Table of Contents
Camu is a fruit from the amazon, thought about a ‘superfood’ due to the fact that it includes big amounts of vitamin c. [1]
Introduction
Camu camu is a shrub that grows in swampy or flooded areas of the amazon tropical rain forest of peru, brazil, venezuela, and colombia. The fruit and leaves are utilized as a medication.
Camu camu is utilized for viral infections consisting of the acute rhinitis, eye conditions including cataracts, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), fatigue syndrome, and lots of other conditions, however there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Some individuals use camu to increase energy and maintain healthy gums, eyes, immune system, and skin. People eat the fruit of camu as food. [2]
History
Camu-camu fruits are small, about the size of a cherry or large 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 discovered on flood plain or swamps, particularly by oxbow lakes. Initially wild camu-camu trees were most abundant 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 range of species due to propagation. This fruit is known as cacari or camu in brazil and peru, guayabo in colombia and guayabato in venezuela.
Camu-camu berries have actually been utilized and valued by amazonian indians for hundreds of years. Aside from a quickly portable nutritious food source, the berries, which are rich in phytochemicals, were utilized to treat infections, as a pain reliever, and to promote long life. Traditionally, a poultice was made from the camu tree bark and put on wounds to prevent infection. Tree bark was also utilized in a preparation to deal with rheumatism.
The importance of camu-camu as a source of natural vitamin c for south american city populations and for export wasn’t acknowledged up until the early 1990’s, at which time the fruit ended up being a practical commercial agroforestry crop. One of the very 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 government launched an environmentally friendly task when, as part of reforestation programs, it started planting seedlings. The intention was that a successful export market would assist raise earnings of regional people and reduce hardship. Gathering camu-camu, which happens between november and march, in the wild is a slow and difficult process since the terrain is flooded and typically a good 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 big impact on export markets particularly to europe, the U.S.A. and japan. Nevertheless the idea has actually been slow to come to fulfillment, partly because many rural farmers could not acquire loans to expand into the profitable camu-camu crop market. Another aspect is that the locations where camu-camu is collected are remote, and far from the needed facilities needed to process the fruit.
Considering that it started, the growing of camu-camu has raised a number of environmental issues, the most important of which is the deforestation of the amazon flood plains. Likewise the displacement of plant types 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 until now, a minimum of, the harvesting of wild camu-camu not appear to have had a destructive result on the environment. This tropical fruit is also an important source of food for fish in flooded areas of the forest. [3]
Description
Camu-camu is a low-growing shrub discovered throughout the amazon rain forest, 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 considerable amount of vitamin c. Its high vitamin c content has actually developed a need for camu-camu fruit in the natural products market. Some groups are now starting to study growing methods for this important new rain forest 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 twice the total up to be acquired from reducing the forest and replacing it with livestock,” and he thinks that camu-camu growing holds real financial promise for regional economies. Generally, camu-camu fruit is wild-harvested in the rain forest in canoes because the fruits grow 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 harvested straight into canoes. The fruit has just recently entered into massive growing and sale to the world market, with japan being the significant buyer. The tree is reasonably simple to cultivate within certain growing conditions. It makes it through best in hot, moist, tropical climates, but will grow in the subtropics, surviving temperatures to just above freezing. It needs copious water. Fair trade exists in low-land production from the association of camu producers of the peruvian amazon.
The tree takes place in locally dense populations or even monospecific stands in amazonian flood plains and riparian plant life. The plant is extremely tolerant of flooding, holding up against 4 to five months with the roots and even much of the aerial parts immersed in water. the types propagates through seeds. In cultivation, the tree starts flourishing after obtaining 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 recommend that the trees can stay productive for numerous decades.
Wild trees have been discovered to yield 12 kg (26 pound) of fruit on average. At recommended planting densities of 600– 1100 trees per 1 ha (2.5 acres), about 12 t (12 long tons; 13 short loads) fruit might be derived in growing from one hectare. [5]
Nutritional details
Camu camu is a nutritionally thick fruit, which is why it is so popular. It consists of large amounts of vitamin c, many minerals, anti-oxidants, and polyphenols.
Vitamin c
Camu camu is abundant in vitamin c. In fact, it is among the most substantial sources of this vitamin amongst plants, containing 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
Antioxidants are substances that help eradicate complimentary radicals in the body. Free radicals are compounds understood to trigger cellular damage and increase the danger of diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
While the body has a natural defense reaction to fight complimentary radicals, anti-oxidants found in food can assist decrease their numbers even further.
