What is pH?

In simple terms pH measures acidity/alkalinity on a scale from 0 to 14. 0 is very acidic, 7 is neutral, 14 is very alkaline. Our body maintains our blood as slightly alkaline, about 7.4 on this scale. Even with the typical acid forming western diet, the blood will have the correct pH. If the pH of the blood goes outside 7.35 to 7.45 severe problems will develop.

Types of body fluid

There are various types of fluids in the body:
Intracellular fluid is found in all body cells and makes up about 66% of total body fluid.
Plasma is the fluid component of blood.
Interstitial fluid occupies the spaces surrounding your tissues.

So when we talk about getting the body pH correct we mean the pH of the fluids other than the blood. Most people have acidic body pH, which eventually leads to health problems.

The pH of our saliva is an indication of our overall body pH. The saliva should have a pH of just over 7.3; certainly if the saliva is acidic (pH less than 7) then the body has an acidity problem. pH test kits are available to test the saliva.

Below are some of the foods known to be acid forming or alkaline forming. Note, the pH of the food itself is not of much interest. What is important is the way the food affects body pH when digested. For example, lemons are acidic but have an alkaline forming affect when eaten.

Symptoms of an acidic body

If your body is acidic it will let you know. Common symptoms include: tiredness, leg cramps, insomnia, weight gain, weight loss, heartburn, allergies, skin disorders. If left unchecked, chronic disease will develop.

Water and body pH

Our body is 70% water, so the quality of our water intake has a dramatic effect on our body pH. Always drink pure water. Avoid soft drinks and alcohol.

Foods that make your body acidic

Meat, especially red meat.
Fish
Eggs.
Diary.
Wheat, rice.
Bread, pasta, pastries.
Legumes.
Most nuts.
Cranberries.
Blueberries.
Prunes.
Corn.
Coffee.
Alcohol.
Soft drinks.
Drugs.
Food chemicals.
Refined sugar.
Chocolate.

Foods that make your body alkaline

Lemons and limes.
Watermelon.
Grapefruit.
Papayas.
Green vegetables.
Carrot.
Beet.
Amaranth, millet, quinoa.
Sprouts.
Herbs.
Tomatoes.
Avacadoes.
Almonds.
Goat milk.
Raw honey.
Olive oil.
Flax seed oil.
Green tea.

Himalayan crystal salt

Himalayan crystal salt is great way to help the body back to an alkaline state. Read more here.

Barley grass

Barley grass juice and other green foods are great for helping the maintain an alkaline body pH. Make it fresh yourself or use a powdered product.

Weight loss

Many people struggle to lose weight even when they exercise a lot. Body pH may be the missing factor. An alkaline body pH will greatly assist weight loss.

Striking a balance

How can we achieve a lower body ph with a balanced diet? We don’t need to eat only alkaline forming foods, that would be an unbalanced diet. Choose a balanced diet with as many alkaline forming foods as possible. Check out the Mr Cabbage Head Diet .

References:

Baroody TA. Alkalize or Die. Holographic Health Inc. 1991.

Hay WH. A new health era.1933.

Young RO, Young SR. The pH Miracle: Balance Your Diet, Reclaim Your Health. Warner Books 2002.

In 1913, soy was listed in the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) handbook as an industrial product - not as a food.

Let’s look at some of the reasons why soy is bad for your health.

Phytic acid in soy

Soy contains high levels of phytic acid, which is not neutralized by the usual preparation methods. High levels of phytic acid in soy reduce assimilation of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. Vegetarians who consume soy as a major source of protein risk serious mineral deficiencies.

Haemagglutinin

The haemagglutinin in soy is a clot-promoting substance that causes red blood cells to clump together.

Vitamin D

Soy foods increase the body’s need for vitamin D. This is serious given that many people are already vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D is need by the body to fight cancer.

Vitamin B12

Soy contains vitamin B12 analogs. These are not absorbed and can actually increase the body’s need for vitamin B12. This is especially a problem for vegetarians who need to be more diligent in obtaining vitamin B12.

Trypsin inhibitors in soy

The trypsin inhibitors in soy interfere with protein digestion and may cause pancreatic disorders. Animal based tests with soy containing trypsin inhibitors showed stunted growth.

