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Camu Camu

Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia) is a fruit obtained from a tree that grows along rivers in the Amazon rainforests of Brazil and Peru. The Camu Camu fruit is a purplish red berry that is slightly larger than the size of a cherry. Camu Camu is gaining popularity world wide as researchers are discovering a myriad of health benefits derived from the pulp of the fruit.

Camu Camu fruit by itself is not known for its taste which is quite sour. The pink juice obtained from the pulped fruit is often flavored with sugar to make it more palpable. The native people in the areas around the trees do not commonly eat Camu Camu though some use the juice as a general health tonic. Camu Camu has an incredibly high content of vitamin C and this has made the fruit quite popular. The importance of vitamin C is well known and Camu Camu is quickly being recognized as a powerful way to utilize these health benefits. Studies are being done to investigate the natural energy and mood enhancing properties that are experienced from ingesting Camu Camu. Besides vitamin C, there are important amino acids available in Camu Camu including leucine which is known to slow the deterioration of muscle tissue. Leucine is being researched for its anti aging properties.

Camu Camu is not a secret in Japan where the fruit has been used in a variety of health products like beverages, ice cream, liquor and even in vinegar to help season salads. The antioxidant and immune boosting properties are widely accepted in Japan where Camu Camu is replacing the use of vitamin C pills. Researchers believe the body absorbs more of the beneficial aspects of vitamin C from the Camu Camu fruit. While science discovers more about Camu Camu, we can already be excited about the health benefits.