Camu camu is rich in nutrients that are good for the gut. It also contains many polyphenols, compounds that are good for health and play a role in reducing weight and improving insulin resistance. In addition, camu camu has high levels of antioxidants. It also has 20 to 30 times more vitamin C per 100 g than the kiwi fruit. (Related: Camu Camu: What you need to know about the most potent food source of vitamin C on the planet.)
For the study, researchers at the Universite Laval's Faculty of Medicine in Canada further examined the benefits of camu camu. The team tested two groups of mice and fed them a high-calorie, high-sugar diet for eight weeks. One group served as the control group, while the other served as the treatment group and received camu camu extract every day throughout the study.
Results of the trial revealed that the mice that received camu camu extract did not gain weight as much as the group that did not receive the extract. More specifically, the camu camu treatment group gained 50 percent less weight than the control group.
The research team also observed significant improvements in insulin resistance, blood sugar levels, and gut inflammation in the camu camu treatment group. They believe that camu camu aids in weight loss because of its ability to boost metabolism even during rest periods.
"The consumption of fruits is strongly associated with better health and higher bacterial diversity in the gut microbiota. Camu camu is an Amazonian fruit with a unique phytochemical profile, strong antioxidant potential, and purported anti-inflammatory potential," said Andre Marette, one of the researchers.
Camu camu and its potential health benefits
Camu camu has gained the attention of many health-conscious consumers who want to include more superfoods to their diets. Listed below are the potential health benefits of this exotic berry.
- Camu camu is rich in vitamin C: As mentioned earlier, camu camu is the best food source of vitamin C. This vitamin strengthens the immune system, skin, bones, and teeth. It is also a very versatile nutrient. It can act as a natural anti-histamine, which means it can help relieve certain types of allergic reactions. It can also serve as an antioxidant, which helps protect the body from cellular damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals may cause degenerative diseases and accelerate the aging process in general.
- Camu camu might have cancer-fighting effects: This fruit has been reported to contain high amounts of ellagic acid, which is a powerful natural compound that has been reported to neutralize cancer-causing substances, enhance the immune system, and promote apoptosis of cancerous cells in a laboratory setting.
- Camu camu keeps your eyes healthy: Camu camu has been reported to contain anthocyanins along with other flavonoids. Moreover, it contains carotenoids such as lutein, which is sometimes referred to as the eye vitamin because of its eye benefits. Lutein can help prevent cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and other diseases affecting the eyes.
Read more news stories and studies on superfoods like camu camu by going to Superfoods.news.
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