Camu Camu
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Camu Camu
This Peruvian superfood is rich in vitamin C and awesome in the kitchen.
We take a closer look at the lesser-known superfood camu camu, to find out just what makes it so super.
Superfood is the buzzword of the moment. These nutrient-dense foods boast a range of health benefits from anti-ageing properties to helping to reduce the risk of cancer. But what do we really know about superfoods, and why are we only now starting to acknowledge their importance in our diet?
Background
Often referred to as the camu camu berry, this fruit grows on low-lying shrubs native to the Amazonian rainforest. Once harvested, these fruits are gently freeze-dried to maximise the nutrient content before being ground to a fine soluble powder. The collection of camu currently supports over 10,000 families in the Amazon, and has helped to alleviate poverty of farmers, buyers and processors involved in its production.
Benefits of camu camu
Camu has long been used for medicinal and nutritional purposes in Peru. Traditionally, native practitioners and herbalists have recommended it to help:
- Strengthen the immune system
- Alleviate depression
- Detoxify the liver
- Strengthen the nervous system
- Support a healthy heart and circulatory system
- Promote energy and vitality
Also known as ‘nature’s vitamin pill’, camu contains the highest concentration of naturally occurring vitamin C than any other food. In fact, one serving of this super berry contains up to 30 to 60 times more vitamin C than an orange. It also contains important amino acids and of antioxidants in addition to a range of essential vitamins and minerals.
“Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant and immune stimulant, and it’s also essential for good skin in that it allows for the body’s own production of collagen,” says Reece Carter, founder of Reece Carter Naturopathy in Melbourne’s Prahran. Carter works with diet and lifestyle as well as nutritional and herbal supplementation to ensure his clients are running
at their best.
“A single teaspoon of the dried powder gives you about five times your daily requirement, so incorporate it into your morning routine to strengthen your immune system. If you happen to be sick already, bump up your intake to as many as five or six teaspoons, spread throughout the day.”
Uses
- Camu has a tart citrus flavour that blends well with other fruits and juices.
- While this delicious orange powder can be used to flavour ice creams, desserts and smoothies, this clever superfood has other fantastic everyday uses.
- Natural deodorant: Sprinkle a little of the powder on your underarms for all-day protection against sweat. This will also provide you with a daily vitamin C boost via your pores.
- Facial scrub: In a small bowl, combine one teaspoon of camu powder with one tablespoon of ground oatmeal, a quarter of a teaspoon of sea salt flakes and one tablespoon of melted coconut oil. Stir to make a paste, then gently rub onto your skin in circular motions, allowing to sit for five to 10 minutes before rinsing.
Words by Sally O'Neill
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