Last week I wrote about the benefits of Inca Inchi, one of the many superfoods now being discovered in South America. Another of these superfoods, which is now becoming more well known is the Camu Camu berry. One of the most amazing health benefits of Camu Camu is its Vitamin C content. This fruit has one of the highest concentrations of Vitamin C of any food!! When we think of a food source for Vitamin C, most will think of oranges. Oranges contain around 50mg of Vitamin C per 100g of fruit, whilst Camu Camu contains approximately 23,000mg per 100g of fruit – no comparison really!! We know Vitamin C is vital to our wellbeing, however it’s also impossible for our bodies to naturally create the Vitamin C required by our body. We are therefore only able to obtain Vitamin C from the food we eat. Ascorbic acid works with the bioflavonoids and co-enzymes contained in Vitamin C to stimulate our white blood cell production, which in turn boosts our immune system. It is also helpful in collagen production, assisting in the repair and development of cells, organs and tissues. The Vitamin C contained in Camu Camu may also be helpful in detoxifying and healing the body as well as blocking free radicals. Camu Camu contains carotenoids, specifically lutein as well as beta-carotene and zeazanthin. These carotenoids are believed to be beneficial for eye health, particularly macular degeneration. Combining this high strength Vitamin C together with these other essential nutrients may well be valuable in slowing down the advancement of macular degeneration. There is also information indicating those suffering from gum disease may find taking two teaspoons of Camu Camu per day could be helpful in treating and maintaining good gum health. We know healthy gums are also connected to a healthy heart. Camu Camu has grown profusely along the riverbanks of the Amazon River for centuries. Cyndi O'Meara, who is speaking at the Real Food for Health Seminar this Thursday 3rd May at the Catalina Club in Batemans Bay is a great advocate of Camu Camu. Cyndi who not only researched the many benefits of Camu Camu, also travelled to South America, to source the berry. She felt it was important to ensure the Camu Camu she used was harvested by indigenous people as part of a fair trade project, enabling the Amazonian people to sustain their culture and to save their traditional lands. These locals were well aware of the health benefits of Camu Camu, having used it for generations as food and medicinally. For more information on the health benefits of Camu Camu call in to chat with the team at Go Vita, Your Health Shop at 5 North St, Batemans Bay or phone on 44729737.
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