June 04, 2019 · Written by Foodtolive Team
A Guide to Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Camu Camu Powder
Camu camu has many names, from the exotic-sounding Myrciaria dubia and Psidium dubium, to more simple ones such as rumberryю But whatever you want to call it, camu camu has many everyday uses and a long list of benefits.
So for those searching for natural, organic alternatives to over-the-counter medicine or even something to replace their morning cup of coffee, camu camu powder is a must-have.
What is camu camu powder, and is it safe
Camu camu originates in marshy areas in the Amazon rainforest across Peru, Brazil, Venezuela, and Columbia. The fruit and leaves produced from the camu camu plant have several medicinal purposes that have proved helpful for people without access to pharmacies, doctors, or traditional medicine.
In its original fruit form, camu camu is a cherry-colored, tart berry that is about the size of a grape. The sour taste of the camu camu fruit is one reason why people prefer using it as a powder, pill, or juice.
Health benefits of camu camu
As a supplement, camu camu has several properties which offer natural remedies for viral infections, eye conditions, and even depression. Research has yet to authenticate the advantages of camu camu powder, but it has been shown to help in treatment against:
- Herpes, cold sores, shingles, and the common cold
- Cataracts and glaucoma
- Asthma, atherosclerosis
- Chronic fatigue syndrome, depression
- Gingivitis
- Headaches
- Osteoarthritis
The antioxidants in camu camu powder help bost the immune system, ease inflammation, and improve the appearance of skin. Additionally, it contains high amounts of vitamin C, fatty acids, and protein which will help the body’s overall function.
How to use camu camu powder
When using camu camu, it is best ingested as a powder. The berry’s tartness is very bitter and makes the fruit difficult to eat. Plus, powders make it easy to incorporate in a variety of healthy meals and snacks for busy mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Mix the powder in a smoothie or juice. Instead of blending it in green smoothies, try it with fruit smoothies containing pineapples, mangos, and bananas. These sweeter fruits balance the bitterness of the powder and create an enjoyable beverage.
In the same vein, mixing camu camu powder with yogurt and berries provides a nutrient-packed meal that will keep you going all morning.
Camu camu can also be mixed with tea, though avoid using boiling water. Mix a tablespoon with a fruity herbal blend and stir well.
Camu camu powder doesn’t need to be ingested to enjoy its benefits. It’s easy to make a natural homemade face mask that alleviates redness and puffiness and leaves skin smooth and glowing. Mix a teaspoon of camu camu powder with two teaspoons of honey and one teaspoon of plain yogurt. Mix well and apply to skin for 15 minutes.
A daily dosage of camu camu powder
Since camu camu powder has so much vitamin C, it is best to limit intake to one serving size each day. One teaspoon of camu camu powder provides 760% of the recommended daily intake for vitamin C.
While camu camu itself hasn’t been proven to have negative side effects, an excessive amount of vitamin C can have adverse effects like diarrhea and nausea. For those taking medication, it is important to discuss taking camu camu powder with doctors to make sure large amounts of vitamin C doesn’t interfere with it.
A serving of camu camu powder a day keeps the doctor away
Even though studies about this superfood’s medicinal benefits are still underway, there is no denying that the natural energy boost and immune system protection are advantages anyone can appreciate.
While it isn’t a cure-all, regular camu camu powder intake can help prevent less-severe diseases such as the common cold and work as an alternative to over-the-counter drugs.
