The gooseberry belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. For centuries, it’s been used for its medicinal properties. This sour tasting fruit is quite nourishing. It can be consumed in both dried and fresh forms for immense health benefits. It is known as an effective treatment for certain diseases and is, thus, widely used in herbal treatments. It’s a strong source of Vitamin C and also contains iron, calcium, phosphorus, carotene, and vitamin B complex. It is also a powerful antioxidant agent. Vitamin C is a good antioxidant agent, which makes gooseberry a powerful tool against a variety of conditions, including various types of cancer.
Here`re More Reasons Gooseberries Are Good for you!
Slows Down Aging
Gooseberry is literally a superfruit. It is full of antioxidants that are effective in reducing cell damage. It reduces the effects of free radicals (which are responsible for damaging protein, DNA, cell membranes and associated with signs of aging like wrinkles and age spots) and thus effectively combats and slows down the aging process.
Cures Sore Throats
If you’ve got a sore throat, then gooseberry is the fruit for you. Gooseberry juice mixed with a few pieces of chopped ginger and a tablespoon of honey has been proven to be an effective remedy for cough and sore throat problems.
Keeps your Heart Healthy
One of the major causes of ill heart health is high cholesterol. Gooseberries have been found to drastically reduce cholesterol in the body and thus reduce the risk of heart problems.
Instead, it boosts good cholesterol or HDL, thereby reducing clogging in the arteries. Research has also shown its benefits in preventing the thickening of blood vessel walls, which is usually the onset of heart diseases.
Super Detoxifier
Gooseberry is diuretic in nature. Its diuretic properties allow it to improve the frequency and volume of urination. Urination helps the body discard unwanted toxins, salts, and uric acid in the body. Consuming gooseberries is a sure way of detoxifying the body.
Boosts Metabolism and Aids Weight Loss
Gooseberry helps increase the absorption of protein in the body. Consuming gooseberries literally boosts your metabolic rate (which is how fast your body burns calories) Boosting your metabolic rate will lead to faster weight loss, higher energy levels and an overall increase in lean muscle mass.
Prevents and Controls Diabetes
Gooseberries are rich in polyphenol; this helps it protect the body from the oxidative nature of high blood sugar. Gooseberries are highly recommended for diabetic patients. It also assists the body in the proper absorption of insulin, thus reducing blood sugar levels. Because of this, it is invaluable for people afflicted with diabetes and should be a part of their daily diet.
Aids Digestive System
Gooseberry is highly enriched with fiber, water content, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Fiber is necessary for healthy bowel movements. It is also essential for the secretion of gastric and digestive juices. Thus, gooseberry is great for the entire digestive system.
Boosts Immune System
Gooseberry is a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins and contains tannins. Interestingly, when combined with polyphenols, tannin makes the fruit a free radical scavenger. What this means is, it reduces the damage free radicals cause to the cells and strengthens your immune system.
Prevents Ulcers
Due to its antibacterial properties, gooseberries are great for preventing ulcers. They reduce the acidity level in the body, thus avoiding the formation of ulcers. In case you didn’t know, mouth ulcers can be caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. And guess who’s bursting with all the goodness of Vitamin C? Gooseberry!
Better Vision
Gooseberries have been known to improve eyesight and treat certain eye-related problems such as itchy, watery, and sore eyes.
Stronger Bones
Gooseberry is excellent for strengthening bones because of its high calcium content. Regular consumption of gooseberries guarantees stronger bones.
Prevents Cancer
Because of its high fiber content, gooseberry is great for the digestive system. This means the food is digested appropriately to avoid constipation.
Contains Anti-Cancer Properties
Due to its richness in antioxidants, it is used for various medical purposes. Gooseberries contain superoxide dismutase, which fights free radicals and reduces cell damage. The best part is, this acts as a potent tool in the prevention of cancer.
Great for your Liver
If you often take alcohol or substances that could eventually damage your liver, then gooseberry is a winner for you. Studies have shown that regular consumption of gooseberries can ameliorate the effects of alcohol on the liver. It also prevents the oxidative damage that is usually caused by them.
Try Gooseberries for Great Hair
Gooseberry power is an indispensable ingredient in many hair tonics because it enriches hair growth and hair pigmentation. It strengthens the roots, maintains color, and improves hair luster.
Another way of exploring the benefits of gooseberry to the hair is by eating it fresh or applying its paste on hair roots. This improves hair growth and color. The oil derived from gooseberry contains carotene, iron, and antioxidants and is shown to reduce the chances of hair loss and baldness. All these components work simultaneously to reduce hair loss by inhibiting free radicals to damage hair follicles or control the hormones that can cause premature hair loss.
Say Goodbye to Menstrual Cramps
Ask a woman what she hates most about her period and I can bet you one of the most likely answers you will get is “cramps”. Menstrual cramps is one of the most unsettling conditions associated with the monthly periods. Fortunately, gooseberries contain minerals and vitamins that are highly useful in the treatment of menstrual cramps. Since it takes a while for the necessary elements to act in the body, it is better to consume gooseberries regularly to make sure that its nutrients are always in the system and menstrual cramps can be prevented.
Gooseberries Treat Infections
Gooseberry is packed with antibacterial and astringent attributes. This aids the protection against infections and improves the body’s immune response to infections. It is also a very good source of vitamin C, which is famous for its jaw-dropping antioxidant abilities. It increases the white blood cells in the body, which are the arch defenders of the immune system. These cells are responsible for the attack and elimination of foreign toxins and substances in the bloodstream.
Relieves Diarrhea and Dysentery
Ever had it bad with either diarrhea or dysentery? Then you know just how terrible these conditions can be. Gooseberries can help relieve these frustrating conditions. Due to its strong cooling and laxative properties, gooseberry powder is a useful component in solutions for diarrhea and dysentery. It provides great relief for the gastric syndrome and relieves the burning sensation in the abdomen. As a laxative, it flushes out toxic substances that can cause discomfort or illness, so the healing process can be initiated. It then cools the burning sensation and reduces the discomfort often felt during diarrhea.
No Appetite? Don`t Worry!
Having problems with your appetite? Consuming gooseberry powder with butter and honey before a meal improves appetite. Yum yum!
Gooseberry powder is also known to help balance nitrogen levels, thereby increasing weight (healthy weight, before you freak out)
This is why you should Take Gooseberry
From the foregoing, it is obvious that gooseberries are definitely one of the superfoods around. Its amazing health benefits can slightly be attributed to its high vitamin C content. Gooseberry enhances food absorption, balances stomach acids, strengthens the liver, nourishes the brain and mental functioning, and supports the heart. It also fortifies the lungs, regulates elimination of free radicals, enhances fertility, helps the urinary system, improves skin quality, and promotes healthier hair. Not forgetting, it flushes out toxins, increases vitality, aids in vision care, improves muscle tone, and acts as an antioxidant. We could practically go on and on about the never-ending benefits of gooseberries but I think the best way to find out is to take some. I guess it`s time to dig into some gooseberries and enjoy all the goodness that comes with this awesome power packed berry!
