Camu Camu: A Rich Source of Vitamin C
Updated Dec. 13th, 2023 | Read Time: 3 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- What is Camu Camu?
- Health Properties of Camu Camu
- How To Take Camu Camu: Supplements & More
- Final Considerations
Camu Camu is an up-and-coming super fruit that holds one of the richest natural sources of Vitamin C found on the planet. In case you're not on the same level of excitement as we are over this small, unimpressive-looking fruit – Vitamin C can do a lot for our health, yet it's not produced in our bodies. While we naturally get Vitamin C from citrus fruits, cantaloupe, mango, pineapple, sweet potato and the list goes on and on, it just got a whole lot easier to reach a higher dosage of this health-promoting vitamin.
What is Camu Camu?
Camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) is a small, bushy riverside tree that flourishes in an Amazon rainforest vegetation which is commonly found in Peru and Brazil. The medicinal properties come from the reddish/purple-ish colour berry that resembles a cherry. It's similar to the guava berry or rum berry. One thing that we find interesting about this plant, however, is how it needs copious amounts of water to thrive. In fact, this small tree can withstand 4-5 months of flooding even with its roots and most of its body submerged in water.
Health Properties of Camu Camu
While not much research has been done on this fruit, one thing is for sure; it's a great source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a crucial antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals responsible for many chronic diseases.
It is also responsible for the production of a protein called collagen – which is how others can claim it can slow down the signs of aging. Its collagen-boosting properties can also speed up recovery of healing wounds and injuries and promote less visible scars.
Vitamin C, thanks to its role in collagen production also plays a vital role in protecting your heart and immune health. Immune health is another big reason people take Vitamin C, but save yourself the glass of orange juice, camu camu has 1180% of your daily Vitamin C intake, you'd have to eat 10 oranges to reach that amount!
It also contains healthy doses of iron, niacin, riboflavin, phosphorus, potassium, beta-carotene, calcium and several amino acids – which aid in the absorption of Vitamin C.
How To Take Camu Camu: Supplements & More
The fruit itself is extremely tart, which is why it is most commonly consumed as a powder or a tablet. Dr Oz recommends trying it in powder form (lucuma powder) stirred into oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies or even making a refreshing drink; mix this powder with citrus soda with seltzer water and a splash of lemon juice.
Final Considerations
Due to a lack of human studies, this fruit is not recommended during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. There have also been some warnings that camu camu may interfere with chemotherapy treatments, and best to avoid it if you are undergoing chemotherapy.
We have been using Camu Camu powder for awhile and this article reinforces what we knew, and more!
It was interesting to learn more more about Camu Camu, and that it can potentially help inflammation.
Have been taking it to fight off colds and flu due to high amount of concentrated Vitamin C.
We add Camu Camu powder to sparkling water. Will try using it in a smoothie or with a splash of lemon juice, as Dr. Oz recommends!
This article also reminded me that we forgot to take our daily dose of Camu Camu, thanks!
Hello Angela,
That's great you learned something new about one of your staple supplements, glad we could help. It's a supplement that's easy to take because you can add it to some of your favourite beverages and it's a great immune booster to take all year around. Camu Camu, along with Elderberry powders are not only a great way to boost immunity and get antioxidants, but to flavour your water to ensure proper hydration.
Keep calm and carry on!
I love that this is a natural source of vitamin C! And that it contains such a high concentration of it as well. I always prefer getting my vitamin c from foods but to date I had always thought oranges were the best source for vitamin c, glad to hear that camu camu also has a great deal of vitamin c, actually even more than oranges! This will make getting food based vitamin c much easier as they don't have orange supplements as far as I know! :P
Hello Rose with Thorns,
We are happy you enjoyed this article about Camu Camu. Indeed, it does offer a healthy dose of vitamin c. Most people believe oranges provide the most vitamin c but in fact, other sources often do such as Camu Camu and even a small-medium cauliflower! However, in order to reap these benefits, your body must be able to properly absorb nutrients from the food you eat. If you're looking for a quality source of camu camu whole foods powder, you can find some here:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/fruit-supplements/camu.html
Stay healthy & well.
Every day, my breakfast is a Greek yogurt bowl with some fruit, chia, hemp and flax plus pomegranate powder and Camu Camu powder. It's a great source of Vitamin C and it's one less pill to take!
Hello, Marni,
Thank you for sharing how you use Camu Camu in your daily routine, that sounds like a delicious breakfast. Camu Camu is a great source of vitamin C and easy to incorporate like you mentioned. Since you like eating whole foods, you will also enjoy our healthy recipes to try something new: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/healthy-recipes/
Have a healthy day!