Camu Camu's Potent Immune-Boosting Properties

Introduction

Immune health is essential. When we get ill, a strong immune system can also speed up our recovery and help us feel better more quickly. Our immune systems can be strengthened to maintain our health and have more energy to live and thrive. This is where super fruits like camu camu come in.²

Myrciaria Dubia, popularly known as Camu Camu(/`kamu `kamu/), grows in the Amazon rainforest in Peru and Brazil. Researchers have shown that Camu Camu has 60 times as much vitamin C as other citrus fruits and berries. 

Several studies in animals and humans have shown its efficacy in preventing and treating illnesses.¹ It helps our bodies defend themselves against dangerous bacteria, viruses, and organisms that can cause diseases.

What is camu camu?

Camu camu is a small but mighty, sour Amazonian fruit that grows on a bush indigenous to the rainforest in South America. It has high vitamin C content, which makes it a powerful antioxidant and is known as an immune health fruit. In addition to vitamin C, it contains zinc, iron and amino acids. Camu camu is usually consumed in supplement form as a powder and pill because it is sour when taken raw and bitter when dried and ground. It can also be added to juices, smoothies, and desserts for its health benefits.³

Immune boosting properties of camu camu

Camu camu is valued for its immune-building properties due to its high vitamin C content. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that builds immunity by increasing the production and function of white blood cells and other antibodies, which helps our body fight off infections. Also, camu camu contains other antioxidants and bioactive compounds that contribute to its immune-boosting effects. Eating camu camu frequently will help strengthen the immune system and protect against diseases.

Also, several studies have explored the impact of camu camu on the immune system:

Vitamin C content

Research has confirmed that camu camu contains extraordinarily high levels of vitamin C that helps the body's defence mechanism (the immune system). This vitamin is crucial in heightening immune function and protecting against infections.

Antioxidant activity

Camu camu is rich in antioxidants, including phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidant properties protect our immune cells from damage.

Immune response

Some studies have investigated the effects of camu camu extract on immune response in animals. These studies have shown that taking camu camu can boost certain aspects of immune function, such as increasing the activity of natural killer cells like the white blood cells and improving antibody response to infections.

Clinical trials

Even though more research is needed, preliminary clinical trials have indicated that camu camu supplements may have useful effects on human immune health. For instance, one study found that consuming camu camu extract improved oxidative stress and inflammation indicators in persons with chronic diseases, often associated with impaired immune function.

While further research may be needed, the existing evidence suggests that camu camu is great as a natural immune booster.³

What are other health benefits of camu camu?

Camu camu is packed with vitamin C, which is great for skin health, collagen production, and improving your general mood. It also contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and support heart health. Additionally, it may help improve eye health due to its high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin.⁴

Per 100 g of fresh fruit also contains:

• Protein 0.4 g
• Carbohydrates 5.9 g
• Starches 0.44 g
• Sugars 1.28 g
• Dietary Fiber 1.1 g
• Fat 0.2 g
• Calcium 15.7 mg
• Copper 0.2 mg
• Iron 0.53 mg
• Magnesium 12.4 mg
• Manganese 2.1 mg
• Potassium 83.9 mg
• Sodium 11.1 mg
• Zinc 0.2 mg
• Vitamin C ranges from 1882–2280 mg based on the stage of ripening⁴

How to incorporate camu camu into diet?

Wondering how to eat camu camu? Well, ask no more. Camu camu can be eaten raw, but its tart/sour flavour is best consumed in powder and pill forms. When dried, it contains more concentrated amounts of vitamin C per gram.

You can mix the powder into smoothies, yoghurt, or even water. Begin consumption gradually and adjust to your taste buds. It can also be added to baked dishes/goods. However, very high temperatures can kill some of camu camu's nutrients.

The nutritional point is that 682 mg of vitamin C, or 760%(this figure is inappropriate) of the recommended daily intake, can be obtained from just one teaspoon (5 grams) of camu camu. For vitamin C, 2,000 mg per day is the Tolerable Upper Limit (TUL); for most people, amounts below this are considered safe.

