Table of Contents
Camu is a fruit from the amazon, considered a ‘superfood’ since it contains 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 used as a medication.
Camu camu is utilized for viral infections consisting of the acute rhinitis, eye conditions consisting of cataracts, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), chronic fatigue syndrome, and lots of other conditions, however there is no good clinical evidence to support these usages.
Some individuals utilize camu to increase energy and keep healthy gums, eyes, immune system, and skin. Individuals eat 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 large bush, grows from about 6-25ft in height and is found on flood plain or swamps, particularly by oxbow lakes. Originally wild camu-camu trees were most plentiful 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 variety of species due to proliferation. 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 used and valued by amazonian indians for hundreds of years. Aside from an easily transportable healthy food source, the berries, which are abundant in phytochemicals, were used to deal with infections, as a pain reliever, and to promote long life. Generally, a poultice was made from the camu tree bark and placed on wounds to prevent infection. Tree bark was likewise used in a preparation to deal with rheumatism.
The value of camu-camu as a source of natural vitamin c for south american urban populations and for export wasn’t acknowledged until the early 1990’s, at which time the fruit ended up being a viable industrial agroforestry crop. Among the very first nurseries was opened near km 100 of the manaus-itacoatiara highway in brazil. Later a 500 hectare plantation was established near sao paulo, which utilized drip irrigation. In 1996 the peruvian federal government launched an eco-friendly project when, as part of reforestation programs, it began planting seedlings. The intent was that a successful export market would help raise earnings of local people and decrease hardship. Collecting camu-camu, which occurs between november and march, in the wild is a slow and difficult process since the surface is flooded and typically a good percent of the fruit trees are undersea. Farmers use canoes to access 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 concept has actually been slow to come to fruition, partially due to the fact that many rural farmers might not get loans to expand into the profitable camu-camu crop market. Another factor is that the places where camu-camu is harvested are remote, and far from the essential centers needed to process the fruit.
Because it began, the growing of camu-camu has raised a variety of environmental issues, the most important of which is the logging 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 pests. As a non-timber forest crop camu-camu is seen as a positive option and up until now, at least, the harvesting of wild camu-camu not appear to have had a damaging 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 rainforest, 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 contain a substantial amount of vitamin c. Its high vitamin c material has produced a demand for camu-camu fruit in the natural items market. Some groups are now beginning to study growing approaches for this essential brand-new jungle 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 twice the amount to be gotten from reducing the forest and replacing it with livestock,” and he believes that camu-camu growing holds real economic promise for regional economies. Generally, camu-camu fruit is wild-harvested in the rain forest in canoes because 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 just recently entered into massive cultivation and sale to the world market, with japan being the significant purchaser. The tree is fairly simple to cultivate within particular growing conditions. It survives best in hot, wet, tropical climates, but will grow in the subtropics, enduring 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 occurs in locally dense populations and even monospecific stands in amazonian flood plains and riparian greenery. The plant is incredibly tolerant of flooding, holding up against 4 to 5 months with the roots and even much of the aerial parts submerged in water. the species propagates through seeds. In cultivation, the tree begins bearing fruits after achieving 2 cm (0.79 in) in stem girth (3 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 productive for several years.
Wild trees have been discovered to yield 12 kg (26 lb) 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 lots) fruit may be obtained in growing from one hectare. [5]
Nutritional information
Camu camu is a nutritionally dense fruit, which is why it is so popular. It consists of large quantities of vitamin c, many minerals, anti-oxidants, and polyphenols.
Vitamin c
Camu camu is abundant in vitamin c. In fact, it is one of 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 exceptional source of a variety of minerals. The minerals discovered in camu include:.
Anti-oxidants
Anti-oxidants are substances that help combat free radicals in the body. Free radicals are compounds understood to cause cellular damage and increase the danger of illness like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
While the body has a natural defense mechanism to combat complimentary radicals, anti-oxidants discovered in food can help reduce their numbers even further.
Effective anti-oxidants found 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 hard to figure out the specific amount of these substances found in camu since the levels alter based on aspects including where it was grown and soil structure. Regardless, camu seems an excellent source of antioxidants.