Powerful anti-oxidants found in camu are ascorbic acid (vitamin c) and two anthocyanin substances: cyanidin-3-glucoside and delphinidin-3-glucoside. According to research study, the ascorbic acid and antioxidant levels in camu are the highest among brazilian fruits.
It is tough to determine the exact quantity of these compounds discovered in camu since the levels change based on elements including where it was grown and soil composition. Regardless, camu appears to be a great source of anti-oxidants.
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are a group of chemicals discovered in plants that are known to have many health advantages. Studiestrusted source have actually revealed that polyphenols have antioxidant capabilities and can assist reduce inflammation, thus lowering the risk of various inflammatory diseases like diabetes, heart problem, and cancer.
Camu camu also includes many polyphenols, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, stilbenes, and lignans.
The amount discovered in camu depends upon how mature the fruit is when plucked from the plant and which extraction approaches are utilized. However, experts think that the phenolic material of camu is higher than that of other tropical fruits, with most of it concentrated in the seeds and peel. [6]
How is it used?
- The juice of the fruit is frequently taken as a fermented beverage, in addition to a dietary supplement.
- Pills are likewise offered in health food shops. [7]
How it works?
Camu camu includes important phenolic substances, primarily carotenoids, flavonoids and anthocyanins, which significantly contribute to its antioxidant, immune stimulant results. Its extraordinary amount of vitamin c (ascorbic acid) improves the immune system by increasing the absorption of iron and scavenging totally free radicals. Together, all these phytonutrients seem to be responsible for the majority of camu homes. [8]
Health benefits of camu camu
Let’s take a closer look at the health advantages of this fruit.
Vitamin c content
There’s no other way to talk about camu without first pointing out the enormous amount of vitamin c found in this remarkable little drupe. It has among the greatest concentrations of vitamin c of any food source, and given that vitamin c is not just essential for human health however also impossible to naturally create in our body, having an abundant source like camu is a big advantage. Likewise, the synthetic vitamin c that has recently been injected into foods to boost their strength is not almost as useful as naturally taking place vitamin c. Ascorbic acid promotes leukocyte production, which significantly enhances the immune system, and is also a crucial component in collagen production, which helps to repair and develop cells, tissues, and organs. Just as a comparison, 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 joined graduate school of farming science, japan states that the existence of a compound called 1-methylmalate in it assists in dealing with a liver injury.
Weight reduction
According to a current study performed on the effects of camu in a weight loss diet, the fruit has actually showed many advantageous properties. It has the capability to assist you maintain healthy gut germs, which plays a crucial function in metabolism. Furthermore, including camocamo to your diet will not only assist you in shedding extra kilos but likewise assist in lowering your risk of persistent illness that are linked to weight problems.
Improves cognitive capability
The different antioxidant effects of camu camu, a few of which are originated from the big quantity of vitamin c, also help to get rid of plaque accumulation in the cognitive pathways, often triggered by totally free radicals and oxidative tension. It has actually been connected to preventing certain cognitive disorders. It can also enhance 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 compound, but the other nutrients and amino acids found in camu camu, such as anthocyanins, catechins, and flavonols, are likewise powerful anti-inflammatory representatives. For people who experience arthritis and gout, to hemorrhoids and headaches, it can offer discomfort relief and relieve inflammation.
Lowers state of mind swings
Research study has actually shown that camu can have a relaxing effect on the body, acting nearly like a sedative, which can definitely help to balance state of mind swings and soothe psychological stress and anxiety. Although the exact pathway isn’t completely clear, the high levels of magnesium and other vitamins that minimize swelling and relax the body are likely the cause behind this important health benefit, particularly for individuals suffering from anxiety or menopausal mood swings.
Antiviral and antibacterial properties
The natural antiseptic 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 continuously attacked by these foreign agents.
Prevents infertility
Camu camu has been shown to prevent infertility by particularly safeguarding the health of sexual organs and making sure the proper functioning of those systems.
Tones muscle
The varied mix of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and organic substances discovered within camu make it one of the complete organic food out there, however this mix also helps with the growth and defense of muscles. If you are wanting to enhance your metabolism and increase your muscle tone, consuming it can be an ideal workout complement.
Enhances vision
Carotenoids are primarily applauded for their capability to protect eye health as an antioxidant, although they do have other crucial functions in the body. By removing oxidative tension in the ocular system, camu camu’s carotenoids can prevent the beginning of macular degeneration and the advancement of cataracts, permitting you to see plainly well into your old age.