Potential risks and points to note when taking camu camu

What are the side effects of taking camu camu?

As with any good thing, moderation is key. While most people can safely eat camu camu, when taken in high quantities, there is a risk of experiencing some side effects like stomach upset, constipation, or diarrhoea because it contains a lot of iron. Acai and blueberries are more fruits in the same botanical family as camu camu. Thus, camu camu may cause allergic reactions in those who are allergic to them. 

Before adding any new supplements to your diet plan, always speak with your doctor or medical practitioner, especially if you are on any medication or have any worries or illnesses already.

What is more, there is not enough research to determine how safe camu camu is for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. This is why it is advised that pregnant and breastfeeding mothers avoid taking camu camu.

FAQs

What quantity of camu camu should one take per day?

Because camu camu berries can be very tart and unpleasant especially if you have a sweet tooth, people usually favor powdered forms more as supplements. Although there are several suggestions for the dosage of camu camu powder, one to three tablespoons of powder per day is the usual amount. Anything more could give you too much vitamin C and have negative effects on your body.

What is the shelf life of camu camu powder?

If used correctly, camu camu powder has an exceptionally long shelf life which is good news if you're a supplement lover! Most brands advise using it two to three years after it is manufactured. This remarkable longevity is important because it is not always in season or available fresh and is the result of multiple factors: elevated levels of vitamin C because vitamin C functions as an organic preservative.

What are the benefits of taking camu camu?

Camu camu, is available in powder, puree, pulp, and juice form and has several health benefits, which include helping to lower inflammation, prevent infections, and enhance immunity all while supporting heart and liver health, and combating viral tiredness. Plus it can help control hypertension and blood sugar levels.

What are the side effects of taking camu camu?

While it is a great source of vitamin C, too much consumption can cause stomach distress or iron overload in those who are vulnerable.

Is camu camu safe for kids?

Camu camu is not just one of the world's best natural sources of vitamin C, but as a bonus point, it can be bought as a beautiful pink powder rich in vitamins and minerals which kids find visually appealing. Also for kids, camu camu can be a fantastic ziggy supplement. Just add a bit of sweetener and they'll love it!

How to make camu camu taste good?

Because camu camu is sour, it is best combined with other sweet healthy sweeteners/treats like stevia or berries. Other delicious recipes that call for the powder can be made with it, such as acai bowls, yoghurt, jams, baked goods, fresh juices, and acai overnight oats.

What is the active ingredient in camu camu?

One of the main sources of a variety of bioactive chemicals is camu camu fruits. Numerous polyphenols, such as tannins, phenolic acids, lignans, flavonoids, and stilbenes, are among them. The chemicals are dependent on the plant's maturity level and the extraction technique employed.

Can you take camu camu while pregnant?

Because it is high in vitamin C, it's best to consume it in moderation. Using more than one to three tablespoons of powder per day could be dangerous during pregnancy. Also, there is not a lot of research to determine how safe it is for your baby during pregnancy and lactation.

Summary

^{The tiny, sour berry known as camu camu, which grows in the Amazon jungle, has become the new wonder fruit in town because it helps our immune system. Boasting a high level of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, camu camu has taken over the healthy living space as a natural immune system booster. This wonder fruit's high vitamin C concentration is one of its main ingredients. The creation of white blood cells, vital for keeping infections and diseases at bay, is stimulated by vitamin C, which is well known for its role in promoting immune function.}

^{Another important fact is that vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that helps defend the body against dangerous free radicals, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Apart from vitamin C, camu camu also contains a number of other vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and several B vitamins that are necessary for immune system support in our bodies.} 

^{Although further research is necessary to grasp the scope of camu camu's immune-boosting abilities, the available data is encouraging. Adding Camu camu to smoothies, drinks, or yoghurt, or taking it as a supplement are tasteful ways to enjoy its benefits.}