Aluminium

Soy foods may contain high levels of aluminium which is toxic to both the nervous system and kidneys.

Accelerated brain aging

A study by Dr White of Japanese Americans living in Hawaii, showed a significant statistical relationship between two or more servings of tofu a week and “accelerated brain aging”. Those participants who consumed tofu in mid-life had lower cognitive function in late life and a greater incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Phytoestrogens

The phytoestrogens in soy can disrupt endocrine function and have the potential to cause infertility and breast cancer in women.

Infants fed exclusively soy-based formula have up to 22,000 times more estrogen compounds in their blood than babies fed milk-based formula. This is the equivalent of at least five birth control pills per day. Premature development of girls has been linked to the use of soy formula, as has the under development of males.

Soy and cancer

The soy industry pushes soy as a cancer preventing food. On the contrary, soy contains toxins such as lysinoalanine and nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are highly carcinogenic. Laboratory rats fed soy develop thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer and digestive cancers. Note that cancer preventing compounds are found only in fermented soy not in tofu, soy milk and other soy products.

References:

Alarcon P. et. al. Clinical trial of home available, mixed diets versus a lactose-free soy-protein formula for the dietary management of acute childhood diarrhea. Journal of Pediatric and Gastroenterol Nutrition. v.12 (2), Feb 1991.

Berk Z. Technology of production of edible flours and protein products from soybeans. FAO Agricultural Services Bulletin 97, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 1992.

Chandra R K. Five-year follow-up of high risk infants with family history of allergy who were extensively breast-fed or fed partial whey hydrolase, soy and conventional cow’s milk formulas. Journal of Pediatric and Gastroenterol Nutrition. 1997.

Jensen K. Chemical substances harmful for the endocrine system. Report to the European Parliament, July 23, 1998.

Katz S H. Food and Biocultural Evolution: A Model for the Investigation of Modern Nutritional Problems. Nutritional Anthropology, Alan R. Liss Inc., 1987.

Lonnerdal B. et. al. The effect of individual components of soy formula and cows’ milk formula on zinc bioavailability American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Nov 1984.

Palmer G. The Politics of Breastfeeding. Pandora Press, London, 1993.

Setchell K D R. Simmer-Nechemias L, Cai J, Helibi J E. Exposure of infants to phyto-oestrogens from soy-based infant formula. Lancet 1997.

White, L. Association of High Midlife Tofu Consumption with Accelerated Brain Aging. Plenary Session #8: Cognitive Function, The Third International Soy Symposium, November 1999.

Diets based on cabbage have been promoted for years. Let’s look at the humble cabbage.

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable along with kale, broccoli, and brussel sprouts. Cabbage was grown by the Ancient Greeks and Romans who held it in high regard as a general tonic capable of treating many health conditions.

Nutrients found in cabbage

Cabbage contains high levels of vitamin C and vitamin K. There are useful amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, folate, manganese, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Cabbage provides these nutrients with few calories and at a low cost, hence its popularity in diets.

Cabbage reduces cancer risk

There are many studies that show positive results in the prevention and cure of cancer when eating cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables. The cancer-fighting properties of cabbage are thought to result from the high levels of active phytochemicals.

University of Leicester researchers found that a naturally occurring compound (indole-3-carbinol) in green leafy vegetables such as brussel sprouts and cabbage could be a powerful cancer fighter when used in combination with chemotherapy drugs.

Swedish researchers found that eating plenty of cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and broccoli may offer protection against cancer of the pancreas.

A Polish study found the lowest rate of breast cancer among women who consumed high amounts of raw or lightly cooked cabbage during adolescence. However, even if cabbage was not consumed in significant quantities during adolescence, adding cabbage to the diet during adulthood also provided significant benefit. Another study in China found that women consuming high levels of cabbage had a 45% lower risk of breast cancer.

A study in Seattle showed that men consuming 3 or more servings of cruciferous vegetables each week had a 44% lower prostate cancer risk.

Cabbage and Alzheimer’s Disease

Research shows that antioxidant polyphenols abundant in red cabbage, can protect brain cells against the damage caused by amyloid-beta protein which is accumulated in people with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Cabbage and peptic ulcers

Studies show that raw cabbage juice is very effective in the treatment of peptic ulcers. In one study, peptic ulcers were totally healed after 10 days of consuming 1 litre of raw cabbage juice daily.