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are a group of chemicals found in plants that are understood to have many health advantages. Studiestrusted source have shown that polyphenols have antioxidant abilities and can assist decrease inflammation, thus decreasing the danger of different inflammatory diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Camu camu likewise contains various polyphenols, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, stilbenes, and lignans.
The quantity found in camu depends upon how fully grown the fruit is when plucked from the plant and which extraction methods are used. However, professionals 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, along with a dietary supplement.
- Pills are likewise offered in organic food stores. [7]
How it works?
Camu camu consists of crucial phenolic substances, primarily carotenoids, flavonoids and anthocyanins, which significantly contribute to its antioxidant, immune stimulant impacts. Its exceptional amount of vitamin c (ascorbic acid) improves the body immune system by increasing the absorption of iron and scavenging free radicals. Together, all these phytonutrients seem to be responsible for many camu residential or commercial properties. [8]
Health advantages of camu camu
Let’s take a better look at the health advantages of this fruit.
Vitamin c content
There’s no way to discuss camu without first mentioning the huge amount of vitamin c discovered in this amazing little drupe. It has one of the highest concentrations of vitamin c of any food source, and given that vitamin c is not just vital for human health however likewise difficult 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 effectiveness is not nearly as advantageous as naturally happening vitamin c. Ascorbic acid promotes leukocyte production, which considerably increases the body immune system, and is likewise a key part in collagen production, which assists to repair 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 farming 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 results of camu in a weight loss diet plan, the fruit has really displayed numerous helpful properties. It has the ability to assist you keep healthy gut germs, which plays a key function in metabolism. Moreover, adding camocamo to your diet will not only help you in shedding additional kilos however also assist in reducing your threat of chronic illness that are connected to weight problems.
Improves cognitive ability
The numerous antioxidant impacts of camu camu, a few of which are stemmed from the substantial quantity of vitamin c, also assist to get rid of plaque build-up in the cognitive paths, often triggered by free radicals and oxidative tension. It has been linked to preventing particular cognitive disorders. It can also increase cognitive ability in more youthful individuals, increasing focus, memory, and concentration abilities.
Anti-inflammatory home
Vitamin c is a natural anti-inflammatory compound, however the other nutrients and amino acids discovered in camu camu, such as anthocyanins, catechins, and flavonols, are likewise potent anti-inflammatory representatives. For individuals who suffer from arthritis and gout, to piles and headaches, it can use pain relief and soothe swelling.
Decreases state of mind swings
Research has actually shown that camu can have a peaceful effect on the body, acting practically like a sedative, which can definitely help to balance state of mind swings and relieve mental stress and anxiety. Although the precise path isn’t totally clear, the high levels of magnesium and other vitamins that minimize swelling and calm the body are most likely the cause behind this essential health advantage, especially for people suffering from anxiety or menopausal state of mind swings.
Antiviral and anti-bacterial residential or commercial properties
The natural antiseptic 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 an effective dietary supplement for everyone, as our immune systems are continuously attacked by these foreign agents.
Avoids infertility
Camu camu has actually been revealed to prevent infertility by particularly protecting the health of sexual organs and ensuring the correct performance of those systems.
Tones muscle
The diverse mix of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and organic substances discovered within camu make it among the total health foods out there, however this combination likewise facilitates the growth and protection of muscles. If you are wanting to boost your metabolism and increase your muscle tone, eating it can be an ideal exercise enhance.
Enhances vision
Carotenoids are mostly applauded for their ability to safeguard 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 start of macular degeneration and the advancement of cataracts, allowing you to see clearly well into your aging.
Help in food digestion
The dietary fiber material of camu isn’t as impressive as its vitamin c content, but it is still significant and can help to enhance your general health by enhancing your digestion procedures and even protecting your heart from the threats of out of balance cholesterol levels. Fiber also regulates the activity of insulin receptors in the body, consequently assisting to manage conditions like diabetes. [9]
Further more
Camu camu powder is terrific for colds and total health
Naturally, a lot of concur that vitamin c is fantastic for immunity, and since camu has a lots of vitamin c, plus naturally happening 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, studies have not shown this one way or the other. [10]
Advantages of camu for skin
Here is how camu berry benefits your skin in different methods.
