Camu-camu - The fruit that has more Vitamin C

Camu-camu, also known as caçari or araçá-d'Água, is a fruit typical of the Amazon region with high content of vitamin C, being richer in this nutrient than other fruits like acerola, orange, lemon and pineapple.

However, this fruit tastes very sour and is usually consumed in the form of ice cream, jelly, soft drinks and sweets, and can also be found in the form of tablets or powder.

Thus, the consumption of camu-camu brings the following health benefits:

1. Strengthen the immune system;
2. Maintain the health of the nervous system and the eyes;
3. Improve the symptoms of arthritis by reducing inflammation in the body;
4. Prevent problems in the liver and diseases like influenza, cancer and atherosclerosis, for being rich in anthocyanin antioxidants;
5. Improve mood by containing vitamin B complex, which are important for the nervous system;
6. Helping in the fight against herpes, by strengthening the immune system and acting against infections by viruses and bacteria;
7. Help in muscle recovery after training;
8. Prevent premature aging because vitamin C helps to maintain collagen body, substance that prevents wrinkles and expression marks.

In addition, studies in laboratory mice have shown that the consumption of camu-camu seems to help to lose weight, however, it is not possible to affirm that one of the effects in humans is the loss of weight.

To get these benefits, one should consume camu-camu within a healthy diet, avoiding excess sugar and fat, especially for people who wish to improve the immune system and decrease inflammation of the body.

How to consume

Camu-camu can be consumed fresh as juice by diluting about 50 g of the fruit in 1 liter of water.

In addition, this fruit can also be found in powder, which should be consumed by diluting 1 tablespoon shallow in 1 glass of water, taking the mixture 2 times a day. When consumed as tablets, one 500 mg capsule should be taken twice a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Nutritional composition

The following table shows the nutritional composition for 100 g of camu-camu powder.

To increase the absorption of iron from the diet, you should consume camu-camu after lunch or dinner because its high content of vitamin C helps increase the amount of iron absorbed in the intestine. In addition, it is important to remember that the fruit pulp has lower vitamin C concentration than the powder because of the water that is preserved in the pulp and dilutes the nutrients.

Camu-camu Pink Juice Recipe

This juice helps to improve the functioning of the gut, prevent wrinkles and strengthen the immune system, and can be consumed for breakfast or snacks.

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 3 strawberries
• 1 apple with peel
• 1 small beet
• 1 hand full of spinach
• 1 teaspoon camu-camu
• 1/2 cup water

Method of preparation:

Beat all the ingredients in the blender and drink without adding sugar. For the juice to get more creamy, one can use the frozen banana.

To improve your health and prevent diseases, see also:

• Foods rich in vitamin C
• Cherry prevents cancer and atherosclerosis