Health Benefits

Camu Camu facts

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Camu-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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