Today we are all concerned with our health. Vitamins, both natural and artificial, are consumed by the tons. A move to use items found in nature has made people more aware of some fruits that were not really known of before, except in their native regions. One such fruit is that of the Camu Camu tree. The Camu Camu (myrciaria dubia) tree is found in the Amazon Rainforest. The fruit it produces is red/purple and cherry like. But, the fruit itself is very acidic and not particularly tasty if eaten alone. Natively its yellow pulp is used for blending with other food items to add nutritional value and positive health effects.
The current interest in the fruit of the Camu Camu is the fact that it is packed with nutritients. It contains natural beta-carotene, calcium, iron, niacin, protein, riboflavin, thiamin, phosphorus and several amino acids including serine, valine, and leucine. It is said to offer astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-pain, anti-viral, antioxidant and nutritive properties. These factors make it very valuable to the metabolic process. This includes the making of white blood cells and supporting the brain, heart, lungs, and skin. There is a very high natural vitamin C (ascorbic acid) content as well. By using these products, many no longer need an additional Vitamin C supplement. The fruit has also been said to support the brain in producing its own natural mood-stabilizing chemicals, through the provision of necessary amino acids, and to support the immune system by providing additional antioxidant power.
The dietary supplement market offers the opportunity to take advantage of the fruit of the Camu Camu plant in a variety of ways. The most common are pills or powder. The pills can be taken like any other vitamin or herb supplement. The powder can be mixed with juices, granola, yogurt or whatever you choose.
Although not much current information is available regarding the actual physiological effects of the substances camucamu contains, the Camu Camu fruit definitely warrants additional research to ensure safety and investigate claims of health-giving properties. It has not been evaluated by the food and drug administration, and so any claims that are made by manufacturers and marketers regarding the camucamu fruit's ability to treat or prevent any disease should definitely be taken with a grain of salt at this point. But if the claims about health benefits are verified, the camu camu fruit could join the pantheon of superfruits alongside pomegranate, blueberry, and acai.