Cabbage and the thyroid

Cabbage contains goitrogens which can interfere with the functioning of the thyroid gland. The risk is not clear, but Individuals with thyroid problems may want to avoid the consumption of cabbage.

Cooking cabbage

Wash and cut with a stainless steel knife immediately before cooking. Cabbage should only be lightly steamed or sautéed for a maximum of 5 minutes. Many of the benefits of cabbage are only found if the cabbage is eaten raw or after light cooking.

References:

Beliveau R, Gingras D, Stojanac M. Foods that fight cancer. Allen & Unwin. 2006.

Cheney G. Rapid healing of peptic ulcers in patients receiving fresh cabbage juice. Cal Med 70 (1949):10-14 1949.

Cohen JH, et al. Fruit and vegetable intakes and prostate cancer risk. Journal National Cancer Institute. 2000

Heo HJ, Chang YL. Phenolic phytochemicals in cabbage inhibit amyloid beta protein-induced neurotoxcicity. Food Science and Technology 2006 May;39(4)

Murray M, Pizzorno J. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. 2nd Revised Ed. Prima Publishing 1997.

Verhoeven DT et al. Epidemiological studies on brassica vegetables and cancer risk 1996.

Stoewsand GS. Bioactive organosulfur phytochemicals in Brassica oleracea vegetables– a review. Food Chem Toxicol 1995 Jun;33(6)

The walnut tree can grow to 70 feet or more and may have a span as much as 4 feet round its trunk. The walnut tree has long leaves that can grow as long as two to three feet.

Walnuts are part of the mediterranean diet, well known for its health benefits.

Nutrients found in walnuts

Walnut are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. In fact 30g of walnuts provides the daily needs of omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts contain a lot of manganese and copper. Also found in smaller quantities are vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, calcium, iron, phosphorus, selenium, potassium and zinc.

Walnut contains ellagic acid, an antioxidant compound that helps supports the immune system and contains several anticancer properties.

Walnuts for constipation

Walnut has a mild laxative effect, it is beneficial in cases of constipation.

Protect the heart

According to several studies, walnuts have amazing cardioprotective benefits. Research shows that polyphenolic compounds found in walnuts, ellagic and gallic acid, possessed significant antioxidant properties. Further study identifies 16 polyphenols with antioxidant activity so protective it is described as remarkable.

Research shows that inclusion of 30 g of walnuts per day in the diet significantly improves the HDL cholesterol to total cholesterol ratios in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Lower blood pressure

Researchers found that omega-3s from nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils such as walnuts and flaxseed had just as much impact on blood pressure as omega-3s from fish.

Walnuts contain relatively high levels of l-arginine, an essential amino acid, they may be of special importance when it comes to hypertension.

Think better with walnuts

The brain is more than 60% fat. For your brain cells to function properly, the brain fat needs to be mostly the omega-3 fats found in walnuts, flaxseed and cold-water fish. For this reason, walnuts are regarded as a brain food; they even have a wrinkled brain-like appearance.

Protect your bones with walnuts

Alpha linolenic acid, the omega-3 fat found in walnuts, promotes bone health by helping prevent excessive bone turnover by providing a lower ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats in the diet. (Griel et al. 2007)

Add walnuts to your lunch box

Why not have a few walnuts each day with a healthy sandwich for lunch? Walnuts are best eaten raw and unsalted.

References:

Blomhoff R, Carlsen MH, Andersen LF, Jacobs DR Jr. Health benefits of nuts: potential role of antioxidants. Br J Nutr. 2006 Nov;96 Suppl 2:S52-60. PMID:17125534.

Fukuda T, Ito H, Yoshida T. Antioxidative polyphenols from walnuts (Juglans regia L.). Phytochemistry. Aug;63(7):795-801 2003.

Griel AE, Kris-Etherton PM, Hilpert KF, Zhao G, West SG, Corwin RL. An increase in dietary n-3 fatty acids decreases a marker of bone resorption in humans. Nutr J. 2007 Jan 16;6:2. PMID:17227589.

Sabate, J. (1999). Nut consumption, vegetarian diets, ischemic heart disease risk, and all-cause mortality: Evidence from epidemiologic studies. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 70(3S), 500S-503S.

