As with many things internet based, a lot of information is copied and pasted, has a dash of creative license, a sprinkling of Chinese whispers and boom you have a new superfood or a superherb. When we select our products we look for the most effective and the very best quality. So we research, then research some more, and provide all of that research here, so that you can make up your own mind.
ANTI-OXIDANT AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
The entire Camu Camu berry has been suggested to have anti-oxidant properties, from flesh and skin to seed. Studies also suggesting that dried Camu Camu powder may infact have higher anti-oxidative capacity than that of fresh fruit. Many studies have been performed on anthocyanins, which are potent anti-oxidants and present in Camu Camu.
Studies have suggested that Camu Camu may act a potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory, specifically identifying its Vitamin C content as the key active compound measured and responsible, comparing the results with supplemental Vitamin C.
In doing so, they also found that this natural source of Vitamin C is more effective than supplementing with the powdered or tablet Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), this has been suggested to be due to various potential factors. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Camu Camu also contains:
- carotenoids and anthocyanines (anti-oxidants),
- potassium (helps the absorption of Vitamin C),
PLUS, unidentified compounds that are acting as anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatories and may infact aid absorption or interaction in the body — further studies will need to carried out to confirm the specifics as to how and why.
(But for now, we know Camu Camu is the bees knees, and whatever the reason, it just goes to show that eating real/whole food (in most cases) rather than supplementing with extracts ensures that you are obtaining the best from what you are consuming.)
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Camu Camu has been shown to be a potent anti-inflammatory by potentially preventing the cells of the body from being damaged (through genotoxicity).
The anti-inflammatory effects have also been suggested to be due to containing betulinic acid which is known as an anti-inflammatory triterpenoid (triterpenoids are also found in large quantities in Medicinal Mushrooms. (2, 5, 8)
ANTI-OXIDANT (MALE FERTILITY)
When Maca (Lipdium meyenii) and Camu Camu are taken together they have been suggested to increase the ability of the male testes to be more productive. This is said to be done via the anti-oxidants in Camu Camu potentially improving the overall process of sperm production (spermatogenesis) and the Maca aiding the release of sperm (spermiation). Which means that it may be a useful natural tool to aid male fertility if administered at the right time. (7)
OBESITY
Studies have been performed and indicate that Camu Camu has the ability to reduce fat deposits caused by diet related obesity. (3c, 9)
ORGANS (LIVER)
Liver injury has been shown to potentially be reduced by consuming Camu Camu due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative response when consumed. (3c, 6)
