Camu camu is an Amazonian berry that’s shown potential as a possible natural anti-inflammatory remedy.
This is really good news for those of us who suffer from chronic inflammation.
Inflammation is a killer.
It’s the hidden hand behind a wide range of illnesses.
If you suffer from a chronic health condition, inflammation is enemy number one.
All of us have some inflammation in our bodies. A healthy level is what we want.
The inflammatory response is what helps our bodies heal from sickness or injury.
Chronic inflammation is another story. It makes us sick.
Just about anything that’s good for us (a healthy diet) can help tame a runaway inflammatory response.
Chronic stress and a poor diet can contribute to inflammation.
Can Camu Camu Berry Help Inflammation?
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Camu camu appears to be really good for us. The berry is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants.
It also has a number of potential health benefits.
Camu camu has long been used in the Amazon (where it grows) as food and medicine.
This tropical berry has caught the attention of health enthusiasts around the world.
It’s also the subject of scientific research.
Here’s what we now know about the camu camu berry and it’s potential health benefits.
One study that appeared in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine had glowing things to say about camu camu.
“A program to increase the visibility of camu camu can contribute substantially not only to the management of inflammatory conditions and its positive contribution to overall good health but also to its potential role in many disease states,” the authors wrote.
Camu Camu Berry for Inflammation
The authors of the study cited above went on to explain just how bad excess inflammation is. How it contributes to disease and chronic pain.
(Those of us living with chronic pain are well aware of that already.)
They pointed out that anti-inflammatory drugs have side effects, and may interfere with the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
“Because of this, some patients and physicians are beginning to move toward natural approaches, such as lifestyle and dietary modifications, to improve overall health, immune function, and the normal inflammatory response and strip themselves of pharmaceutical medications,” the authors added.
So where does camu camu fit into this picture?
The study authors explained how tropical fruits such as camu camu berry are noted for their antioxidant activity in the lab.
But does this translate into benefits in the human body?
Here’s some information highlighted in this study:
- The authors reviewed previous research, which found that adult male smokers who consumed camu camu juice that contained 1050 mg of Vitamin C had reduced inflammatory markers, compared to a group of men who took only Vitamin C tablets. It was theorized that camu camu contains other compounds that may also reduce inflammation or may make the Vitamin C more bioavailable.
Does Camu Camu Help Inflammation?
So it does appear that camu camu has the potential to reduce inflammation naturally, without drugs.
This berry is one of the best sources of whole Vitamin C on the planet. (Whole Vitamin C is different than ascorbic acid, a laboratory made component of the real vitamin.)
I generally prefer whole food Vitamin C to ascorbic acid. I like to get this nutrient from food, rather than a bottle.
Camu camu powder is one of nature’s gifts, which I use to control my chronic nerve pain naturally. Without drugs.
A lot of people like to use turmeric for pain. But turmeric root doesn’t help my pain. I think it actually makes it a little worse.
Camu camu powder works so much better.
If you can’t find camu camu powder at your local grocery store, you can order it online. I use the Nativas Naturals brand, which you can see below.
Even though camu camu powder is derived from a berry, it’s not sweet. It’s incredibly tart. So in order to drink it I add it to a cup of hot water, and drink it like a tea. (I add about six drops of liquid stevia to sweeten it.)
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Pregnant women should not use herbal remedies unless under medical direction.
For More Reading
Antioxidant and Associated Capacities of Camu Camu
Can Camu Camu Help Autoimmune Disease?