Cape gooseberries are not only delicious but also have several health benefits.
Photo Credit: istockphoto
Cape gooseberries, also known as golden berries, are nutrient-rich fruits laden with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They boost immunity, improve vision, support bone health, and protect the heart. With high fiber and low calories, they aid digestion and help weight loss.
The cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana), also called the Golden Berry, Ground Cherry and Rasbhari in Hindi, is a not-so-known succulent spring fruit but contains amazing health benefits.
The cape gooseberry is a small bright orange and yellowish colored round fruit having a sweet tangy taste and contains nutrients that build up immunity, improve eyesight and control inflammation in body among other benefits.
It is loaded with vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, as well as vitamin A and K. They are laden with key minerals like iron, calcium and phosphorus along with antioxidants.
The plant compounds in cape gooseberries provide several health benefits making them an important addition in your daily diet.
Immune System
The high level of vitamin C in the cape gooseberries strengthen your immune system helping your body fight off infections to stay healthy. Vitamin C is also good for healthy skin as it promotes collagen production.
The polyphenols in these berries also help boost immunity by curbing inflammation in body.
The phenolic compounds - withanolides and anthocyanins -are supposed to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer and promote optimal health.
In fact, the skin of these berries has almost three times more antioxidants compared to their pulp. The ripe fruits have extremely high level of carotenoid antioxidant.1
Bone Health Benefits
Cape Gooseberries contain high vitamin K levels, which is a fat-soluble vitamin and supports bone health. This vitamin is important for both bone development and cartilage formation.2
The minerals in cape gooseberries - calcium and phosphorous - improve the strength and resilience of the connective tissues in the body. They also help maintain the bone density and motion of the joints, thereby helping in reducing the risk and onset of arthritis, osteoporosis, joint injuries and fractures.
May Enhance Heart Health
Cape gooseberries contain significant amount of anthocyanin antioxidants, which protects heart cells and tissues while stopping cholesterol build-up and fatty acids from blocking blood vessels. The soluble pectin fibers help in managing cholesterol levels, which helps reduce pressure on heart muscles and valves while decreasing high blood pressure and hypertension symptoms. The potassium content in them also helps maintain blood pressure.
Weight Loss and Digestion Benefits
Cape Gooseberries are considered good for weight loss due to low calories and high fiber content. While fiber helps actual weight loss, because it fills one up early staving off overeating. In addition, the nutrients of vitamin-C, vitamin-K, and some B-complex vitamins are very good for metabolism and energy production, making these berries apt for weight loss.
Since cape gooseberries are a great source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion, consuming them will help you avoid constipation and you will have a balanced gut microbiome.
You can have them fresh as a healthy snack and also use them as a topping for desserts or in puddings.
While these tiny berries offer numerous health benefits, consuming them in large quantities may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some people due to their high fiber content.
Also, unripe cape gooseberries can contain alkaloids, which may cause allergic reactions.
1.National Library of Medicine |Carotenoid antioxidant in cape gooseberries
2.National Library of Medicine |Vitamin K bone development
3. National Library of Medicine |Carotenoid for eye health
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.
At marvelof.com, we spotlight the latest trends and products to keep you informed and inspired. Our coverage is editorial, not an endorsement to purchase. If you choose to shop through links in this article, whether on Amazon, Flipkart, or Myntra, marvelof.com may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