Aids in digestion
The dietary fiber content of camu isn’t as impressive as its vitamin c content, but it is still considerable and can assist to improve your overall health by enhancing your gastrointestinal procedures and even safeguarding your heart from the dangers of unbalanced cholesterol levels. Fiber also manages the activity of insulin receptors in the body, thereby helping to handle conditions like diabetes. [9]
Further more
Camu camu powder is excellent for colds and overall health
Of course, many agree that vitamin c is great for immunity, and since camu has a ton of vitamin c, plus naturally taking place co-factors and phytonutrients, it makes sense that it could assist with colds.
Camu camu is likewise stated to aid with shingles, asthma, atherosclerosis, fatigue syndrome, depression, gum disease, headaches, osteoarthritis, and herpes. Nevertheless, studies have not shown this one method or the other. [10]
Benefits of camu for skin
Here is how camu berry benefits your skin in various methods.
Brightens your skin
Loaded with vitamin c, it’s not a surprise that the camu berries function as an amazing brightening representative. This little gem not only helps battle pigmentation, however it also assists exfoliate dead skin cells, thus offering your skin a healthy radiance!
Lowers coloring
Not only does camu include vitamin c, but it also includes an aspect called niacin. A combination of these two components has a fantastic effect on cells that produce melanin in your skin. Together they help reduce any sunspots or staining on your skin.
Lowers noticeable signs of ageing
Camu camu helps greatly in decreasing visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and great lines. Packed with vitamin c, camu promotes the production of collagen– a protein that makes your skin appearance plump. Furthermore, this terrific skincare component also helps enhance the flexibility of your skin, making it appear youthful.
Protects your skin from sun damage
The ultra violet rays of the sun can have an extremely destructive result on your skin. Continuous direct exposure to uv rays can cause photoaging, i.e., early aging of the skin. However, with some great spf homes, vitamin c and flavonoids, camu greatly protects 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 lead to 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 glowing and radiant.
- You may change yogurt with rose water, for another rejuvenating face pack. Apart from the diy face loads, ready-made camu face packs are also readily available in the market. [12]
Is camu helpful for your hair?
You can try consuming camu orally for hair care however you’re most likely much better off using camu oil straight to your hair and scalp. The vitamin c and anti-oxidants may support healthy collagen levels on your scalp. Studies show that collagen can decrease age-related loss of hair and thinning.
Some think that camu can improve your hair’s shine and color. Given that it’s safe to utilize topically, there’s no reason to avoid providing camu a shot for hair care. [13]
10 ways to utilize camu-camu powder
Sneak it into healthy smoothies
The maybe most common method to use camu powder is to slip it into shakes. If you need dishes, check out healwithfood.org’s quinoa, banana and guava healthy smoothie which gets an extra nutrient kick from camu powder, or this raspberry and camu shake. For even more recipes, you may wish to get julie morris’ superfood shakes, a cookbook including lots of healthy smoothie recipes showcasing exotic superfoods, consisting of a variety of camu recipes.
Use it in baked products
Did you understand that you can likewise utilize camu powder in baking? In addition to improving the nutrient profile of baked products, this andean superfood may also help improve the texture of your breads and breakfast buns. Including a percentage of vitamin c powder to bread blends has been shown to increase the efficiency of the yeast, assisting to raise loaves, and who can think of a better natural source of vitamin c than organic, freeze-dried camu powder?
Add it to homemade pasta dough
If you have among the new completely automated electric pasta makers, or perhaps simply an old-fashioned pasta machine with a crank manage, bear in mind: camu powder can also be used to improve the dietary 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 adding it into the sauce (see suggestion # 4 listed below).
Consume it in sauces
One of the easiest ways to use 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 ingredients commonly used in sauces help make sure that the acidic taste of camu does not overpower the dish. The very best method to use camu powder in sauces is to stir it into the mixture towards the end of the cooking process; this way, you will not destroy excessive of the vitamin c in camu camu.
Soften a steak with a camu marinade
You can also try integrating a small amount of camu powder (or juice, if you can get it) into your preferred meat marinade dish. An acidic element in a meat marinade– whether it’s vinegar, lemon juice, or camu camu– assists soften the meat, resulting in a softer and juicier steak.
Sneak camu powder into salad dressings
Yet another excellent method to sneak some camu into your diet plan is to add a dash of dried and ground camu to salad dressings. If you don’t already have a good standard dish 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 utilizing– 1/4 teaspoon camu powder. Screw on the cover, shake well, and let the tastes mix in the fridge for a minimum of thirty minutes before utilizing the dressing.
Usage camu in breakfast meals
Not only is camu excellent in frozen yogurt, it also makes a wonderful addition to regular yogurt eaten at breakfast. Yogurt aside, you can likewise add camu powder to lots of other popular breakfast meals, such as oatmeal and granola. The perfect way to begin a day off right!
