Camu-Camu, more vitamin C than oranges

The camu-camu shrub, native to the Peruvian Amazon, produces a fruit of the same name that is very rich in phytochemicals and with great health benefits.

This fruit, the size of a large grape, with purple skin and yellow flesh, stands out above all for its extraordinary vitamin C content: provides nothing more and nothing less than 2,145 mg per 100 g. This is the largest amount ever found in a food on Earth.

Although the amount of this vitamin in milligrams in camu-camu is lower than that of synthetic vitamin C tablets, scientific evidence suggests that it is more effective than ascorbic acid or synthetic vitamin C. With as little as a third of a teaspoon a day, patients under supervision have reported improvements in their health.

A champion fruit in vitamin C and other antioxidants

Camu-camu contains a large amount of bioflavonoids and of essential amino acids such as serine, valine and leucine. It is, as we said, a rich source of vitamin C, up to 60 times greater than oranges, and for every 100 g it contains 355 mcg of carotenoid pigments, including lutein and zeaxanthin, the most present in the fruit.

It also provides very good doses of manganese (2.1 mg per 100 g), and is a source of other minerals such as copper, iron and calcium.

This nutritional and antioxidant richness makes camu-camu a food with numerous health properties.

1. Strengthens defenses

By containing very high amounts of vitamin C, it improves the defenses and brings energy and good humor. Vitamin C helps purify and heal the body, fighting the effects of free radicals and pathogens that enter the body.

2. Protects the liver

Its antioxidant and phytochemical content helps prevent and cure liver diseases (It is especially useful in cirrhosis). This is so thanks to a component called 1-methylmalate.

3. Improves mood

Large amounts of vitamin C can stimulate the serotonin secretionthe well-known hormone of happiness.

For this reason, camu-camu began to be supplied as antidepressant in medicines and holistic therapies.

4. Take care of the mucous membranes and gums

Its antioxidant and antiviral capacity helps to prevent infections and inflammation of the mucous membranes and gums.

5. Anti-aging effect

Its antioxidant power is studied to combat premature aging and cell degeneration. Due to its richness in vitamin C, it combats inflammation, one of the most influential factors in cell aging, oxidative stress and chronic pain.

6. Improves eye health

Camu-camu can have a positive effect on the prevention of macular degeneration. This is due not only to its vitamin C content, but also to the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin.

How to take camu-camu

Camu-camu is sold as lyophilized powder of a color between pale pink and beige, although also in capsules and juice.

With an acid taste, it is used for to enrich juices, smoothies, puddings and yogurts.

Also used in face masksto which it provides a silky texture.