Camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) is a rainforest fruit native to the Amazonian rainforest of Peru. The fruit is the size of a large grape with purplish-red skin with yellow pulp. It grows wild and is harvested directly into a freezer boat, which travels down the river ways of the Amazon where the fruit is picked at the height of its ripeness and flash-frozen. It is then taken to a processing plant where it is thawed, peeled, liquefied and spray dried. The resulting powder is a pale pink to yellow beige with very potent effects.
In addition to having the highest Vitamin C content of any known plant in the world, Camu camu supplies bioflavonoids, a variety of amino acids such as serine, valine, and leucine, and a combination of unique phytochemicals that work synergistically to provide outstanding results. Camu camu has only been studied by scientists for a few decades and they are still discovering and understanding its chemical constituents and learning how they benefit human health both individually and synergistically.
Scientific Research on Camu Camu
Camu camu is used for anti-aging, to protect the nervous system, improve mental performance, ease inflammation, boost the immune system, and improve vision. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have been found to be beneficial in preventing atherosclerosis, much more effectively than vitamin C tablets containing equivalent amounts of vitamin C. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18922386)
Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of camu camu make it a helpful joint supplement as it helps repair ligaments and tendons, as well as joints and cartilage by supporting collagen production Proper nutrition improves muscle tone, shape, and function. It is good for the gums, eyes, skin, hair, and nails. It supports a healthy liver and was found to suppress certain kinds of liver damage (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20208347). It benefits the brain by supporting serotonin levels to improve sleep, memory, and mood, as well as general support for overall brain chemistry,
Camu camu has been used to improve energy and vitality and in recent years, alternative practitioners have been using camu camu supplements to support a healthy mood balance. In discussing the holistic treatment of mood-support nationally known nutritionist and researcher Gary Null, Ph.D. lists 19 plants containing chemical compounds with mood-balancing properties, in order of potency. Camu-Camu is the second on his list. Anecdotally and in clinical experience, Null’s assessment of Camu-Camu has proven to be correct.
Choosing a Camu Camu Product
There are so many Camu camu products on the market offered by so many different companies. How can you choose the best one for you?One of the most important factors in choosing a Camu camu product is:
Knowing the company. Was the company recommended to you by a friend? What kind of reputation does the company have? What are their values?
Trying a sample of the product: Does the company offer trial sizes of Camu camu? If so, purchase a small amount and evaluate the Camu camu’s effect on you. How does it make your body feel? Do you feel energized by it? Does it help your mood? Is it helping you to achieve a healthy viral load in your body?
Does the Company guarantee you a certain level of Vitamin C derived from the Camu camu fruit itself?
Most companies selling Camu camu make vague general statements about the high level of Vitamin C in Camu camu fruit. But: they don’t tell you specifically how much Vitamin C is in their Camu camu and they don’t tell you specifically that the Vitamin C content is derived from the Camu camu fruit itself. Ascorbic acid (synthetic Vitamin C is purely ascorbic acid) is one of the cheapest ingredients to manufacture. If this has been added to the Camu camu you are purchasing, you are paying dearly for a very cheap ingredients.
Whole World Botanicals Camu Camu Product: Royal Camu™
Royal Camu™ comes from Camu camu, the name of a fruit that comes from a bush of the same name which grows close to the river banks in the Amazonian rain forest of South America. The Camu camu fruit is approximately 20 milimeters in diameter and has a pruplish red skin with a yellow pulp. When dried, the pulp becomes light beige in color. Traditionally made into a juice by people of the rainforest to help maintain their health, Camu camu has more Vitamin C than any other known botanical. The highest quality Camu camu contains 30 to 60 times more Vitamin C than an orange, plus bioflavanoids, and a combination of phytonutrients unique to the Camu camu fruit. Unfortunately, most of the commercially prepared Camu camu has a negligible amount of Vitamin C, which has led to a lack of appreciation of this most potent botanical. It also contains the amino acids, serine, valine, and leucine, as well as small amounts of thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. Camu camu is traditionally used to support the immune system, and to help maintain optimal health, especially under conditions of stress and anxiety, which tend to deplete the immune system. Camu camu helps to promote healthy gums, eyes, and skin and supports the functions of the brain (nervous system) and heart (circulatory system).
Uses: Traditionally, native medicine practioners and herbalists have recommended Camu camu to:
- Strengthen the immune system*
- Promotes healthy blood ecology*
- Promotes mood balance*
- Promotes healthy brain function*
- Supports healthy red and white blood cell formation *
- Detoxifying the body, especially the liver*
- Promotes health of upper respiratory organs, including lungs, sinuses, nasal passages*
- Promoting a healthy heart and circulatory system*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the F.D.A. This product is not intended to prevent, diagnose, or treat any disease.
References:
Null, Gary, Ph.D., The Clinician’s Handbook of Natural Healing,. Kensington Press, New York, N.Y., 1998
Image sources: Whole World Botanicals™