Cloudberry, also known as bakeapple, is a tiny orange-yellow fruit that grows wild in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. This superfruit is not only delicious, but it also offers numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, immune system support, bone health effects, and more. Adding Cloudberry to your diet can enhance your health significantly.
What are Cloudberry’s Nutritional Values?
Cloudberry is a nutrient-dense fruit that provides a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. According to the US nutritional database, a 100-gram serving of Cloudberry contains:
- Calories: 61
- Carbohydrates: 12.67g
- Fat: 0.3g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Vitamin C: 47.5mg (79% of the RDI)
- Vitamin A: 100mcg (11% of the RDI)
- Calcium: 8mg (1% of the RDI)
- Iron: 0.4mg (4% of the RDI)
Cloudberry also contains soluble dietary fiber and antioxidants that can help improve digestion and combat cell damage.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Cloudberry
Cloudberry is rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids, polyphenols, and anthocyanins, that help fight inflammation. These compounds reduce the production of pro-inflammatory markers, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and C-reactive protein (CRP).
A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that Cloudberry has significant anti-inflammatory activity due to the presence of anthocyanins. These compounds activate signaling pathways that reduce inflammatory markers’ production, reducing inflammation throughout the body.
Immune System Effects of Cloudberry
Cloudberry is rich in Vitamin C, an essential nutrient that supports a healthy immune system. A 100-gram serving of Cloudberry contains almost 80% of the daily Vitamin C requirement. Vitamin C enhances the body’s ability to fight off infections and helps prevent chronic diseases.
Cloudberry also contains Vitamin A, which is crucial for the development and function of immune cells. This vitamin helps keep the skin and mucous membranes of the respiratory and digestive tracts healthy, providing a barrier against pathogens.
Bone Health Effects of Cloudberry
Cloudberry is a good source of calcium, a critical mineral for healthy bones and teeth. Calcium is essential for maintaining bone density and preventing bone loss. Moreover, Cloudberry contains manganese, a mineral that helps bone formation and strengthens connective tissue.
Food Combining Information and Recipe
Cloudberry has a sour taste and is usually eaten raw or used as a topping for desserts, ice cream, and yogurt. You can also make delicious Cloudberry jams and sauces.
For an anti-inflammatory drink, try this Cloudberry smoothie recipe:
Cloudberry and Raspberry Smoothie
- 1 cup fresh or frozen Cloudberry
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Blend all the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Add more almond milk or water to achieve the desired consistency. Enjoy the refreshing Cloudberry and raspberry smoothie!
Conclusion and Dietary Advice
Cloudberry is a superfruit rich in vital nutrients and antioxidants, offering a wide range of health benefits. The high Vitamin C content provides immune support while the anthocyanins and other antioxidants help reduce inflammation in the body.
Considering these benefits of Cloudberry, it is an excellent addition to any healthy diet. Some foods can be better digested when combined with other foods. Experts recommend consuming Cloudberry with green vegetables, citrus fruits like oranges, and nuts and seeds for optimal digestion and nutrient absorption.
If you love anti-inflammatory fruits, check out the rest of our fruits section here, or pop over to our anti-inflammatory herbs section where you can find powerful goodness to add to any autoimmune smoothie.
Thank you for reading, and please come back again!