This little berry, about the size of a grape, can be found on a bush native to the South American rainforests of Peru and Brazil. These small fruits are vitamin C powerhouses, containing 30 to 60 times more vitamin C than a typical orange. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and vitamin used throughout the body and is even beneficial in detoxifying the body. It protects the nervous system, including the brain, eyes, and nerves that send impulses to our muscles. Vitamin C isn’t the only antioxidant in camu camu either. This vitamin is joined by vitamin A and pigments, mainly anthocyanins, which also act as antioxidants and protect cells from free radical damage.
The vitamin C found in camu camu is still a smaller amount than found in many supplements, but this vitamin C is entirely natural and organic, not synthetic. This makes it more easily recognized by the body, absorbed, and put to use. And vitamin C isn’t just an antioxidant. It is crucial to collagen production, creating healthy skin, tendons, ligaments, and even bones. It fights skin blemishes and acne too. Vitamin C has also been known to raise energy levels.
Camu camu is still being studied for its health benefits, but it is definitely showing promise in several areas. This berry is anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, antiseptic, and anti-mutagenic. It eases pain and inflammation, lowers blood pressure, balances mood, bolsters the immune system, and combats diabetes. The mood balancing properties of this fruit make it a very good supplement to aid against depression. The antioxidant attributes of camu camu make it beneficial against Parkinson’s and other degenerative diseases. There’s more: these berries minimize the effects of stress and may even increase fertility in men.
The berries are hard to find whole, but you probably don’t want to try them that way anyway; they are very sour and acidic. Luckily, camu camu is readily available as a powder or in capsules. The capsules are easily taken whenever you want them. The powder can go into water, juice, smoothies, or even tea. Pick some up today and see an uptick in your energy and oxidative protection.
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