Camu Camu
Natural
Vitamin C versus Synthetic Vitamin C
Vitamin C is the most famous and perhaps
most important of all vitamins, it cannot be
manufactured by the body and must be
ingested.
Dr. Szent-Gyorgi won the Nobel Prize in
medicine in 1937 for isolating vitamin C and
recognizing its important role in human
health. In his studies he demonstrated the
many benefits of consuming vitamin C in its
whole food form.
Natural food sources of vitamin C also
contain other co-factors which enhance
vitamin C’s efficiency and utilization by
the body. The natural vitamin C content in
Camu Camu is enhanced by a full profile of
naturally occurring minerals and amino
acids.
Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia)
is a small tree
that thrives in lush Rainforest soil
enriched by the flood-waters of the Amazon
basin. The fruit of the Camu Camu is the
world’s most concentrated source of
naturally occurring vitamin C.
In addition to being a concentrated source
of natural vitamin C, the Camu Camu fruit
presents other important vitamins, including
the B-complex vitamins, which support an
optimal emotional state.
Thiamin (Vitamin B1)
• A study at the University of Wales
Swansea, UK, showed thiamin supplementation
helped study participants be more
clear-headed and energetic.
Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
• Helpful for stress management by
supporting the adrenal glands
• Deficiencies of riboflavin showed slow
mental response and mood disorders
Niacin (vitamin B3)
• Used in the synthesis of sex hormones and
as a memory enhancer.
• Promotes healthy functioning of nerve
cells soothing feelings of anxiety and panic
• Deficiencies of niacin may result in
mental fatigue and feelings of low
self-esteem
Vitamin C is a potent anti-oxidant
preventing the premature oxidation (aging)
of cells. It has been proven to support a
strong immune system and cardiovascular
health. Further research shows that vitamin
C is involved in maintaining proper levels
of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a
mood-balancing chemical in the brain that is
associated with a sense of well-being and
happiness.
Study References:
• Dr. James Duke’s Ethnobotanical
databawse;www.ars-grin.gov/duke
• Null, Gary. A Woman’s Encyclopedia of
Natural Healing, Seven Stories Press, New
York, N.Y., 1997
• The Clinician’s Handbook of Natural
Healing, Kensington Press, New York, N.Y.
1998.
• Beckstrom-Sternber, S., and J.A. Duke,
Ethnobotany and Phytochemical Databases,
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Agricultural
Research Services, USDA.
Vitamin C
is just the beginning. In addition
to providing 30 times more vitamin C than an
orange, Camu Camu also has ten times more
iron, three times more niacin, twice as much
riboflavin and 50% more phophorus. Among
Camu Camu’s naturally occurring nutrients
are many important minerals including
calcium, phosphorus, potassium and iron.
Benefits include:
• Essential for energetic body and sharp
mind
• Helps maintain a regular heartbeat and
healthy nervous system
• Research shows these minerals may relieve
irritability and mood swings
• Helps regulate acid-alkaline balance
Deficiencies of Vitamin C may result in
nervousness, anxiety, fatigue mood changes
and difficulty concentrating.
Study References:
• Zapata, S.Mlk, et al. “Camu-camu Myrciaria
dubia (HBK) Mc Vaugh: chemical composition
of fruit.” J.Sci. Food Agric., 1993, 61 (3);
349-51
• Franco, M.R. and T. Shibamoto. “Volatile
composition of some Brazilian
fruits:umbu-caja (Spondias Citherea),
camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia), araca-boi
(Eugenia stipitala), and cupuacu (Theobroma
grandiflorum.” J. Atric. Food Chem. 2000
Apr: 48(4); 1263-65.
• Justi, K.C.k et al. “Nutritional
composition and vitamin C stability in
stored camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) pulp.”
Arch. Latinoam. Nut. 2000 Dec:50(4):405-8.
Micro-nutrients may add years to your life
Most people in the modern world are
suffering from micro-nutrient deficiencies
simply because the commercial food crops are
grown in nutrient exhausted soil. This is
why the Rainforest is so important. Our Camu
Camu trees are grown on the banks of a
lagoon in an Amazon flood plain. What this
means is that each year during the rainy
season the river banks flood and our trees
are six feet under water for almost four
months. As the water recedes the soil and
nutrient matter that has been moved around
the Rainforest is re-deposited.
Camu Camu grows in the Richest Soil on Earth
This natural cycle ensures the richest
nutrient soil for the Camu Camu plants. From
this soil, the Camu Camu trees are able to
pull a natural density of vitamins, minerals
and amino acids in the exact ratios
necessary for life. This is why the Camu
Camu fruit is packed with a rich, balanced
profile of unique, vital nutrients not
available from any other source.
Harvard Research on Life Extension
One of the most important of these
anti-aging micro-nutrients is resveratrol.
Harvard researchers found the polyphenol
resveratrol may extend life span and protect
against cellular damage by increasing the
activity of sirtuin enzymes which help
control the rate at which organisms age.
Other important co-factors include amino
acids, which may play a beneficial role as
anti-aging agents.
Leucine - an essential amino acid
• Increases production of growth hormones
• Deficiencies may result in fatigue and
irritability
Serine - an essential amino acid
• Supports proper functioning of the brain
and nervous system
• May benefit memory, sociability and
alertness
Study References:
• Fernanda C., et.al. “Determination of
Anthocyanins from Camu-camu” (Myrciaria
dubia) by HPLC-PDA, HPLC-MS, and NMR.” J.
Agric. Food Chem, ASAP Article
10.1021/jf051357vS0021-8561(05)01357-9.
• Benton D., et.al., “Vitamin
supplementation for 1 year improves mood.”
Neurophsychology, 32(2):98-105, 1995
• Hesker H., et.al., “Psychological
disorders as early symptoms of a
mild-moderate vitamin deficiency. Ann NY
Acad Sci., 669:352-7, 1992.
.
Camu Camu
Description and Habitat
Camu Camu is a low-growing tree found
throughout the Amazon Rainforest. It thrives
under water for a portion of the year and
can be found mainly along riverbanks and
swampy or flooded areas. It grows to a
height of about 7-10 feet and has large,
feathery leaves. The Camu Camu tree produces
a small white flower with waxy petals with
an exquisite aroma. It takes approximately
6-8 years for the trees to bear fruit. The
small fruit is the size of a large cherry
with a dark reddish or purple skin and
yellowish flesh surrounding a large seed.
Residents of the growing areas often harvest
the fruits directly into small boats or
canoes they row under the trees.
Traditional Use
Traditionally, native healers and herbalists
have recommended Camu Camu to support the
immune system, and to help maintain optimal
health, especially under conditions of
stress and anxiety, which tend to deplete
the immune system. Additionally Camu Camu
has been used to promote healthy gums, eyes,
skin, hair and nails. It also supports the
functions of the brain (nervous system) and
heart (circulatory system).
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