Camu Camu is a plant which is native to South America and it is said to have health benefits. The plant produces a berry, which is a very rich source of vitamin C, is a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the immune system, and aids with skin tone and elasticity and preserves eye health. There is some evidence to support this:
Health Benefits:
Although conclusive evidence has not yet been received, there is sufficient preliminary data from current research that tends to support certain health benefits, among them:
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- Inflammation:
A study from 2008 indicates Camu Camu fights oxidative stress. Twenty men, all smokers took either Vitamin C tablets or drank Camu Camu juice for a week. At the end of the short study period, the men who drank the juice showed a significant drop in inflammation and oxidative stress. Those who took the Vitamin C tablets did not show any decrease.
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- Diabetes:
Camu Camu to have very high amounts of antioxidants and ellagic acid, which is a substance that has also shown effects on reducing diabetes in research environments.
Camu Camu is very sour in berry form so rarely is it consumed as food stuff. The normal methods of ingestion are powder, capsules and juice.
Nutritional Benefits:
The health benefits that are being recognized are due in part to the nutrients contained in the berry; they include; protein, amino acids, minerals and Vitamins.
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- Vitamin C:
Most people use Camu Camu for the high dosages of Vitamin C held within it. Commercial vitamin C capsules are not nearly as popular as Camu Camu among a group who are looking for getting their nutrients from the superfoods group. People who are using this fruit report that they felt more animated and any bad moods they happened to be suffering were uplifted. Most importantly is that the ascorbic acid in the fruit has been found to excellent for toughening the immune system, with far fewer colds, flu, etc, being reported.
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- Anti-Cancer:
Ascorbic acid is beneficial in preventing cancers of certain types, the types that occur when the individual has a poor immune system. Vitamin C found within the fruit acts as an antioxidant whereas the manufactured version of vitamin C does not have the same antioxidant effect.
- Antioxidant properties:
The ascorbic acid in Camu Camu fights off free radicals which target cellular DNA. Damage to DNS can lead to cancer.
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- Brain function:
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s can be retarded with the use of Camu Camu. Taking the berry may improve the brain, allowing it to function at its maximum, and it is a lifelong thing. Senile dementia and Parkinson’s disease may also be held at bay.
Although there is still active research going on, it does appear that Camu Camu is beneficial.
