Health Benefits of cape gooseberries | Fusion - WeRIndia

Cape gooseberries have emerged as a surprising powerhouse of Vitamin C, surpassing even the renowned lemons in this essential nutrient.

The abundance of Vitamin C in these berries not only enhances the immune system but also provides remarkable benefits for the skin.

Here are the health benefits of cape gooseberries:

• With a single serving offering 18% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C, cape gooseberries become a potent ally in boosting immunity and overall health.
• Apart from Vitamin C, cape gooseberries also boast a rich content of Vitamin A, promoting both immunity and vision.
• The presence of iron in these berries further enhances visual health.
• Cape gooseberries play a crucial role in safeguarding the eyes from conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
• Beyond vision, these berries also contribute to regulating elevated blood pressure.
• Phytochemicals like polyphenols and carotenoids found in cape gooseberries help in reducing blood pressure levels and support heart health due to the soluble pectin fibre they contain.
• When it comes to bone strength, cape gooseberries prove to be a valuable asset.
• Abundant in calcium and phosphorus, these berries aid in fortifying the bones.
• Additionally, the significant amount of pectin in cape gooseberries facilitates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, contributing to bone health and offering relief from ailments like rheumatism and dermatitis.
• For those managing diabetes, cape gooseberries offer a favourable option due to their soluble fibre content, including fructose.
• These berries have the potential to lower blood sugar levels, making them a suitable addition to a diabetic-friendly diet.
• For individuals striving for weight loss, cape gooseberries come as a low-fat and low-calorie snack or meal filler, making it easier to achieve weight management goals.
• Combining them with fruit or vegetable salads can further maximize their benefits.
• They are excellent sources of fibre, and thus they are beneficial for the digestive system.
• The presence of pectin fibre aids in calming the gastrointestinal system, preventing constipation, and serving as a natural laxative.
• Furthermore, cape gooseberries exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, primarily due to their high anthocyanin content.
• This makes them effective in reducing inflammation, relieving pain, swelling, and redness.
• The berries are rich in antioxidants, including polyphenols. Thus they are potentially useful in managing conditions such as asthma, characterized by tracheal tube inflammation.
• As the cold and flu season looms, cape gooseberries’ high antioxidant levels can play a role in shielding individuals from these ailments.
• Consumption of these berries, particularly in the form of tea or hot water, can provide relief from cold and flu symptoms.

Despite their numerous health benefits, caution should be exercised with unripe cape gooseberries. They contain solanine, a toxin that can lead to cramps, diarrhoea, and, in rare cases, even be fatal.

However, incorporating ripe cape gooseberries into one’s diet through various means can provide a safe and nourishing experience.

They can be consumed raw or in the form of juices. Besides, they can be added to salads or desserts. They are used to make jams.

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