Camu Camu Benefits: Nutrition, Dosage, & Side Effects
Regulate your blood pressure and promote weight loss with this tropical fruit.
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Camu camu is a maroon or purple-black fruit with sweet or acidic flesh. The benefits of Camu camu can be attributed to its vitamin C content. This sour berry is native to the Amazon rainforest and has immune-boosting properties. The antioxidants in this fruit help fight inflammation and can act against oxidative stress. But is this fruit safe for consumption? This article explores the health benefits and possible side effects of the superfood Camu Camu.Keep reading!
In This Article
What Is Camu Camu?
Myrciaria dubia or camu camu is a special bushy tree from the Amazon rainforest. The tree bears round red berries that resemble cherries that are native to Brazilian and Peruvian Amazon.
Ryan, a blogger, journeyed through Ecuador, where he encountered the intriguing camu camu. It was initially misidentified as a plum by a local vendor. He says in his blog, “The camu camu (small reddish fruit…) was called a plum by the local woman who sold it to us, though we later found that plum seems to be a common word for otherwise unidentifiable fruit (we saw many different ‘plums’ later on). They had a yellow flesh and were quite sweet and juicy with a stone in the middle (i).”
With the increasing demand for immunity-boosting foods, camu camu is gaining popularity as a supplement. The fruit is a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants. It is edible with a sweetish tangy flavor. In studies, it was found to prevent immune-related disorders in mice (1).
Camu Camu Nutrition Facts
Camu camu is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a high antioxidant food. Following are the nutrients in 100 grams of camu camu pulp:
- Vitamin C: 2.4 to 3 g
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.04 mg
- Vitamin A: 14.2 µg
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 0.01 mg
- Magnesium: 12.38 mg
- Calcium: 27 mg
- Phosphorus: 17 mg
- Carbohydrate: 4.7 g
- Total Dietary Fiber: 0.6 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
How Does Camu Camu Work?
Camu camu is antimicrobial, antioxidant, andantiproliferativei XThe property of drugs used to suppress the growth of malignant cells into surrounding tissues and stop the spread of cancer. in nature. Its high phenolic concentrations inhibit the growth of bacteria. It is also rich in vitamin C that contributes to its antioxidant nature (2). It may also help treat immune-related disorders, though more research is required in this regard.
We have discussed the health benefits of camu camu in the following section.
Evidence-Based Health Benefits Of Camu Camu
1. Has Antioxidant And Anti-Inflammatory Properties
This Amazonian berry is rich in antioxidants and can also reduce inflammation (3). Antioxidants protect the cells from the harmful action of free radicals. Regular intake of camu camu in specified dosage can help fight inflammation and decrease oxidative stress. This suggests that it may improve skin health by tackling conditions caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. However, the bioactives in camu camu responsible for these properties are yet to be clearly established.
2. May Improve Immune Function
Camu camu is rich in vitamin C that is known for its immune-boosting activity. Vitamin C also protects the body against oxidative stress caused by free radicals (4). So, consuming camu camu may improve your immune system function.
3. May Help Maintain Blood Cholesterol Levels
The vitamin C in camu camu can reduce the levels of serum cholesterol and also help maintain blood cholesterol levels (5).
4. May Help With Iron Absorption
The high vitamin C in camu camu facilitates iron absorption. Vitamin C can effectively absorb the iron from a meal (6).
5. May Help Regulate Postprandial Glycemia
Postprandial glycemia is characterized by a quick spike in blood sugar levels after a high-carbohydrate meal. Camu camu juice may be an effective natural remedy for controlling postprandial glycemia (7).
6. May Help Regulate Blood Pressure Levels
The seed coat of camu camu may have anti-hypertensive compounds that may help dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure (8).
7. May Aid Weight Loss
Camu Camu may aid weight loss by preventing visceral fat deposition and positively altering the gut bacteria (9). However, more research in humans is warranted in this regard.
These are the major benefits of camu camu. But before you go for the fruit, you must be aware of its potential side effects too.
Camu Camu: Potential Side Effects
Almost all natural foods may have a few potential side effects that generally occur due to its overconsumption. Camu camu also, if taken in excess, may cause the following adverse effects.
1. Digestive Problems
The high levels of vitamin C in camu camu may increase the levels of stomach acids and lead to intestinal wall damage, along with other digestive problems. However, research is limited in this regard.
2. Insomnia And Appetite Loss
Some believe camu camu may elevate serotonin levels that may lead to insomniai XA sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall and stay asleep caused due to stress or psychological conditions, such as depression. or a loss of appetite. Serotonin is essential for regulating your mood and appetite. It is a neurotransmitter that tells the brain whether you are happy or hungry.
Although a healthy serotonin level can alleviate depression, improve your mood, and make you feel happier, excess of it may lead to adverse effects like lack of sleep and loss of appetite. However, limited research is available to prove this adverse effect of camu camu.
3. Chronic Diarrhea
Digestive problems usually lead to constipation and bloating or diarrhea. With camu camu, excess vitamin C may lead to counter-reactions and diarrhea (10).
Note that these side effects, though adverse, are rare. But keep in mind not to consume camu camu in excess.
Dosing
Camu camu is preferably consumed in the form of powder as the fruit has a strong tangy flavor. Five grams of camu camu powder has 682 mg of vitamin C, and covers 760% of the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) of vitamin C. The Tolerable Upper Limit (TUL) for vitamin C is 2,000 mg per day and the current recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin C is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men. However, these recommendations may slightly vary from one individual to another (11), (12).
