”
In peru, camu fruit is often used as a component in flavored ice cream. Nevertheless, normal ice cream made with refined sugar and heavy cream isn’t precisely the healthiest dessert out there, which is why we won’t be including a recipe for peruvian camu ice cream here. Instead, we’ll be consisting of a super-healthy dish for vegan ice cream that you can enliven with a little camu powder, or basically any other superfruit powder. And the best thing is, this dish is extremely simple: all you need to do is put a sliced banana in the freezer for at least 3 hours, then whiz it up in a blender together with a pinch of camu powder till it gets velvety. For extra taste and color, you can also include some frozen strawberries or raspberries to the mixer prior to hitting the mix button.
Camu camu can be used 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 idea of a frozen camu dessert just yet. In the guide and cookbook peruvian power foods, for example, signed up dietitian handbook villacorta shows that you can also use camu powder to provide popsicles and frozen yogurt an increase.
Make energy bars that feature camu camu
Homemade energy bars are the perfect on-the-go treat. Generally made using components like honey, raisins, nuts, seeds and grains, homemade power bars are usually abundant in vitamin e, protein and minerals. And, if you integrate a teaspoon of camu powder into your preferred energy bar dish, your power bars will also be filled with vitamin c. [14]
Risks and adverse effects
Is camu safe? While it’s a natural berry and does not usually cause extreme side effects, it has not been studied extensively, so it’s possible that it might trigger side effects in some individuals.
Because it includes a very high amount of vitamin c, when taken in large doses it can potentially result in negative effects such as: digestion problems like indigestion, queasiness, diarrhea and vomiting, along with specific kidney concerns. It may particularly adversely impact the digestive system in people who are prone to ulcers.
It’s possible that in tablet or supplement form it might also hinder some chemotherapy medications. Constantly consult your doctor before taking it if you are receiving treatment for any medical concerns like cancer or if any other ongoing health issues.
Is camu safe for pregnancy? It’s finest to consume it in percentages, due to its high vitamin c content, which in excess amounts (more than 1-3 teaspoons per day of powder) might have damaging impacts during pregnancy. [15]
Dosing
The appropriate dose of camu depends upon numerous factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough clinical details to determine a suitable variety of doses for camu camu. Remember that natural products are not always necessarily safe and does can be crucial. Make certain to follow appropriate directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or doctor or other health care professional prior to using. [16]
Interactions
Camu camu may possibly interact with couple of chemotherapy drugs that count on complimentary radicals. The vitamin c in camu might fight the free radicals and disrupt treatment. However, detailed scientific research study is not conducted to plainly establish this interaction. [17]
Tips and preventative measures
The benefits of camu have actually not been studied much, for that reason, its negative effects are not well taped, it is a natural berry, so it is normally safe. However, taking in too much vitamin c can cause diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, and throwing up. If you are prone to swallow ulcers, then prevent consuming camu in any type.
Wherever high vitamin c hinders medication, camu will, too. For that reason, if you are taking chemotherapy drugs, consult your medical professional, who might recommend that you stop utilizing throughout the course of chemotherapy. [18]
Conclusion
Camu camu is a common amazon native fruit shrub that has a diploid genome, moderate genetic variety, and population structure. The fruits accumulate numerous vital nutrients and synthesize l-ascorbic acid (vitamin c) in great quantities and a variety of diverse secondary metabolites with proven in vitro and in vivo health-promoting activities. These useful results include antioxidative and antiinflammatory activities, antiobesity, hypolipidemic, antihypertensive and antidiabetic effects, dna damage and cancer defense impacts, and other bioactivities. Lots of health-promoting phytochemicals are biosynthesized in several metabolic pathways of camu camu. Their restoration from the fruit transcriptome database was achieved by our research study group. These include fundamental metabolic paths such as glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway, vitamin c biosynthesis pathways, and pathways involved in secondary metabolites production. Due to their agronomic potential and fruits growing demand, recently, based upon an ideotype, programs were initiated for their domestication and hereditary improvement, however up until now with extremely negligible accomplishments. Consequently, we propose new strategies to accelerate the procedures of domestication and hereditary improvement based on cutting-edge technologies for multiomic information analysis and ingenious molecular tools. [19]
References
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