Sabate, J. (1993). Does nut consumption protect against ischaemic heart disease? European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 47(1), S71-S75.

Sabate, J., Fraser, G.E., Burke, K., Knutsen, S.F., Bennett, H., & Lindsted, K.D. 1993. Effects of walnuts on serum lipid levels and blood pressure in normal men. New England Journal of Medicine, 328(9), 603-607.

Tapsell LC, Gillen LG, Patch CS, Batterham M, Owen A, Baré M, Kennedy M. Including Walnuts in a Low-Fat/Modified-Fat Diet Improves HDL Cholesterol-to-Total Cholesterol Ratios in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2004.

Wheatgrass contains vitamins, minerals and trace elements, including selenium, and amino acids. It also contains the hormone abscisic acid, the antioxidant enzyme Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and many other enzymes.

Wheat allergies

People with wheat allergies need not be concerned when consuming wheatgrass juice. Wheatgrass is a leafy green and is different from the grain and refined grain products. Wheatgrass does not contain the gluten found in the grain.

Wheatgrass benefits

There are many claims surrounding wheatgrass, but little scientific evidence. Claims include:

Improvement of the digestive system.
A cure for constipation.
Blood purification.
Detoxification of heavy metals.
Prevention of cancer.
Prevention of diabetes.
Prevention of heart disease.

Many websites making these claims are also selling wheatgrass juice products.

A common claim is that one ounce of wheatgrass juice is equivalent to 1 kg of green vegetables. This is simply not true. The vitamin and mineral content of wheatgrass juice is not that high.

However Mr CabbageHead tried drinking 2 ounces of wheatgrass juice a day for several months and noticed a dramatic improvement in digestion and energy levels. Perhaps it is the enzymes and phyto-nutrients that are useful.

How to drink wheatgrass juice

The wheatgrass should be harvested fresh, juiced and consumed immediately on an empty stomach. Many juice outlets sell wheatgrass shots which are typically 1 ounce. You can consume 1 or 2 ounces at a time, one or more times a day. Start with 1 ounce a day. Wheatgrass juice seems to be a powerful detoxifier, so start with modest amounts.

References:

Ferruzzia M, Blakesleeb J. Digestion, absorption, and cancer preventative activity of dietary chlorophyll derivatives, Nutrition Research Volume 27, Issue 1, 2007

Meyerowitz S. Nutrition in Grass, Wheatgrass Nature’s Finest Medicine: The Complete Guide to Using Grass Foods & Juices to Revitalize Your Health, 6th Edition, Book Publishing Company, 53. 1999.

MSM has been heavily marketed lately. As you would expect, many claims are made about the benefits of MSM. MSM is claimed to:

Reduce stress.
Relieve constipation.
Detoxify and energize the body.
Improve blood circulation.
Strengthen capillary walls.
Keep skin and nails healthy.
Maintain the body’s pH balance.
Speed wound healing.
Reduce or halt hair loss.
Reduce muscle cramps.
Help heal Candida.
Heal varicose veins.
Balance hormones.
Aid nutrient absorption.
Relieve migraines and headaches.

MSM research

The evidence is mostly anecdotal, but research shows some benefits. Studies in rats found that MSM delayed the onset of chemically induced cancers. Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who took MSM had significantly reduced pain and improved physical functioning. A throat spray containing MSM was shown to be useful for alleviating snoring.

Sulphur

In living organisms, sulphur is found mainly in organic molecules. Humans obtain it by absorbing the sulphur-containing amino acids methionine, cysteine, and cystine. Consumption of adequate protein should provide enough sulphur, and although sulphur is an essential dietary mineral, little mention of recommended intake is made. Since Americans consume way more protein than they need, sulphur deficiency is very unlikely. So it would seem that consumption of Methylsulfonylmethane is unnecessary.

Nevertheless, MSM may be a useful addition to the diet of some people. Scientific studies have shown MSM to be safe for human and animal use. Even at large dosage levels, there are no known significant adverse effects or drug interactions. Mr Cabbage Head suggests the use of Applied Kinesiology to determine if you really need MSM before you part with your money. Note that vitamin C must be taken with MSM.