Here are some ways to consume Camu Camu in powder form.
How To Use Camu Camu Powder
- Add it to your homemade energy or protein bars to increase their nutritional value.
- Steep it in hot water to make camu camu tea. You may also infuse it into herbal teas for added vitamin C and a unique flavor.
- Swap it for lemon zest while making baked goods like muffins, pancakes, or waffles.
- Mix it in with gelatin and any sweetener to make homemade vitamin C gummies.
- Add it to your chia pudding for an extra burst of flavor and nutrients.
- Add it to your fruit sorbet recipes to give them a zesty, citrusy twist.
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Before you try any of these methods to use camu camu powder, here are a few things you should know.
Interactions
Camu camu may possibly interact with few chemotherapy drugs that rely on free radicals. The vitamin C in camu camu may fight the free radicals and interrupt treatment. However, detailed scientific research is not conducted to clearly establish this interaction.
Special Precautions and Warnings
- Pregnant Women And Lactating Mothers: There is no scientific data to suggest any harmful impacts of camu camu on pregnancy. However, it is recommended to avoid the intake of camu camu without informing your gynecologist
- Driving: Camu camu is thought to cause dizziness in a few individuals. If you tend to experience the same, avoid driving right after consuming the fruit.
- Alcohol: The interaction between alcohol and camu camu is not yet established. However, it is advised to limit alcohol consumption while taking the fruit or any associated vitamins or supplements.
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Infographic: Benefits Of Camu Camu
Camu Camu fruit is loaded with vitamin C, which can be attributed to its health benefits. It is also rich in many other beneficial nutrients that provide an energy boost and promote overall health.
Learn more about the benefits of consuming Camu Camu from the infographic below. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Camu Camu’s benefits can be attributed to its vitamin C content. Regular intake of this sour berry improves immune function, helps maintain blood cholesterol levels, and facilitates iron absorption. It also helps reduce inflammation and also aids in weight loss. However, overconsumption may trigger digestive problems, insomnia, appetite loss, and chronic diarrhea. However, pregnant and lactating women should avoid the berry and consult a doctor before consuming it. But taking it in moderate amounts helps in reaping its benefits. You can include Camu Camu in your diet as whole fruit, powder, or supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is camu camu good for your liver?
Yes, animal studies have found that the powerful antioxidants and phytochemicalsi XBioactive nutrients or chemicals found in plants rich in antioxidants that help resist bacteria, viruses, or fungi. in camu camu can help improve liver health and prevent oxidative damage (14).
Is camu camu good for detox?
Yes, it can help detox your liver and cleanse your system due to its rich antioxidant content.
Is camu camu aprebiotici XA form of dietary fat that helps induce the growth or activity of beneficial microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract. ?
Camu camu has been shown to act as a prebiotic due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (15).
Is camu camu antiviral?
Camu camu has been shown to ease inflammation arising due to viral and bacterial infections (16).
Is camu camu low histamine?
Research suggests that camu camu can be beneficial in allergies as it helps reduce the synthesis of histamine (17).
Key Takeaways
- Camu camu is a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants.
- It has many potential benefits owing to its immunity-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Excessive consumption of camu camu may lead to diarrhea, insomnia, and loss of appetite.
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Explore the remarkable health benefits, uses, and reviews of camu camu in this informative video. Enhance your well-being with this superfood and unlock its potential for a healthier lifestyle.
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. fruit in peruhttps://atasteoftheworld.wordpress.com/2008/06/28/fruit-in-peru/
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- Anti-inflammatory effects of seeds of the tropical fruit camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21512298/ - By-Products of Camu-Camu [Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh] as Promising Sources of Bioactive High Added-Value Food Ingredients: Functionalization of Yogurts
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6982765/ - Tropical fruit camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18922386/ - Vitamin C and Immune Function
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29099763/ - Vitamin C supplementation lowers serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides: a meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2682928/ - Interaction of vitamin C and iron
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6940487/ - Effect of clarified Brazilian native fruit juices on postprandial glycemia in healthy subjects
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28888441/ - In vitro antioxidant and antihypertensive compounds from camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia McVaugh Myrtaceae) seed coat: A multivariate structure-activity study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30055315/ - Treatment with camu camu ( Myrciaria dubia) prevents obesity by altering the gut microbiota and increasing energy expenditure in diet-induced obese mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30064988/ - Vitamin C
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-Consumer/ - Vitamin C in health and disease
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15150630/ - Vitamins E and C are safe across a broad range of intakes
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15817846/ - The neuropsychiatric effects of vitamin C deficiency: a systematic review
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7302360/ - 1-methylmalate from camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) suppressed D-galactosamine-induced liver injury in rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20208347/ - Camu Camu effects on microbial translocation and systemic immune activation in ART-treated people living with HIV: protocol of the single-arm non-randomised Camu Camu prebiotic pilot study (CIHR/CTN PT032) | BMJ Open
https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/12/1/e053081 - Antioxidant and Associated Capacities of Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia): A Systematic Review – PMC
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296744/ - Anti-Allergic Effects of Myrciaria dubia (Camu-Camu) Fruit Extract by Inhibiting Histamine H1 and H4 Receptors and Histidine Decarboxylase in RBL-2H3 Cells
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8773304/