Thursday, November 21
    Facts

    Camu Camu facts

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    camu-camu-factsCamu-camu is a small plant which grows in South America. The human studies show that this fruits possess anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. More research is still needed because due to the high amount of vitamin C it could interact with certain chemo drugs.

    Name Camu camu
    Scientific Name Myrciaria dubia
    Native South American Rainforest in Peru and Brazil, also available in Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil.
    Common/English Name Camu-Camu, Rumberry, Guavaberry, Cacari,  Zamu Camu Berry
    Name in Other Languages Brazil : Camu-Camu, Arazá De Agua;
    Columbia : Guayabo;
    Peru : Camu-Camu, Camo-Camo;
    Spanish : Camo Camo, Guapuro Blanco;
    Venezeula : Guayabato, Guaiabito
    Plant Growth Habit Bushy, low-growing shrub
    Growing Climate Hot, damp tropical
    Soil Well-drained
    Plant Size 1-3 m
    Bark Thin, pale to bronzy-brown
    Stem Smooth
    Leaf Evergreen, ovate or elliptic, length: 5 cm-12 cm, width: 2cm-4.5 cm
    Edible parts of the plants Juice is made by adding water, honey or sugar. It is also preserved in the form of jams, jellies, ice creams, drinks, liqueurs, pickles and wines. The juice is also sold as a carbonated drink and exported to use in Vitamin C tablets to the USA and other international markets.
    Flowering Season Dry
    Flower White, fragrant
    Fruit shape & size Cherry, Diameter: 1.0–3.2 cm, Size:2-4 cm
    Fruit color Reddish-brown or purple-black
    Flesh color White
    Fruit peel Thin and shiny
    Flavor/aroma Tart
    Fruit Taste Sour
    Seed 2–3, large
    Fruit Season Rainy
    Major Nutritions Carbohydrate 4.7 g (3.62%)
    Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.04 mg (3.08%)
    Magnesium, Mg 12.38 mg (2.95%)
    Calcium, Ca 27 mg (2.70%)
    Phosphorus, P 17 mg (2.43%)
    Vitamin A 14.2 µg (2.03%)
    Total dietary Fiber 0.6 g (1.58%)
    Protein 0.5 g (1.00%)
    Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) 0.01 mg (0.83%)
    Sodium, Na 11.13 mg (0.74%)
    Health Benefits
    • Vitamin C Content
    • Anti-Inflammatory Activity
    • Cancer Prevention
    • Antiviral and Antibacterial Properties
    • Fertility
    • Eye Health
    • Help prevent diabetes
    • Improve Immune System
    • Improves Physical Performance
    • Supports Bone Health and Helps Prevent Osteoporosis
    Calories in 1cup (100 gm) 17 Kcal
    Traditional uses
    • The juice of Camu Camu was used to enhance the immune system, keep viral infections at bay and eliminate anxiety and stress.
    • It supports healthy gums, skin, nails, eyes, heart and nervous system.
    • The berry is used in medicinal folk remedies as an antiviral to treat infections.
    Precautions
    • Camu Camu is rich in Vitamin C so excessive consumption of this fruit cause diarrhea and digestion problem.
    • Camu Camu assist in serotonin production so surplus of serotonin causes side effects such as vomiting, lack of sleep, nausea and loss of appetite.
    • Too much of Vitamin C results in iron poisoning.
    • Camu Camu in excessive quantity led to high heart and metabolic activity.
    • It reacts with chemotherapy drugs.
    How to Eat
    • Due to the reddish color pigmentation, it is used to provide an attractive color to juices.
    • Camu Camu is also added to the candies, ice-creams and sweets.
    • The use of bark and stem in tea provides aid for diabetes.
    • The Camu Camu pulp is used in jam, yogurt, nectar, juice, etc.
    • The fruit is consumed as food.
    Other Facts
    • Vitamin C is not produced by human body so it should be obtained from dietary sources. Camu Camu is source of Vitamin C in highest concentration. One ounce of Camu Camu provides 50 times more vitamin C in comparison to orange.
    • It also possesses minerals, vitamins and amino acids, and is a very strong antioxidant.

    Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia)Scientific Classification

    Scientific name Myrciaria dubia
    Kingdom Plantae
    Order Myrtales
    Family Myrtaceae
    Genus Myrciaria
    Species Myrciaria dubia
    Division Magnoliophyta
    Class Magnoliopsida

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