References:

Blum JM, Blum RI. The effect of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in the control of snoring. Integrative Medicine 2004;3(6)24-30.

Hixson O. Acute intragastric toxicity (LD-50). Dimethyl sulfone (methylsulfonylmethane, MSM). Laboratory of Vitamin Technology, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, August 21, 1958.

Hucker HB et al. Studies on the absorption, excretion and metabolism of dimethylsulfoxide in man. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 155:309-317, 1967.

Jacob S, Lawrence RM, Zucker M. The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain. New York: Penguin-Putnam, 1999.

Kim LS, Axelrod LJ, Howard P, Buratovich N, Waters RF. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2006;14(3):286–94.

Klandorf H and others. Dimethyl sulfoxide modulation of diabetes onset in NOD mice. Diabetes 38:194-197, 1989.

Spallholz J, Boylan M, Driskell A. Nutrition: Chemistry and Biology, 2nd Edition. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press, 1999.

What is Himalayan Crystal Salt?

Himalayan Crystal Salt comes from a time when the planet Earth was a pristine ecosystem. Millions of years ago, a primordial sea was evaporated by the sun, leaving absolutely pristine crystalline salt. Millions of years of pressure forced this salt into a crystalline form. This crystal salt is buried deep in the Himalayas. Himalayan Crystal Salt is 250 million years old and is probably the only source of all trace elements necessary for optimum human health.

In ancient times, Himalayan Crystal Salt was also called “king salt” because it was reserved for Royalty. The common citizens only got rock salt.

“Salt is born of the purest of parents: the sun and the sea.” Pythagoras (580 BC - 500 BC)

Benefits of Himalayan Crystal Salt

Himalayan Crystal Salt is a source of all the 84 elements found in the body.
Regulating the water content throughout the body.
Promoting a healthy pH balance in body cells, particularly brain cells.
Promoting blood sugar health.
Assisting in the generation of hydroelectric energy in cells.
Improves nutrient absorption through the intestinal tract.
Supporting respiratory health.
Promoting sinus health.
Prevention of muscle cramps.
Promoting bone strength.
Regulating sleep.
Supporting libido.
Promoting vascular health.
Regulation of blood pressure.

How much Himalayan Crystal Salt should we eat?

The easiest method is to prepare Sole, a saturated solution of Himalayan Crystal Salt. Put some Himalayan Crystal Salt crystals in a glass of pure water. Always have some undissolved crystals to give a saturated solution. Consume 5mL of this solution each morning with plenty of water.

So, instead of suppressing symptoms with drugs, why not give the body what it needs - all 84 elements needed for human health. Of course, we need more than these elements for sustenance.

References:

Hendel B., Ferreira P. Water and Salt, The Essence of Life. 2003

Rose hips develop on wild roses as the flowers drop off. The rose hip, also called the rose haw, is the fruit of the rose. Rose hips were called “the food of the gods” by the ancient Greeks and regarded as beneficial for a number of health reasons.

Rose hips are available as an oil and as a powder. The powder makes a healthy additional to a smoothie. Rose hip seed oil can be used on the skin and is found in some skin creams. The Rosa Canina species is commonly used as a source of rose hips.

Rose hips contain vitamins A, C, D and E, flavonoids and iron. Rose hips are particularly high in vitamin C, with about 200 mg per 10 g of dried rose hips, making it one of the richest plant sources of vitamin C.

Benefits of rose hips

Research shows that rose hips reduce pain and improve general wellbeing in patients with osteoarthritis.

Rose hip tea is thought to be a natural cold remedy that soothes coughs and flushes out toxins from the kidneys and urinary tract.

Rose hip seed oil is claimed to soften the skin, build collagen and reduce sun damage that causes fine lines and wrinkles.

Rose hips and spirulina

Mr Cabbage Head suggests this potent start to the day. Mix 10g of powdered spirulina and 10g of rose hip powder with water or soy milk. It doesn’t taste that good, but it is a powerful start to the day. This is a quick way to start the day if you are in a hurry. Have a piece of fruit afterwards to change your taste.

References:

Christensen R et al., Does the hip powder of Rosa canina (rosehip) reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients? – a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2008.