Brightens your skin
Packed with vitamin c, it’s no surprise that the camu berries work as an extraordinary lightening up representative. This little gem not just helps fight coloring, but it likewise helps exfoliate dead skin cells, hence giving your skin a healthy glow!
Lowers pigmentation
Not just does camu consist of vitamin c, but it likewise contains a component called niacin. A combination of these 2 aspects has a remarkable impact on cells that produce melanin in your skin. Together they help in reducing any sunspots or staining on your skin.
Decreases noticeable signs of aging
Camu camu helps greatly in reducing visible signs of ageing 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 fantastic skin care component also assists enhance the flexibility of your skin, making it appear vibrant.
Protects your skin from sun damage
The ultra violet rays of the sun can have an extremely harmful impact on your skin. Continuous exposure to uv rays can cause photoaging, i.e., premature aging of the skin. Nevertheless, with some excellent spf properties, vitamin c and flavonoids, camu greatly safeguards your skin from sun damage. [11]
How to use camu powder for skin?
- Mix one spoon loaded with camu powder with plain yogurt for best results in a bowl.
- Mix it well with a spoon to form a thin paste.
- Use everything 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 rejuvenating face pack. Apart from the diy face packs, ready-made camu face packs are likewise readily available in the market. [12]
Is camu good for your hair?
You can attempt consuming camu orally for hair care however you’re probably 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 reveal that collagen can reduce age-related loss of hair and thinning.
Some think that camu can enhance your hair’s shine and color. Considering that it’s safe to utilize topically, there’s no factor to avoid giving camu a shot for hair care. [13]
10 methods to utilize camu-camu powder
Sneak it into smoothies
The perhaps most typical way to utilize camu powder is to sneak it into healthy smoothies. If you need dishes, take a look at healwithfood.org’s quinoa, banana and guava smoothie which gets an extra nutrient kick from camu powder, or this raspberry and camu shake. For even more dishes, you may wish to get julie morris’ superfood shakes, a cookbook featuring tons of smoothie recipes showcasing exotic superfoods, including a number of camu dishes.
Utilize it in baked items
Did you know that you can likewise utilize camu powder in baking? In addition to boosting the nutrient profile of baked items, this andean superfood may likewise help enhance the texture of your breads and breakfast buns. Including a percentage of vitamin c powder to bread mixes has been shown to increase the effectiveness of the yeast, assisting to raise loaves, and who can consider a much better natural source of vitamin c than organic, freeze-dried camu powder?
Include it to homemade pasta dough
If you have one of the new totally automated electric pasta makers, or even simply an old-fashioned pasta device with a crank handle, remember: camu powder can also be utilized to improve the dietary profile of homemade pasta dough! And even if you do not make your pasta from scratch, you can still incorporate this superfood powder into your pasta meals by including it into the sauce (see suggestion # 4 listed below).
Eat it in sauces
One of the simplest ways to utilize camu powder is to include it to sauces. Camu camu powder liquifies much better in sauces than in thin liquids (such as juices or water), and the spices, herbs and other strong-flavored active ingredients frequently utilized in sauces assist ensure that the acidic taste of camu does not overpower the meal. The very best way to use camu powder in sauces is to stir it into the mixture towards completion of the cooking procedure; by doing this, you won’t ruin too much of the vitamin c in camu camu.
Tenderize a steak with a camu marinade
You can likewise attempt including a small amount of camu powder (or juice, if you can get it) into your favorite meat marinade recipe. An acidic component 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 excellent method to slip some camu into your diet is to add a dash of dried and ground camu to salad dressings. If you do not already have an excellent fundamental recipe for an oil and vinegar-based salad dressing, attempt this: put 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons vinegar into an empty mason jar. 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 thirty minutes prior to using the dressing.
Usage camu in breakfast meals
Not only is camu fantastic in frozen yogurt, it also makes a fantastic addition to routine yogurt eaten at breakfast. Yogurt aside, you can likewise include camu powder to lots of other popular breakfast meals, such as oatmeal and granola. The best method to start a day off right!
