Camu Camu – So Good For You, You Have to Say it Twice!
This little bush berry, found in the Amazon rainforest, is also known as Myrciaria dubia, and if you’re looking for something to kick-start your holiday health push it might be just the ticket. Besides being a terrific antioxidant, camu camu has a range of health benefits and is easy to add to your diet. So why is camu camu so great? Keep reading…
Holy Vitamin C!
This one little tidbit might just blow your mind – just a single teaspoon of camu camu powder has 10x your daily intake of Vitamin C. So take that, oranges!
Essential Amino Acids
Most plant-based eaters know that their main challenge is ensuring that they get all the amino acids the body can’t produce – which is one thing camu camu does in spades. This powerful little berry is an excellent source of several amino acids, including Valine, Leucine, and Serine. While these amino acids all have different functions (such as aiding digestion, supporting cognitive function, maintain muscles and tissues, and helping to produce growth hormones) one thing is sure – they all help your body function optimally for good health.
Emotional Health
Don’t discount that your body, besides needing certain nutrients to maintain physical health, also needs to support how you feel. Camu camu, with its high concentration of Vitamin C and B-complex vitamins, can help your brain maintain healthy brain chemistry, for better mood management and to prevent chemical imbalances that can lead to depression and other ailments.
Major Antioxidant
Camu camu is a powerful antioxidant, responsible for neutralizing free radicals that can damage the body, as well as offering support for diabetes and other illnesses. Additionally, these same factors can support your immune system, reduce the risk of certain types of cancer and reduce inflammation. Note that there is some evidence that camu camu is not the best for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy as it can interfere with the effectiveness of medications. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about possible side effects of combining camu camu with your current medications.
How to Enjoy Camu Camu
Unless you live near the rainforest, finding fresh camu camu will be a challenge; however, it is readily available in many health food stores (and online) in powder form. The powder can be easily added to smoothies or dissolved in a glass of juice or water. Since camu powder is a bit tart, it goes nicely with something sweet. Try camu camu on top of some coconut ice cream for a delicious, healthy treat!
