Superfood Series

Camu Camu Berries: The Ultimate Vitamin C

 

Camu camu is a tropical fruit that is similar to a cherry. It grows deep in the Amazon rainforests. It is known to be extremely high in a potent form of Vitamin C and phytochemicals. This fruit has been used for many things including; antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, astringent and many others.

Because camu camu fruit is so high in Vitamin C, it tends to be very sour. Being rich in flavanoids, it is a very powerful antioxidant. It also contains several amino acids and B vitamins giving it a variety of health benefits. It has not been widely studied, but those who are investigating this rare fruit are finding beneficial health properties far beyond those of just vitamin C.

The vitamin C in camu camu is more absorbable by the body because it is plant based over synthetic vitamin C tablets. Until recently, this fruit has not been widely known in the United States; however it is very popular in Asia.. This fruit contains 50 times the vitamin C than oranges. Due to the high levels of Vitamin C, it is thought to be very beneficial to oral and gum health. Other properties make it helpful to the eyes and the skin. People who use this fruit have found many other health benefits including; anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, hair tonic and anti-viral.

The substances in camu camu have not been widely studied and researchers are unsure of why, but this fruit shows amazing potential to balance brain chemistry and moods. It is suspected that the high Vitamin C content may provide the brain proper nourishment, but the theory is not yet proven. It is thought to increase serotonin levels. Some suspect the high amount of B Vitamins may also play a role. One thing that is known is that proper levels of Vitamin C are needed to support a healthy nervous system. This fruit provides far more vitamin C than oranges. Adequate levels of vitamin C can support better memory, less depression and anxiety and also sharper vision. Some users claim that after using this fruit for extended periods of time they require less synthetic anti-depressant medications.

The indigenous people of South America have found that one benefit from using camu camu is that it is a powerful anti-viral. People suffering from Herpes Simplex and Epstein-Barr viruses have had decreased flare ups while using the fruit. They claim it can also lessen the severity of Shingles (Varicella Virus). These viruses can flare over and over in periods of stress. High vitamin C intake helps the body deal with stressful periods, therefore reducing flare-ups of Herpes viruses.

Camu camu also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and other substances that can help the body repair joint, cartilage, ligament and tendon damage by supporting collagen production. This makes the fruit a helpful joint supplement. People in the rainforests use a tonic made from the fruit to promote healthy hair. It is said to restore shine, strength and vitality to hair. It can repair split ends and give hair a silky texture.

 

Superfood Series

Acai Berries: The Antioxidant Powerhouse

 

 

Harvested in the rainforests of Brazil, açaí tastes like a vibrant blend of berries and chocolate. This particular berry is no larger than a blueberry but for its small size, it packs a powerful punch.  In fact, the açaí berry is part of the grape family. Açaí superfood contains antioxidant, proteins, xanthones, amino acids, fiber, and omega fats to include three, six, and nine.  Along with these nutrients, the açaí berry also provides various essential minerals, which includes potassium, iron, phytonutrients, and calcium.  The body needs these nutrients to function and considering they all come from one tiny berry, it is easy to see the benefit of the açaí berry.

 

Although açaí has an abundant amount of essential fatty acids, fiber and amino acids, it is best known for it's powerful antioxidant and anthocyanin (pigment containing antioxidant) content. ORAC (oxygen radical absorption capacity) is the standard used to measure antioxidant content. açaí comes in with an ORAC value of 102,700! That is 10 times more antioxidants than red grapes or other berries and 10-30 times more anthocyanins than red wine without the alcohol toxins. 

 

The fatty acid content in açaí resembles that of olive oil, and is rich in monounsaturated oleic acid. Oleic acid is important for a number of reasons. It helps omega-3 fish oils penetrate the cell membrane; together they help make cell membranes more supple. By keeping the cell membrane supple, all hormones, neurotransmitter and insulin receptors function more efficiently. This is particularly important because high insulin levels create an inflammatory state, and we know, inflammation causes aging.