Camu Camu facts

s m

8 years ago

Camu-camu is a small plant which grows in South America. The human studies show that this fruits possess anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. More research is still needed because due to the high amount of vitamin C it could interact with certain chemo drugs.

Name	Camu camu
Scientific Name	Myrciaria dubia
Native	South American Rainforest in Peru and Brazil, also available in Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil.
Common/English Name	Camu-Camu, Rumberry, Guavaberry, Cacari, Zamu Camu Berry
Name in Other Languages	Brazil : Camu-Camu, Arazá De Agua; Columbia : Guayabo; Peru : Camu-Camu, Camo-Camo; Spanish : Camo Camo, Guapuro Blanco; Venezeula : Guayabato, Guaiabito
Plant Growth Habit	Bushy, low-growing shrub
Growing Climate	Hot, damp tropical
Soil	Well-drained
Plant Size	1-3 m
Bark	Thin, pale to bronzy-brown
Stem	Smooth
Leaf	Evergreen, ovate or elliptic, length: 5 cm-12 cm, width: 2cm-4.5 cm
Edible parts of the plants	Juice is made by adding water, honey or sugar. It is also preserved in the form of jams, jellies, ice creams, drinks, liqueurs, pickles and wines. The juice is also sold as a carbonated drink and exported to use in Vitamin C tablets to the USA and other international markets.
Flowering Season	Dry
Flower	White, fragrant
Fruit shape & size	Cherry, Diameter: 1.0–3.2 cm, Size:2-4 cm
Fruit color	Reddish-brown or purple-black
Flesh color	White
Fruit peel	Thin and shiny
Flavor/aroma	Tart
Fruit Taste	Sour
Seed	2–3, large
Fruit Season	Rainy
Major Nutritions	Carbohydrate 4.7 g (3.62%) Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.04 mg (3.08%) Magnesium, Mg 12.38 mg (2.95%) Calcium, Ca 27 mg (2.70%) Phosphorus, P 17 mg (2.43%) Vitamin A 14.2 µg (2.03%) Total dietary Fiber 0.6 g (1.58%) Protein 0.5 g (1.00%) Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) 0.01 mg (0.83%) Sodium, Na 11.13 mg (0.74%)
Health Benefits	Vitamin C Content Anti-Inflammatory Activity Cancer Prevention Antiviral and Antibacterial Properties Fertility Eye Health Help prevent diabetes Improve Immune System Improves Physical Performance Supports Bone Health and Helps Prevent Osteoporosis
Calories in 1cup (100 gm)	17 Kcal
Traditional uses	The juice of Camu Camu was used to enhance the immune system, keep viral infections at bay and eliminate anxiety and stress. It supports healthy gums, skin, nails, eyes, heart and nervous system. The berry is used in medicinal folk remedies as an antiviral to treat infections.
Precautions	Camu Camu is rich in Vitamin C so excessive consumption of this fruit cause diarrhea and digestion problem. Camu Camu assist in serotonin production so surplus of serotonin causes side effects such as vomiting, lack of sleep, nausea and loss of appetite. Too much of Vitamin C results in iron poisoning. Camu Camu in excessive quantity led to high heart and metabolic activity. It reacts with chemotherapy drugs.
How to Eat	Due to the reddish color pigmentation, it is used to provide an attractive color to juices. Camu Camu is also added to the candies, ice-creams and sweets. The use of bark and stem in tea provides aid for diabetes. The Camu Camu pulp is used in jam, yogurt, nectar, juice, etc. The fruit is consumed as food.
Other Facts	Vitamin C is not produced by human body so it should be obtained from dietary sources. Camu Camu is source of Vitamin C in highest concentration. One ounce of Camu Camu provides 50 times more vitamin C in comparison to orange. It also possesses minerals, vitamins and amino acids, and is a very strong antioxidant.

Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia)Scientific Classification

Scientific name	Myrciaria dubia
Kingdom	Plantae
Order	Myrtales
Family	Myrtaceae
Genus	Myrciaria
Species	Myrciaria dubia
Division	Magnoliophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida

Comments

comments