CAMU CAMU
After watching the Zac Efron and Darin Olien documentary “Down to Earth” on Netflix, I decided I wanted to do more research on a superfood I had never heard of in Eastern Canada, but that they raved about in the documentary: Camu Camu. According to a McGill University scientist, Jonathan Jarry, “the show makes questionable and scientifically inaccurate claims in part through the platforming of dubious “experts.”” This is just another reminder that we can’t believe everything we see, and that we need to do our own research. So here I am, sussing out what Camu-Camu actually is, and if it’s benefits are actually as incredible as what “Down to Earth” and Darin Olien suggest they are.
What is Camu Camu?
Camu Camu is a berry native to the Amazon rainforest. Camu Camu is a particularly “whole” berry, with its pulp, seeds, and skin all presenting antioxidant potential that differ in potency degrees once processed. This “superfood” has been used to “improve” health and has become increasingly popular. Camu camu's perceived health benefits include reducing the risk of chronic diseases thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Similar to the bitterness of cranberries, camu-camu is too acidic for most people to enjoy its natural state, except by the local indigenous peoples. Because the fruit is not consumed in its natural state, it is generally consumed in the form of juices, powders, purees, and pulp, that can be used as a supplement, added to smoothies, or blended into other foods.
Camu camu is an (in my opinion) awesome berry, with its pulp, seeds, and skin all presenting antioxidant potential in differing degrees once processed. As a versatile fruit, not only does the fruit pulp show anti-inflammatory potential but the skin and seed products do as well. Antioxidant capacity is higher from flour produced from the skin and seed residue than from the pulp or pulp powder. “Nutritionally, camu camu is one of the most concentrated natural food sources of vitamin C. The fruit’s pulp provides about 2,400 to 3,000 grams (or 2,400,000 milligrams) per 3.5-ounce or so serving. For context, the recommended dietary intake (RDI) for vitamin C is 60 milligrams a day.” (ncbi.gov)
“The processing of camu camu destroys some of its natural vitamin C, but even in a processed state, camu camu is an excellent source of this crucial nutrient. Because of its high vitamin C content, camu camu is also rich in antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory properties. For example, a single teaspoon serving of one brand of freeze-dried camu camu powder provides 682 mg of vitamin C—more than 10 times the amount in a medium-size orange.” (Health.com)
All too often inflammation is considered something to get rid of and is generally treated with medication to alleviate pain, swelling, or stiffness, especially in North America. Our North American diets have been proven to be extremely inflammatory, compared to the traditional Mediterreanean diet. In North America, pills like Advil are used as quick anti inflammatories, but like everything, anti-inflammatory pills have their downside. They can (keyword is can, not always) disable the body's natural ability to detoxify, repair, and protect itself. People who research and prefer natural approaches tend to use natural remedies such as lifestyle and diet changes, and get rid of pharmaceuticals all together. In my opinion, that is slightly radical, but I totally respect it and understand the reason WHY behind it. (Power to the all-natural peeps out there!)
In my personal opinion, camu camu is great! I’ve found camu camu powder at health food stores in Quebec such as Avril as well as on online websites, and am still on the look out for any natural juice shop that would provide it! (I NEED to try it for myself!) Of course, like everything else in the world nowadays, you need to do your research and read the information on the label or about the brand before you make your purchase. Make sure the camu camu powder or juice that you are buying hasn’t been over processed and hasn’t lost most of it’s antioxidant benefits or potency in the process of diluting, processing and packaging. Make sure your camu camu isn’t from China or Spain. This fruit’s home is Peru, so make sure your product originates from there! Do.your.research! Reap the benefits!
Thanks for reading!
Chloe Bar
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296744
https://www.health.com/food/camu-camu-benefits
