The cloudberry is a delightful fruit which comes from a rhizome. Many people are unfamiliar with it, as it is mainly cultivated in Alpine and Arctic regions. Still, this berry is amazing and offers many essential nutrients for your overall health. There is so much more to cloudberry than meets the eye. Give this article a read and learn more about this amazing berry!
Cloudberry: What Is It?
Scientifically known as the Rubus chamaemus, the cloudberry is a very delightful type of fruit which comes from a rhizome herb. As said earlier, a lot of people are not familiar with these berries because they mainly grow in the Alpine or Arctic regions. They also grow in the boreal forests of the world’s northern hemisphere, primarily Scandinavia, Northern Europe, Russia, various parts of the British Isles, Alaska, Canada and Newfoundland.
Decades ago, cloudberry was just a wild plant. However, after undergoing very extensive research, people have come to know that this berry is no ordinary berry. It is rich in vitamin C., which is why a lot of countries have begun to cultivate it and make a wide array of products from it, like jams and liquors.
Cloudberries are highly valued in the culinary field because of the quality of their juice and tar. Not only that, cloudberry is a treasure chest of various organic compounds, vitamins, and minerals, which may significantly benefit the overall health. Cloudberries are often used in various baked goodies, alcoholic drinks, jams and candies, among other things. You can eat them raw, but the flavor is a bit tart. Therefore, most people prepare them with sweetened recipes.
Usually, cloudberries have a golden-yellow or amber color when ripe. Ripe cloudberries are juicy, soft and have a tart flavor. Other names for the berry include salmonberry, yellowberry, baked apple berry and bakeapple. Additionally, cloudberry is rich in vitamin C and vitamin A. Its leaves may also be made into tea, which is great for treating urinary tract infections.
Nutritional Facts of Cloudberry
One hundred grams of cloudberry has the following essential nutrients:
- 3% of the Daily Value Needs of Iron
- 1% of the Daily Value Needs of Calcium
- 263% of the Daily Value Needs of Vitamin C
- 4% of the Daily Value Needs of Vitamin A
- 4 grams of Protein
- 9 grams of Total Carbs
- 8 grams of Total Fat
- 51 Calories
The most noticeable nutrient in cloudberries is vitamin C. Nevertheless, it also has some other nutrients which are as valuable as vitamin C, as listed above.
Health Benefits of Cloudberry
Here are some of the most fascinating health benefits of cloudberry:
- Aids in digestive health. The dietary fiber in the cloudberry makes it essential in optimising the digestive system. Fiber stimulates the peristaltic motion that may reduce constipation, cramping, bloating and other serious conditions like cancer and gastric ulcers.
- Possesses antioxidant properties. Aside from the vitamin C, there are also some carotenoids and phytosterols in the berry. These are essential in reducing the occurrence of cancer, slowing the aging process and reducing the appearance of wrinkles, among other things.
- Aids in detoxification. Cloudberries act as a diuretic, which helps stimulate urination. Furthermore, they are also beneficial in keeping the body free of any dangerous toxins and eliminating excess water, fat and salts.
- Aids in heart health. Cloudberries have a distinct component, which most fruits lack. It actually has omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids, which are both essential for heart health. This is one of the best health benefits of cloudberry.
- Helps improve circulation. Cloudberries are oozing with iron and other minerals. This is essential for blood circulation and a key component in the production of red blood cells.
- Helps boost immunity. The high levels of vitamin A and vitamin C make cloudberries beneficial for immunity. The vitamin C is essential in stimulating the production of white blood cells and may act as an antioxidant that neutralizes the free radicals all over the body. The vitamin A, on the other hand, acts as an antioxidant, which helps by protecting the skin and eyes against aging.
Caution on the Consumption of Cloudberry
It isn’t usually known as an allergen., but there is a distinct combination of acids and nutrients in cloudberry that may affect sensitive people. In simple words, enjoy cloudberries in moderation and monitor the body in order to see how it responds.
