Benefits of Camu Camu and our Favorite Camu Camu Smoothies

Camu camu seems to be the next big thing in the world of superfoods. If you have a busy lifestyle and are in search for the natural remedy that can take you an extra mile, camu camu may be the right thing for you.

Camu camu most commonly comes in the form of powder which can be mixed into delicious smoothies.

This article outlines the major health benefits of camu camu. You will also find some tips on how to incorporate it into some great camu camu smoothie recipes.

Health Benefits and Origin

Myrciaria dubia, or Camu camu, is a fruit-bearing shrub native to the Amazon rainforest. The berries it produces are cherry like and packed with vitamin C and amino acids.

The Amazonian Indians have used it for centuries, but not as a food because of its very sour taste. The sourness comes from high content of vitamin C.

Camu Camu is a natural berry and doesn’t have any serious side effects but the high amounts of vitamin C does provide some areas of caution. Here are the things to consider when using camu camu:

• High doses can lead to digestive problems and nausea.
• If you are susceptible to ulcers, you should avoid it.
• It can interfere with chemotherapy.

If you put the precautions aside, there are numerous health benefits of camu camu:

Boosts Immune System

Camu camu is a highly effective immune system booster. Studies have shown that the intake of vitamin C directly affects your immunity.

Also, it blocks free radicals and detoxes your body. The nutrients contained in camu camu help you heal and improve your overall health.

Related article: Immune boosting smoothies

Improves Liver Health

The number of antioxidants and phytochemicals found in camu camu help your liver recover faster.

It is very effective in treating cirrhosis or liver disease. A study found that 1-methylmalate was the active ingredient in camu camu responsible for treating liver conditions.

Related article: Liver detox smoothie recipes

Enhances Mood

Patients suffering from depression can benefit from taking vitamin C-rich foods. It increases the production of serotonin in your brain and enhances the mood.

A study set in India reported that a statistically significant percentage of patients felt reinvigorated and happier after eating foods with high levels of vitamin C.

Related article: Smoothies for depression

Improves Gum and Heart Disease

Since camu camu is packed with antioxidants it can help against inflammation. It also has antiviral properties. Research showed that it was effective in treating gum diseases such as gingivitis.

Related article: Smoothies for lowering cholesterol

Aging

The anti-inflammatory properties of camu camu can also help slow down the aging process. There is evidence that it is effective against muscular degeneration.

Nutrition of Camu Camu

These are the typical nutrition facts in 100g of camu camu powder:

• 0.4g of protein
• 0.2g of fat
• 2145mg of vitamin C
• 2.1mg of manganese
• 12.4mg of magnesium
• 15.7mg of calcium
• 83.8mg of potassium
• 0.2mg of copper
• 0.5mg of iron
• 0.4mg of zinc

How to Use Camu Camu Powder

You can’t really go wrong when you prepare camu camu smoothies. Simply add the desired amount of camu camu to your favorite smoothie and you are good to go.

One thing to consider is that camu camu has a sour taste. You should mix it with other fruits, berries, and plant milk to neutralize the sourness.

Similar to other exotic superfoods, camu camu powder has a shelf life of up to 3 years. You should avoid exposing it to heat and direct sunlight. The bag/container should be air-free, sealed and kept in a dry place.

How to Buy it ?

Purity of the Product

The first thing to look for is 100% pure natural camu camu powder. You don’t want any additives, sweeteners or other chemicals in your camu camu powder.

Production Method

A complex extraction and filtration process is required to ensure the highest quality powder. The product should not be spray-dried or dried at high temperatures because it will affect the contents of vitamin C.

Certified Supplier

You should make sure that you purchase camu camu powder from a certified supplier of natural products. It may be worth looking for one with fair trade certification if that’s how you feel.

Typical Daily Amount

Similar to other superfoods, there is no prescribed dose of camu camu you should take. The smart way to go is to start off small. The usual dose people start with is 1 teaspoon, and if needed you can work your way up from there.

This way you avoid making very sour camu camu smoothies. Additionally, you are unlikely to experience side effects at this low starting amount, even if you are new to this traditional medicine.

-> Here is a well priced organic Camu Camu powder  .

Camu Camu Powder Smoothie Recipes

You can find a selection of our favorite camu camu smoothie recipes below. They will keep you on top of your game throughout the day.

Berry Smoothie with Camu Camu Powder

This smoothie is packed with antioxidants and nutrients. The combination of camu camu powder, berries, and almond milk creates a rich taste that will stimulate both your taste buds and health.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of frozen mixed berries
• 1 banana
• 1 cup of almond milk
• 1 tsp of camu camu powder
• Optional: 1 cup of Spinach

Immune Boosting Camu Camu Smoothie

This a great smoothie from the herbal team at Herbazest. The unique combination of herbs and plants in this smoothie is a perfect boost for your immune system.

Camu camu, ginger and carrot bring a blend of vitamins and minerals that protect you from seasonal illnesses and give you a fresh start every morning.

Ingredients

• ½ cup of grated carrot
• A handful of spinach
• 1 tbsp of honey
• 1 tbsp of lime juice
• 1 tsp of ginger
• 1 tsp of camu camu powder
• 1 cup of water

Orange Camu Camu Smoothie

This orange camu camu smoothie will provide you with the required daily amount of vitamin C. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to help you fight off seasonal germs. The hemp powder adds lots of protein. This mix of ingredients is sure to make you glow throughout the day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup spinach
• 1 tbsp of goji berries
• 2 oranges (peeled)
• 1 tsp of camu camu powder
• 1 tbsp of hemp powder
• 1 cup of water

Conclusion

Although new to the Western markets, there are numerous benefits of camu camu powder. If you are looking for a natural medicine to help improve your health and vitality, the above camu camu smoothie recipes may help you. Test out the recipes and find the blend that you like the best.

–> Here is a well priced Camu Camu powder  if you want to give it a try.