10 Good reasons to add camu camu to your diet
07/23/2021 / By Joanne Washburn / Comments
10 Good reasons to add camu camu to your diet

Move over, acai. There’s a new Brazilian superfruit in town: the camu camu fruit.

The camu camu fruit comes from the Myrciaria dubia plant, which is native to the Amazon rainforests of Peru, Brazil and Colombia. That sounds remote, but the camu camu fruit has long been used to maintain optimal health and has become increasingly popular in the United States recently because of its health benefits.

The camu camu fruit is a small, cherry-like drupe. Fresh camu camu fruits are so tart that they are rarely eaten fresh, just as people rarely pick lemons off the tree and eat them whole. This is why they’re commonly found in supplement form as powders and pills or as a juice.

Most of the benefits of the camu camu fruit can be attributed to its impressive vitamin C content. Interestingly, its vitamin C content begins to diminish as it reaches maturity, which is why harvesters have to forge a delicate balance between flavor and nutritional benefit. For this reason, some people prefer unripe camu camu fruit.

Here are some of the health benefits of the camu camu fruit:

  1. Supports healthy liver function – According to a study by Japanese researchers, a compound known as 1-methylmalate in camu camu may help treat liver injury. Additionally, vitamin C protects the liver from oxidative stress, which can damage liver cells and cause functional abnormalities in the liver.
  2. Boosts metabolism – When combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, camu camu can support reasonable weight management goals by boosting metabolism. It also helps maintain healthy gut bacteria, which play a key role in metabolism.
  3. Supports healthy cognitive function – Vitamin C also helps protect your brain from oxidative stress and free radical damage. In one study, Dutch researchers found that a high dietary intake of vitamin C may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, an irreversible brain condition marked by memory loss.
  4. Helps reduce inflammation – Besides vitamin C, the camu camu fruit also contains other substances with anti-inflammatory properties, such as anthocyanins, catechins and flavonols. As such, the camu camu fruit may be particularly beneficial for people with inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
  5. Soothes anxiety – The camu camu fruit has been shown to have a relaxing effect on the body. The fruit acts almost like a sedative, which is why it can reduce mood swings and soothe anxiety. This effect is attributed to the high levels of magnesium and other anti-inflammatory compounds in the fruit.
  6. Protects against infections – Some of the potent compounds in camu camu fruit have antiseptic qualities, meaning they can help fend off viral and bacterial infections.
  7. Supports healthy reproductive system – The camu camu fruit has been shown to prevent infertility by keeping sexual organs healthy and ensuring the proper functioning of the reproductive system.
  8. Maintains good vision – The camu camu fruit contains carotenoids, which are hailed for their protective effects against eye disorders. Carotenoids protect your eyes from oxidative stress and can even prevent the onset of macular degeneration, which is common among older adults.
  9. Aids in digestion – The insoluble fiber in the camu camu fruit adds bulk to your stool so that it’s easier to pass. It also promotes normal bowel movement. The fruit also contains soluble fiber, which makes you feel full for longer. Soluble fiber can also help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
  10. Supports healthy muscle growth – The camu camu fruit contains several amino acids that your body can use to make its own proteins. Proteins are a major component of your muscles. If you want toned muscles, consider adding camu camu fruits to your workout eating plan.

Recipe for immune-boosting camu camu smoothie

Because of their sour flavor, camu camu fruit is often not eaten whole but crushed into a powder or pulp. This makes it convenient to add them to yogurt, porridge, baked goods, shakes, juices and smoothies.

Here’s an easy recipe for an immune-boosting camu camu smoothie:

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup yogurt
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup frozen banana
  • 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
  • 1/2 cup cooked and frozen beets
  • 2 teaspoons camu camu powder
  • 1 teaspoon chia seeds
  • Ice cubes

Preparation:

  1. Put all the ingredients in a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth. Serve.

The camu camu fruit is loaded with important nutrients and antioxidants that support optimal health and well-being. Reap the benefits of this superfruit when you add it to your favorite foods and beverages.

Sources:

OrganicFacts.net

JAMANetwork.com

LiebertPub.com

CookEatLiveLove.com

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