Kharazmi A., Rein E., Winther K. A herbal remedy, Hyben Vital (stand. powder of a subspecies of Rosa canina fruits), reduces pain and improves general wellbeing in patients with osteoarthritis–a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial. Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology. 2004

Barley grass contains many of the vitamins, minerals and proteins necessary for the human diet. It contains 18 amino acids, beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamins E, B1, B2, B3 and B6, and B12. There are useful quantities of minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus, manganese and zinc. Best of all, this goodness is easily absorbed since barley grass is a plant not a chemically derived supplement.

There are no known side effects attributed to barley grass; actually the side effects of barley grass are fantastic.

Barley grass benefits

The main appeal of barley grass is as a source of easily assimilated nutrients. Take barley grass 30 mnutes or more before a meal for maximum absorption.

Barley grass is a rich source of chlorophyll and live enzymes including the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD).

A Chinese study showed that barley grass was beneficial in lowering cholesterol levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Barley grass contain two kinds of fiber–some that dissolves in water (known as beta-glucan) and some that does not dissolve. Both types of barley fiber may help to lower cholesterol.

Barley grass’ high mineral content helps alkalinize the body and promotes an ideal pH, it contains the buffer minerals sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium which help the body manage its pH. Buffer minerals neutralize acidic materials and can help people maintain a healthy balance between acidity and alkalinity. Our cells cannot adequately function if the pH is not in a narrow range. Most processed foods along with red meat, coffee and pretty much everything in the typical American diet acidify the pH of the body. Barley grass can help rectify this situation, but obviously overall diet is very important.

Research has shown that when barley grass juice is added to injured cells, the cells’ DNA repairs itself rapidly. This may contribute to preventing the changes that often lead to cancer and rapid aging.

There are un-substantiated claims that barley grass is effective for the following conditions: skin diseases, hepatitis, asthma, anemia, diabetes, arthritis, obesity and even cancer.

Sources of barley grass

Barley grass can be made fresh, but for most people it is convenient to purchase barley grass powder. No doubt the quality of commercial barley grass will vary. Mr Cabbage Head does not recommend specifc products, but suggests avoiding those products where the grass is simply cut, dried and powered. Those products where the barley grass is juiced, cooled and evaporated in an oxygen free environment would be worth investigation.

References:

Hagiwara Y. Green Barley Essence. Keats Publishing Inc 1985.

Kanauchi O, Iwanaga T, Mitsuyama K. 2001. Germinated barley foodstuff feeding. A novel neutraceutical therapeutic strategy for ulcerative colitis. Digestion. 2001; 63 Suppl 1: 60-7.

Seibold, R. Cereal Grass, Nature’s Greatest Health Gift. New Canaan.Keats Publishing Inc 1991.

YuYM, Chang WC, Chang CT, Hseih CL, Tsai CE. Effects of young barley leaf extract and antioxidative vitamins on LDL oxidation and free radical scavenging activities in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Metabolism. 2002;28(2):107-114.

The extraordinarily high vitamin C content of camu camu is of great interest. The fresh fruit can contain up to 3% vitamin C by weight. The fruit is also an extremely rich source of anthocyanins, with a particularly high level of cyanidin-3-glucoside. Compared to oranges, camu camu fruit provides 30 times more vitamin C and 10 times more iron. Camu camu is also a significant source of phosphorus and potassium.

Camu camu powder

Whilst more expensive than synthetic vitamin C powder, camu camu powder not only contains natural vitamin C but many of the minerals needed to aid in vitamin C absorption. Camu camu is a key ingredient in the The Mr Cabbage Head Power Smoothie.

Harvesting of camu camu

Wild harvesting of camu camu has intensified. Whilst it is nice to eat wild harvested fruit, there is a potential environmental impact. Camu camu grows well in flooded areas and the fruit is eaten by fish. Fish populations have declined in extensively harvested areas. The good news is that camu camu is easily cultivated and tolerates a wide range of conditions provided it is supplied with plenty of water.

References:

Justi, K. C., et al. Nutritional composition and vitamin C stability in stored camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) pulp. Arch. Latinoam. Nutr. 2000 Dec; 50(4):405-8.

Zanatta, C. F., et al. Determination of anthocyanins from camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) by HPLC-PDA, HPLC-MS, and NMR. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2005 Nov 30; 53(24):9531-5.