A-Z superfruit benefits Articles

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.

What Are Superfruits?

Recent research has revealed a group of fruits that are exceptionally high in antioxidants and other nutrients, these are known as "superfruits". Some of the more exotic examples of these are: açaí, goji, noni and sea-buckthorn.

Understanding Antioxidants Found in Superfruits

Antioxidants are substances that have the ability to neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are reactive substances that damage nutrients and body tissues.

We are exposed to free radicals in air pollution, UV rays, cigarette smoke, and byproducts of our own metabolism. Free radical damage results in mutated cells, cardiovascular disease, physical degeneration, and the visible signs of aging. In order to know how powerful of an antioxidant each substance is, we use its oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC).

ORAC

Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) is a laboratory test that is used as the general standard for measuring antioxidant capacity. Although ORAC is not a universal standard, it is a commonly accepted way of comparing water-soluble antioxidants like anthocyanins to each other. On this scale, all of the superfruits register many times the antioxidant capacity of ordinary fruits and vegetables. This indicates that, compared by weight, they probably do offer a greater health benefit. Different extracts and brands of each superfruit rate differently on the ORAC scale. This is likely because of the different ways that they have been processed. It has been recommended that the average person get at least 1670 ORAC per day, with additional health benefits occurring around 2,000 – 3,000 ORAC per day or more.

Nutritional Information

Açaí Berry

Açaí berry is a fruit that is rich in antioxidants and has high levels of healthy omega fats like those in olive oil. Some studies show that açaí fruit pulp has even more antioxidant content than cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, or blueberry. Açaí can be found in commercial juices and concentrated in supplements.

Goji Berry

Goji is considered a superfruit because of its high antioxidant capabilities and its relatively high protein, trace mineral, and soluble fibre content by weight. This superfruit has been found to protect the brain, liver, and eyes, as well as boost well-being and overall mental health. It can be found in supplements, but its benefits are most easily obtained by simply eating the dried fruit itself.

Noni Fruit

Noni fruit is a good source of fibre and is believed to contain more than 150 different nutrients. Some of the nutrients found in noni, include:

• Vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, C and E)
• Minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and selenium)
• Protein
• Amino acids (including all the essential amino acids)
• Phytonutrients
• Polysaccharides
• Digestive enzymes

Sea-Buckthorn

Seabuckthorn is a rich source of vitamins A, C, E and beta-carotene, as well as carotenoids and phenolics, such as catechins, gallocatechins and epigallocatechins. It is also a source of Omega-3, 6, and 9, as well as the lesser-known omega-7 fatty acids (40% of Seabuckthorn oil is omega-7 fatty acids), vital to collagen production. This superfruit has implications in the treatment of a number of different health conditions.

Health Benefits of Superfruits

Because of their high nutritional and antioxidant levels, superfruits are able to go above and beyond basic nutrition. In general, the antioxidant levels of these fruits allow them to play a role in the prevention and treatment of disease. Free radicals have been particularly associated with cardiovascular disease, degenerative eye disease, aging, and unhealthy cell growth. Antioxidant-rich foods may help prevent and even treat some of these conditions. Research has also often implicated each superfruit in unique further health benefits. Because of this, superfruit supplementation is a great way to easily increase high doses of antioxidants and extra nutrients in your diet.

Important Information

It is important to note that there is a wide variety of differing opinions on the ORAC scores of each superfruit and which one "is the best". Often, the individual preparation or extraction of the fruit has the greatest impact on the antioxidant capability and nutrient content. Because of this, it is a good idea to either use the actual fruit and prepare it yourself if possible, or take supplements only from companies whose preparation methods you know and trust.