Make healthy vegan “ice cream”
In peru, camu fruit is sometimes utilized as an ingredient in flavored ice cream. However, regular ice cream made with refined sugar and whipping cream isn’t precisely the healthiest dessert out there, which is why we will not be including a dish for peruvian camu ice cream here. Rather, we’ll be including a super-healthy dish for vegan ice cream that you can enliven with a bit of camu powder, or basically any other superfruit powder. And the best thing is, this recipe is ridiculously simple: all you have to do is put a sliced up banana in the freezer for at least 3 hours, then whiz it up in a blender together with a pinch of camu powder up until it gets velvety. For extra taste and color, you can also add some frozen strawberries or raspberries to the mixer before hitting the blend button.
Camu camu can be utilized in other frozen desserts, too
If the above dish for vegan banana ice cream with camu didn’t win you over, do not dismiss the concept of a frozen camu dessert just yet. In the guide and cookbook peruvian power foods, for instance, registered dietitian handbook villacorta reveals that you can likewise use camu powder to offer popsicles and frozen yogurt a boost.
Make energy bars that include camu camu
Homemade energy bars are the perfect on-the-go treat. Generally used active ingredients like honey, raisins, nuts, seeds and grains, homemade power bars are generally abundant in vitamin e, protein and minerals. And, if you incorporate a teaspoon of camu powder into your preferred energy bar recipe, your power bars will also be packed with vitamin c. [14]
Threats and side effects
Is camu safe? While it’s a natural berry and does not usually cause excessive side effects, it has actually not been studied extensively, so it’s possible that it may trigger side effects in some individuals.
Because it contains a really high amount of vitamin c, when taken in big dosages it can potentially result in adverse effects such as: digestion concerns like upset stomach, queasiness, diarrhea and throwing up, as well as certain kidney issues. It may particularly negatively impact the digestive system in individuals who are prone to ulcers.
It’s possible that in tablet or supplement form it may also hinder some chemotherapy medications. Always consult your doctor before 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 content, which in excess amounts (more than 1-3 teaspoons daily of powder) may have hazardous impacts during pregnancy. [15]
Dosing
The appropriate dose of camu depends on a number of aspects such as the user’s age, health, and a number of other conditions. At this time there is inadequate scientific information to determine an appropriate variety of dosages for camu camu. Remember that natural items are not constantly necessarily safe and dosages can be essential. Make certain to follow appropriate instructions on item labels and consult your pharmacist or doctor or other health care expert before using. [16]
Interactions
Camu camu might possibly engage with couple of chemotherapy drugs that count on free radicals. The vitamin c in camu might combat the totally free radicals and disrupt treatment. Nevertheless, detailed clinical research study is not conducted to clearly develop this interaction. [17]
Tips and safety measures
The benefits of camu have not been studied much, for that reason, its negative effects are not well taped, it is a natural berry, so it is typically safe. Nevertheless, taking in excessive vitamin c can cause diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, and throwing up. If you are prone to stomach ulcers, then avoid consuming camu in any form.
Wherever high vitamin c hinders medication, camu will, too. For that reason, if you are taking chemotherapy drugs, consult your physician, who might recommend that you stop utilizing throughout the course of chemotherapy. [18]
Conclusion
Camu camu is a normal amazon native fruit shrub that has a diploid genome, moderate hereditary diversity, and population structure. The fruits build up several vital nutrients and synthesize l-ascorbic acid (vitamin c) in muches and an array of varied secondary metabolites with substantiated in vitro and in vivo health-promoting activities. These beneficial results consist of antioxidative and antiinflammatory activities, antiobesity, hypolipidemic, antihypertensive and antidiabetic effects, dna damage and cancer protection impacts, and other bioactivities. Lots of health-promoting phytochemicals are biosynthesized in a number of metabolic paths of camu camu. Their reconstruction from the fruit transcriptome database was achieved by our research group. These include standard metabolic paths such as glycolysis and pentose phosphate path, vitamin c biosynthesis pathways, and paths involved in secondary metabolites production. Due to their agronomic capacity and fruits growing need, recently, based upon an ideotype, programs were started for their domestication and hereditary enhancement, however so far with extremely minimal achievements. Consequently, we propose new methods to accelerate the procedures of domestication and genetic improvement based on state of the art innovations for multiomic information analysis and ingenious molecular tools. [19]
Recommendations
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- Https://www.zenjenskin.com/2020/04/17/camu-camu-mega-vitamin-c-for-brighter-skin/
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