Camu camu is the newest superfood rock star! Camu camu is a shrub native to the South American rain forests and fields of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela. It produces an abundance of berries that pack a powerful vitamin punch.

The leaves and berries of the camu camu have been used for thousands of years by South American natives for medicinal purposes. This small cherry – like berry is nutrient dense, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. The camu camu berry is available in various forms including liquid, powder and capsule for oral consumption. It is also used in topical lotions and oils.

Researchers have discovered it contains high antioxidant properties that aid in skin and eye health, strengthening of the immune system, decreased depression, and lowered risk of arthritis, asthma, and gum disease. Camu camu may also help protect against cancer.

Camu camu is an excellent source of essential nutrients, amino acids, antioxidants and anti-viral properties vital to health and wellness. Along with additional nutrients, camu Camu contains the following essentials:

• Vitamin C: promotes bone strength, blood vessels, and skin
• Potassium: enhances nervous system, muscle contraction, fluid balance
• Leucine: aids in stabilization of weight, lean muscle mass, and cholesterol levels
• Valine: promotes normal growth, tissue repair, blood sugar regulation, mental function
• Serine: aids in brain function, central nervous system function
• Gallic Acid: protects against cancer and neural degeneration
• Ellagic Acid: used to fight cancer and to treat bacterial and viral infections

Recipe: Camu Camu Berry-ade

Did you know camu camu is reported to have 60 times the vitamin C of an orange?

In the heat of the summer, try this refreshing, rich drink.

Ingredients

• ½ tbsp honey
• ¼ cup of fresh squeezed
• lemon juice
• ¼ cup of fresh squeezed orange juice
• 2 tbsp camu camu powder
• 1 quart water

Instructions

Mix ingredients together in a blender and pour into a glass pitcher. Chill before serving.