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Camu Camu are cherry-colored sour berries native to the Amazon rainforest. However, due to their benefits to human health, their fame has spread far beyond the borders of their homeland. They are tart in taste, but they are rarely consumed in their pure form. Most often, juice is extracted from them, or biologically active additives are made.
The composition of Camu Camu is diverse, it includes various nutrients and compounds, vitamin C, antioxidants.
Benefits of Camu Camu Berries
In 2008, a study was conducted, the results of which were published in the Journal of Cardiology. Scientists have proven that myrciaria berries (Kamu-Kamu) are able to reduce the intensity of inflammation in the body, and also prevent cell oxidation.
Berries are a source of flavonoids and ellagic acid, due to which the fruits are used as an antidiabetic agent. Camu Camu can be consumed by people with diabetes as it is a low glycemic food.
Berries have a low calorie content, and are also a source of indigestible dietary fiber. Their regular intake of food can improve blood circulation in the body, improve mood due to the production of serotonin and lower blood pressure.
Rich in camu-camu amino acids (valine, leucine, serine). They can be used as an additional source of minerals.
Calories 21 KKal
- Fats:
0,5 g
- Proteins:
0,8 g
- Carbohydrates:
7,1 g
- Water:
91,5 g
- Ash:
0,1 g
Minerals (in 100 g): | Quantity | %RDN |
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) | from 1560 to 3133 mg | 3481% |
Vitamin B3 (PP, nicotinic acid) | 0,48 mg | 3% |
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) | 0,03 mg | 2,3% |
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) | 0,01 mg | 0,8% |
Minerals (in 100 g): | ||
Manganese | 2,1 mg | 91,3% |
Copper | 0,2 | 22% |
Hardware | 0,53 g | 5,3% |
Magnesium | 12,4 mg | 3,1% |
Zinc | 0,2 mg | 1,8% |
potassium | 83,9 mg | 1,7% |
Calcium | 15,7 mg | 1,6% |
Sodium | 11,1 mg | 0,8% |
In folk medicine, Kamu-Kamu is a valuable berry. It is used to treat SARS and influenza. Powder based on these fruits is used as an immunostimulating, antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent. It is dissolved in different liquids, for example, in milk.
Berries are actively used to prevent cardiovascular pathologies and joint diseases. They improve eyesight and treat glaucoma.
Kamu-Kama is useful for stress, depression, depressed mood. Their anti-inflammatory capabilities are used in the treatment of dermatological diseases, such as lichen and herpes.
Camu Camu is considered an effective remedy for female infertility. It is believed that their regular intake of food at times increases the chances of conception.
Camu Camu is a source of Vitamin C
Berries are rich in vitamin C, the benefits of which for the body are difficult to overestimate. Without it, the normal functioning of the immune system is impossible, it is directly involved in the production of collagen, which is necessary to maintain healthy skin, bones and muscles.
Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant, it prevents free radicals from damaging the cells of the body and prevents the damaging effects of oxidative stress. Ascorbic acid is a means for the prevention of diabetes, cancer, chronic diseases.
100 g of Camu Camu contains up to 3 g of vitamin C. However, due to the sour taste, the berries are rarely eaten in their pure form. Most often they are used in powder. Since the water has been evaporated from it, it contains not 3 g, but 4 g of vitamin C, although this figure may vary slightly, depending on where they are grown at harvest time.
Powerful Antioxidant + Benefits for Smokers
In addition to vitamin C, Camu Camu contains flavonoid antioxidants, including ellagic acid and anthocyanins. They protect cells from damage by free radicals, prevent the formation of cancerous tumors and the development of cardiovascular pathologies.
The fruits are especially beneficial for smokers, as inhaling tobacco smoke leads to severe oxidative stress. In a seven-day experiment involving 20 male smokers, it was possible to establish that Kamu-Kamu significantly reduces the negative effect of free radicals on the body, and also reduces the level of C-reactive protein (all subjects received 70 ml of berry juice). For reference, this amount of juice contains 1,050 vitamin C. [1]
The experimenters controlled a group of men who received a placebo in the form of ascorbic acid tablets. These subjects did not show any positive dynamics. Based on the experiment, the scientists concluded that it is the complex of antioxidants that are contained in the berries of Kamu-Kamu that has the effect.
Anti-inflammatory effect
Camu Camu reduce the intensity of chronic inflammation. It has been proven that it negatively affects health, provokes the development of cancerous tumors, heart disease and autoimmune pathologies.
Ellagic acid from the pulp of berries has been found to inhibit the production of the inflammatory enzyme aldose reductase. [2]
Scientists have found that drinking just 70 ml of berry juice significantly reduces inflammation markers interleukin (IL-6) and highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Moreover, the effect developed after a week of regular intake of the drink. [3]
Helps to lose weight
Experiments with animals prove that regular intake of berries or powder based on them contributes to the rapid burning of kilocalories, as well as the improvement of intestinal microflora. [4]
Helps normalize blood sugar levels
A study in 23 healthy volunteers shows that eating berries can help prevent a spike in glucose levels when eating foods high in carbohydrates. [5]
Have an antibacterial effect
The peel and seeds of Camu Camu have been shown to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli and Streptococcus mutans in vitro. [6]
Bring blood pressure back to normal
On this occasion, 2 studies were conducted, both of which proved that berries help with hypertension due to the expansion of blood vessels. [7, 8]
There is no doubt that Kamu-Kamu is a little-studied storehouse of health and longevity, to which scientists must definitely turn their attention.
Side effects
Side effects of Kamu-Kamu are associated with an excess content of vitamin C in the berries. 5 g of powder is enough to provide the body with 682 mg of ascorbic acid. The maximum daily dose for an adult is 2000 mg. Smaller doses are considered safe.
With an overdose of vitamin C, the following side effects may occur:
Liquefaction of the stool.
Flatulence.
Nausea.
After lowering the dose, the condition quickly returns to normal.
It is also necessary to remember that vitamin C promotes better absorption of iron. Therefore, persons suffering from hemochromatosis should refrain from eating berries.
Cases of overdose with Camu Camu products are rare, since vitamin C dissolves well in liquids, and its excess is quickly excreted from the body. To make sure that the berries are not contraindicated, it is recommended to consult a specialist.
How do they eat berries?
In past years, the berry was not consumed in its pure form due to its sour taste. However, now it is increasingly used as an addition to desserts. Jams, fruit juices, confectionery creams, ice cream are acidified with berries.
In Asian and European countries, juice is prepared from the berry, put into sauces and other drinks, and also used as a basis for the production of vitamin C.
The most popular form of berries is in powder form. Water is removed from them, which not only increases the level of vitamin C in them, but also extends the shelf life. This powder can be added to smoothies, cereals, muesli, yogurt, salad dressings. In combination with other products, the acid of the berries becomes almost invisible.
You need to add Camu Camu powder after preparing the main dish. This will minimize the loss of vitamin C, which is extremely sensitive to high temperatures.
In addition to the powder, extracts and concentrated dietary supplements are made from fruits.