Cloudberry - useful properties and contraindications

Cloudberries are a rather unusual berry, which is rarely laid out on the shelves of supermarkets. It is difficult to cultivate, so it can be found in some Scandinavian and Baltic regions, as well as in the north of Belarus and Russia. For decades, locals have used valuable fruits, leaves, and sepals for medicinal purposes. Not to mention the fact that the ripe berry has a characteristic sweet aftertaste and perfectly emphasizes the taste of sweet pastries or meat sauces.

The healing properties and good gastronomic characteristics make cloudberries a welcome guest in our diet.

Chemical composition

Cloudberry unfamiliar to many wins the competition with orange, as it contains several times more ascorbic acid.

Also in its composition the following useful components are noted:

• organic acids (malic, citric and salicylic);
• polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and alpha-linoleic);
• macro- and microelements (calcium, sodium, aluminum, phosphorus, magnesium, silicon, potassium, iron, etc.);
• vitamins of groups E, C, A, B and even PP;
• tannins;
• pectins;
• provitamin A carotenoids and beta-carotene;
• anthocyanins;
• volatile;
• antioxidants;
• alpha tocopherol;
• dietary fiber and fiber.

The calorie content of cloudberries is about 40 kcal per 100 g, and the ratio of energy components is as follows:

• water - up to 83% of the total volume;
• proteins - 0.8%;
• carbohydrates (fructose, mono- and disaccharides) - about 7.4%;
• lipids - not more than 0.9%.

What is the use of cloudberries for the body?

Such a rich qualitative composition has led local peoples to call cloudberries “Arctic gold”.

Ascorbic acid, contained in excess in the berry, strengthens the immune system and stimulates the protective properties of the body. It also contributes to the production of white blood cells, which provide the primary immune response.

Vitamin A protects the dermis and prevents its premature aging. It also helps to strengthen vision and slows its further loss with myopia or farsightedness.

Magnesium, vitamins B and other components in the composition of the berry have a beneficial effect on the brain, increase concentration and attention, improve memory and performance.

Iron in the composition of the berry is involved in hematopoiesis and the production of red blood cells. Regular consumption of cloudberries is an excellent prevention of iron deficiency anemia (anemia).

Fiber triggers the digestive system and intestinal motility, prevents bloating and constipation.

Natural sugar in cloudberries support the body's need for insulin and prevent the occurrence of type 2 diabetes.

Cloudberry seeds contain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which regulate the level of beneficial cholesterol in the bloodstream.

Potassium helps lower blood pressure, which is useful for hypertension and related conditions. The trace element also regulates the secretion of cell fluid.

Antioxidants can prevent the onset and development of malignant tumors, as well as slow down the oxidative processes in the body (prevention of acidosis).

Phenols in cloudberries protect against pathological microorganisms and inhibit their reproduction.

The use of cloudberries in medicine

Thanks to many useful and valuable components, cloudberry is used in various fields of medicine as a biologically active and dietary supplement.

1. It has a diuretic effect. Doctors prescribe cloudberries to improve urination for diseases of the genitourinary system, as well as to detoxify the body. Due to this quality, excess fluid and harmful compounds are removed from the body, which also helps to reduce swelling.
2. Suppresses the development of pathogenic microflora in the digestive tract. It is known that the berry has a detrimental effect on microbes, bacteria and some intestinal parasites.
3. Normalizes digestion. A unique cloudberry allows you to simultaneously combat both bowel disorder and constipation. To reduce diarrhea, it is recommended to drink concentrated fresh cloudberry juice (dilute 1 to 1 with water). For a laxative effect, the leaves of the bush are brewed and a decoction is used three times a day half an hour before meals.
4. Strengthens the vascular system. Antioxidants and fatty acids help cleanse blood vessels of atherosclerotic and cholesterol plaques, and prevent the occurrence of atherosclerosis. Also, the berry strengthens the vascular walls, returns their natural tone, which has a beneficial effect on the work of the cardiovascular system.
5. Normalizes blood circulation. Cloudberry juice regulates the coagulant properties of blood. Also, tocopherol in the composition of the berries restores blood flow in the limbs, which helps to reduce the convulsive syndrome.
6. Helps to restore the urinary system. Cloudberry juice is recommended to drink with renal colic, cystitis, pyelonephritis and other diseases of the excretory system.
7. Helps fight scurvy. This unpleasant disease is also caused by a deficiency of vitamin C in the menu. Cloudberry contains an excess of ascorbic acid, therefore it contributes to a quick cure.
8. Regenerates tissue. Northern peoples have long used berry juice to reduce burns during frostbite. The leaves are suitable for therapeutic compresses for purulent wounds, skin rashes and blisters.
9. Active fight against colds. The combination of the shock dosage of vitamin C, antioxidants and tannins can effectively fight the flu, colds, acute respiratory infections and SARS. Tea from leaves and sepals of the berry promotes sputum discharge, soothes sore throat.

The benefits of cloudberries for women

It should be noted separately that the qualitative composition of the berry has a beneficial effect on the female body.

1. Ideal for diet food. Firstly, the components in the composition stimulate the metabolism and more complete absorption of lipids and carbohydrates. Secondly, the diuretic effect promotes the removal of excess fluid from the body, and this is at least 1 kg of undesirable weight. Thirdly, the berries themselves have a low calorie content, but due to fructose perfectly satisfy the appetite and can completely replace the snack.
2. Promotes cell rejuvenation. Vitamins A and E in cloudberries stimulate collagen production and protect tissues from harmful factors. Antioxidants neutralize the influence of free radicals and prevent oxidation, which prolongs the life of each cell.
3. Beneficial effect on pregnancy. Cloudberries are rich in vitamins, minerals, organic acids, polyunsaturated fats and trace elements, which contributes to the harmonious development of the baby in the womb. Vitamin E in the composition starts growth processes, which is important in the first trimester, when the basic systems of the child are laid and formed.
4. Produces a cosmetic effect. In the CIS countries, cloudberry berry extract is used not only in pharmaceuticals, but also in medical cosmetology. Professional lines for skin and hair care use the valuable properties of fruits, namely:

• calming effect (skin care in dry heat or winter cold);
• tissue regeneration (restoration of skin after burns and frostbite, dermatitis);
• anti-inflammatory effect (cosmetics with cloudberry extract are suitable for teenage skin prone to acne);
• skin rejuvenation (stimulating the production of elastin and collagen, cell nutrition);
• stimulation of growth and strengthening of hair, nails.

Contraindications cloudberries

A valuable berry is saturated with extractive substances and contains natural acids in excess, so there are a number of contraindications for its use.

1. Gastrointestinal tract diseases: high acidity, heartburn, colitis and enterocolitis, gastritis, ulcerative conditions, flatulence, chronic constipation.
2. Individual intolerance to cloudberries. With caution, the fruits should also be consumed by people allergic to citruses or other berries.
3. Diseases of the cardiovascular system (large vein thrombosis, thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins).
4. High blood pressure. Hypertensive patients are undesirable to introduce acidic berries into the diet, especially at the same time as taking medications.
5. Blood coagulation disorders. It is forbidden to eat fruits to patients who are on anticoagulant therapy.

Cloudberries are a storehouse of healthy elements. Eating berries strengthens the internal systems, rejuvenates cells and contributes to the normal functioning of the brain. However, it is not worth abusing the fruits, as side effects are possible due to the pronounced extractivity.

Video: useful properties of cloudberries