Camu Camu fruit (Myrciaria dubia) is a species native to the rover deltas of the Peruvian and Brazilian Amazon rainforest. What makes this fruit so special, is the extremely high levels of natural vitamin C it contains – in fact, it’s the highest documented source of natural vitamin C complex in the plant kingdom!
Not only does Camu Camu boast elevated levels of vitamin C, it’s also packed full of bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins, flavanols, ellagic acid, ellagitannins and carotenoids. It’s the synergy of the essential vitamins and minerals which makes the vitamin C complex in Camu Camu much easier for your body to absorb and utilise compared to a single ingredient vitamin c supplement typically found on a pharmacy shelf.
Why should you include Camu Camu in your diet?
1. High natural levels of vitamin C
Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) is a powerful vitamin with many documented health benefits. These benefits include: improving blood circulation; facilitating collagen production for healthy skin, teeth, and gums; contributing to normal immune system function; being necessary for normal eye function; contributing to the reduction of fatigue; and protection from free radicals helping to slow down the ageing process.
Here’s a chart comparing levels of vitamin C in fresh Camu Camu to other fresh fruits:
Camu Camu - 2280mg/100g
Blackcurrant - 200mg/100g
Kiwi Fruit - 90mg/100g
Strawberry - 60mg/100g
Orange - 50mg/100g
Lime - 30mg/100g
Apple - 6mg/100g
As you can see, it has more than 10x the vitamin C content of Blackcurrant and more than 40x the amount of vitamin C than found in an orange!
2. Anti-inflammatory
Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to damaging stimuli and can affect the entire body. Throughout the body, chronic inflammation can cause a raft of detrimental health issues, however, the high levels of natural vitamin C found in Camu Camu can help to reduce the inflammation with its anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Antioxidants
Due to the massive amount of vitamin C in Camu Camu, the berry has a high antioxidant score. Antioxidants work to protect against cellular damage caused by molecules known as free radicals. The damage to cellular processes caused by free radicals is widely known to be the common pathway for cancer, ageing and a variety of diseases.. Antioxidants such as vitamin c (also E and A) interact with free radicals and render them harmless before they can set of chain reactions which cause damage to vital molecules.
4. Immune System Boost
Coming into the cooler months, it’s important to protect your health in order to reduce the risk of catching a common cold or influenza. Vitamin C is thought to play a role in the regulation of the immune system and can help to reduce the likeliness of catching a cold. By supplementing your diet with Camu Camu, you’ll get the best dose of naturally occurring vitamin C for your body.
How to use Matakana SuperFoods Camu Camu powder?
Camu Camu has a delicious citrus flavour that goes well in smoothies, baking and raw desserts. Alternatively, you can add a small amount to hot water for a quick and easy, warming winter immune-boosting drink.
For more inspiration on how you can use our Camu Camu powder, take a look at our recipes.
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