Make healthy vegan “ice cream”
In peru, camu fruit is in some cases utilized as an active ingredient in flavored ice cream. However, typical ice cream made with refined sugar and whipping cream isn’t exactly 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 including a super-healthy recipe for vegan ice cream that you can spice up with a little bit of camu powder, or pretty much any other superfruit powder. And the very best thing is, this dish is unbelievably simple: all you have to do is put a sliced up banana in the freezer for a minimum of 3 hours, then whiz it up in a blender together with a pinch of camu powder up until it gets creamy. For extra flavor and color, you can likewise add some frozen strawberries or raspberries to the blender before striking the mix 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 example, registered dietitian manual villacorta reveals that you can likewise use camu powder to give popsicles and frozen yogurt an increase.
Make energy bars that include camu camu
Homemade energy bars are the ideal on-the-go treat. Usually used components like honey, raisins, nuts, seeds and grains, homemade power bars are normally abundant in vitamin e, protein and minerals. And, if you include a teaspoon of camu powder into your favorite energy bar dish, your power bars will likewise be packed with vitamin c. [14]
Risks and adverse effects
Is camu safe? While it’s a natural berry and does not generally trigger extreme adverse effects, it has actually not been studied extensively, so it’s possible that it may cause adverse effects in some people.
Because it includes an extremely high quantity of vitamin c, when taken in big doses it can possibly cause negative effects such as: digestive issues like indigestion, queasiness, diarrhea and vomiting, in addition to particular kidney concerns. It may especially negatively impact the gastrointestinal system in people who are susceptible to ulcers.
It’s possible that in pill or supplement form it might also hinder some chemotherapy medications. Constantly consult your medical professional before taking it if you are getting treatment for any medical concerns 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 each day of powder) might have hazardous effects during pregnancy. [15]
Dosing
The proper dosage of camu depends on a number of factors such as the user’s age, health, and numerous other conditions. At this time there is inadequate scientific information to identify a proper series of doses for camu camu. Bear in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be crucial. Make sure to follow appropriate directions on item labels and consult your pharmacist or doctor or other healthcare expert prior to using. [16]
Interactions
Camu camu may perhaps engage with couple of chemotherapy drugs that rely on free radicals. The vitamin c in camu may battle the complimentary radicals and interrupt treatment. However, detailed clinical research study is not conducted to clearly develop this interaction. [17]
Tips and safety measures
The advantages of camu have actually not been studied much, therefore, its adverse effects are not well taped, it is a natural berry, so it is generally safe. Nevertheless, taking in excessive vitamin c can cause diarrhea, stomach upset, queasiness, and throwing up. If you are prone to swallow ulcers, then avoid consuming camu in any form.
Wherever high vitamin c disrupts medication, camu will, too. Therefore, if you are taking chemotherapy drugs, consult your medical professional, who may recommend that you stop utilizing during the course of chemotherapy. [18]
Conclusion
Camu camu is a typical amazon native fruit shrub that has a diploid genome, moderate hereditary variety, and population structure. The fruits accumulate numerous important nutrients and synthesize l-ascorbic acid (vitamin c) in great quantities and a selection of diverse secondary metabolites with proven in vitro and in vivo health-promoting activities. These helpful impacts consist of antioxidative and antiinflammatory activities, antiobesity, hypolipidemic, antihypertensive and antidiabetic impacts, dna damage and cancer security results, and other bioactivities. Many health-promoting phytochemicals are biosynthesized in several metabolic paths of camu camu. Their reconstruction from the fruit transcriptome database was accomplished by our research study group. These consist of basic metabolic paths such as glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway, vitamin c biosynthesis pathways, and paths associated with secondary metabolites production. Due to their agronomic potential and fruits growing demand, just recently, based upon an ideotype, programs were initiated for their domestication and genetic enhancement, but up until now with very minimal achievements. Subsequently, we propose new techniques to accelerate the procedures of domestication and hereditary improvement based on state of the art innovations for multiomic data analysis and innovative molecular tools. [19]
References
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