Camu-camu is a traditional Amazonian fruit that is notable for its high quantities of nutrients and vitamins. Like other citrus fruits, camu-camu contains ascorbate, or vitamin C, a vital antioxidant molecule located in the brain. In addition to its high levels of ascorbate, camu-camu contains amino acids such as leucine, thiamin and valine, which are also essential for healthy brain functioning.
Definition
Camu-camu berries – also called Myrciaria dubia – have been found to exhibit notable anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. According to a study published in a 2008 issue of the “Journal of Cardiology,” extracts of the camu-camu berry were found to decrease the levels of oxidative stress markers such as urinary 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine. In other words, by taking regular doses of camu-camu juice, patients exhibited significant benefits in their oxidative stress and inflammation levels after seven days. As a result, camu-camu may be as effective as vitamin C tablets in fighting free radicals and reducing oxidative stress in the brain. Camu-camu also contains dietary amounts of beta-carotene, calcium and protein.
How It Works
Ascorbate participates in many crucial enzyme reactions in the brain, including catecholamine synthesis and collagen production. According to a report published in a 2009 issue of “Free Radical Biology and Medicine,” ascorbate performs complex neuromodulation functions involving the management of glutamatergic, dopaminergic, cholinergic and GABAergic transmissions. In other words, it is considered a crucial aspect of brain function. Since many neurodegenerative diseases are caused by oxidative stress, it is possible that the high ascorbate levels of camu-camu can play a therapeutic role against conditions such as ischemic stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Huntingdon’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Camu-Camu and Ascorbate
Unlike some animals, humans are unable to manufacture ascorbate. As a result, we must consume foods containing vitamin C – or ascorbate – in order to receive enough for proper brain function. Oranges are a common dietary staple for vitamin C, and contain between 500 and 4,000 parts per million in each fruit, according to the Raintree Nutrition website. Comparatively, camu-camu provides up to 500,000 parts per million of vitamin C per serving. In addition to its significantly higher vitamin C content, camu-camu also contains 10 times more iron, three times more niacin and twice as much riboflavin as oranges. Since these and other nutrients found in camu-camu are responsible for optimal mental function, it is possible that camu-camu offers a number of benefits for the brain.
Safety Concerns
Talk to your doctor before taking alternative medicinal foods, such as camu-camu. Like many citrus fruits, camu-camu is acidic and may cause stomach discomfort if you suffer from an ulcer or other gastrointestinal condition. Never take supplemental or alternative health remedies in place of medical therapies recommended by your doctor.
References
- Free Radical Biology And Medicine: Vitamin C Function In The Brain: Vital Role Of The Ascorbate Transporter (SVCT2)
- Journal Of Cardiology: Tropical Fruit Camu-Camu (Myrciaria Dubia) Has Anti-Oxidative And Anti-Inflammatory Properties
- Archivos Latinoamericanos De Nutricion: Nutritional Composition And Vitamin C Stability In Stored Camu-Camu (Myrciaria Dubia) Pulp
- Raintree Nutrition: Camu Camu - Myrciaria Dubia
- Natural News: Camu Camu: The Natural Vitamin C Powerhouse For Peak Mental Function And Nervous System Protection
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