Camu camu is an exotic fruit that comes from the Myrciaria dubia tree. It is cultivated in Central and South America, in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela, although it can also be purchased in Spain in capsule form as it has a good supply of nutrients and is a food rich in vitamin C. This makes it ideal for complementing the diet and strengthening the body with its benefits.
Contents
Camu camu properties
It is very good for strengthening the immune system and boosting defenses. It can work very well to prevent colds and avoid the flu of the cold months from causing damage to the body.
It is one of the foods with the most vitamin C and grows and blooms in the Amazon jungle, and the name is the same for both the plant and the fruit. Therefore, both can be referred to by the same name “camu.”
The benefits for the body are closely related to the vitamin C content, although it can also help against some diseases caused by viruses, such as shingles and cold sores, thanks to its rich supply of other vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. So let’s see all the properties of camu camu:
- Boosts the body’s defenses.
- Anti-aging.
- Anti-cancer.
- Antioxidant.
- Mineralizes muscles and tendons.
- Improves digestion.
- Activates the metabolism of neurons.
- Mild anti-inflammatory effect.
- Enhances natural collagen synthesis.
Vitamin C content
Enjoying a food or supplement rich in vitamin C is great because it helps improve many areas of the body. The best-known benefit is boosting the immune system, increasing the response to the common cold, and providing a better barrier against viruses and bacteria. But in addition, camu camu with vitamin C participates in metabolic functions as follows:
- Prevents macular edema formation.
- Preserves vision for more years.
- Strengthens gums and mucous membranes.
Many people don’t know that camu contains much more vitamin content than oranges. To match the amount of vitamin C in an orange, it needs to be multiplied by 60. So, simply with this calculation, the potency of the Myrciaria dubia fruit becomes evident. It has a high content of ascorbic acid and helps you stay stronger.
Contraindications and side effects
Side effects and adverse reactions may stem from excessive vitamin C consumption. The vitamin C content is quite high and may cause irritation in the digestive tract in sensitive individuals, although generally, no discomfort should appear or there should be no contraindications for camu camu. However, it is always essential to follow the recommended daily dosage on the label, as the weight of the capsules or tablets may vary.
People undergoing cancer treatment should consult their specialist before consuming it.
The side effects that may appear with excessive consumption, between 2 and 3 grams of vitamin C daily, include throat, larynx, digestive tract irritation, and stomach discomfort due to acidity.
To avoid this, here are the recommended daily amounts.
Camu camu dosage
The best way to know how much you should take is to follow the table with the daily vitamin C dosage:
- Men 90 mg/day (1 or 2 capsules per day).
- Women 70 milligrams daily.
- Teenagers between 65 and 75 mg/day.
- Pregnant women 100 – 135 mg/day (2 or 3 capsules in total, divided among meals)
Keep in mind that the data is approximate and may vary in specific cases.
Composition
And what better way to understand all the medicinal properties than by knowing the composition and nutritional values, which will help you understand how it can truly benefit you, allowing you to form your own opinions. So let’s go through the composition:
- Vitamin C
- Valine
- Potassium
- Leucine
- Serine
- Flavonoids
- Gallic acid
- Ellagic acid
- Calcium
- Copper
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Sodium
- Zinc
Some of these substances are amino acids necessary to block muscle degradation and the fibers that form them. Additionally, potassium is essential for the general proper functioning of the human body, playing an important role in the kidneys and the electrical impulses that reach the heart.
Gallic and ellagic acid act as antioxidants, enhancing the effects of flavonoids.
Is it good to eat it as fruit?
Eating fruit is always very good and recommended, so in this regard, camu camu fruit has many benefits. In addition to the natural sugars, fructose, and minerals such as potassium, if you’re wondering “what is it good for,” we can tell you that it is an endless source of energy against aging. It promotes better collagen production and protects the skin, giving it a more beautiful tone and clearer appearance. It is one of the citrus foods that provide essential acids for the body.
Moreover, it plays a role in protecting the heart and improving the digestive process thanks to its serine content, a non-essential amino acid involved in the biosynthesis of purines and pyrimidines, as well as the formation of other amino acids such as glycine and cysteine in individuals.
Now, there should be no significant difference when taking camu camu capsules or fruit. If you use a quality product, properly processed, ensuring good raw material and following the correct controls, it can be made into a very balanced and beneficial supplement for health. Moreover, it can provide even more potency as the powder or extract is much more concentrated. But one does not exclude the other, and while you can enjoy the taste of the Myrciaria dubia fruit, you can also benefit from the tablets. So let’s see how you should add them to your diet.
How to take camu camu capsules
If you buy camu camu in capsules, the usage is very simple. You should just take 1 capsule per day with a large glass of water, or if you prefer, with juice. This makes it easy to swallow and helps the stomach dissolve the thin gelatin coating that covers the camu extract.
If you prefer to eat the fruit, serve as desired. As much as you like, just as you would with any other fresh fruit. You only need to follow the guidelines when taking a dietary supplement.
If you buy the product in other formats, follow the instructions, although the most common one is the one we’ve indicated.
