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Benefits of cape gooseberry

The cape gooseberry, with the scientific name Physalis peruviana and also known as aguaymanto, uvilla, tomatillos or ushun, is a plant native to Peru and known for the medicinal properties of its fruits and its flavor. Surely, you have seen it in markets and in the dessert plates of some restaurants. Haven’t you tried it yet?

If you want to know more about this fruit, join us in this AgroCorrn article about the benefits of cape gooseberry , where you will also find information about its properties and how to consume it.

Properties of cape gooseberry, fisalis or physalis

This plant is recognized as one of the so-called superfoods, since its highly nutritional properties are also medicinal and very beneficial. It belongs to the Solanaceae family, which is why it shares some characteristics with the potato, tobacco and tomato. The fruit has a semi-acid and sweet flavor and is round, like a small yellow tomato.

From the nutritional value of fisalis we can say that it is a great source of provitamin A and vitamin C, in addition to having very high protein and phosphorus values. As if all this were not enough, it is a fruit with a high water content, so it is hydrating and, in addition, low in calories. Finally, its high pectin content gives it mild laxative properties, which makes it a good ally against constipation.

Thus, thanks to these nutrients and in summary, the main properties of cape gooseberry for health are:

  • Antioxidant
  • Diuretic
  • Satiating and with negative calories.
  • Mild laxative.
  • Moisturizing.
  • Slimming

Benefits of cape gooseberry

The cape gooseberry or aguaymanto has a large number of medicinal properties that are very beneficial for the human body. These are the main benefits of cape gooseberry or fisalis :

  • As we have already said, its pectin content makes it very suitable for those who suffer from occasional constipation, helping to regulate intestinal transit .
  • In addition, uvilla is a high quality calcifier, helping those who suffer from bone problems or decalcification, and even to help treat stomach ulcers.
  • The aguaymanto fruit also has anticancer properties , mainly useful in the preventive field. Regularly drinking infusions made with its stems and leaves helps reduce the chances of the appearance of tumors.
  • The juice of this plant, once extracted and heated, is allowed to rest for a few minutes and then treat the ears with its drops, both for cleaning and to treat ear infections or otitis . Applied up to 3 times a day, it helps soothe pain and reduce discomfort.
  • Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties can also be used to relieve throat and mouth problems. Similar to what happens when treating otitis, an infusion should be taken three times a day.
  • Another of its benefits is the treatment of cataracts. Although, obviously, they do not cure the problem, gooseberry juice can be used to improve the condition somewhat, especially in an early phase of it. To do this, the juice must be heated and then allowed to rest, to finally apply two drops to each eye every 8 hours.
  • It is also a good food for those suffering from diabetes, as it helps regulate blood glucose.
  • Its juice can help accelerate wound healing when applied to the skin, warmed and rested again.
  • It also has the ability to regulate cholesterol , that is, it has the benefit of helping to reduce bad cholesterol in the blood and to maintain or raise good cholesterol.
  • Finally, we close this topic on the properties and benefits of cape gooseberry with its capacity as a palliative of the symptoms of menopause, either taken in infusion or directly as raw fruit.

How to consume cape gooseberry

In the medicinal field, the two main ways to consume cape gooseberry are in infusion and in juice , especially in drops of this.

Infusion of gooseberry or fisalis

To make a cape gooseberry infusion, simply follow these simple steps:

  1. Take some dry stems and leaves.
  2. Add very hot water to them.
  3. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before drinking the liquid.

Gooseberry juice

If you intend to take advantage of its juice for topical use, in the ears or eyes, the ideal is that you do it yourself:

  1. Squeeze a few fruits.
  2. Heat the juice without bringing it to a boil.
  3. Let it rest again for a few minutes.
  4. Once warm, without letting it cool completely, you can apply the juice drops to treat wounds that you want to help heal or inflamed or infected areas.

This fruit can be consumed in multiple ways, since its pleasant flavor makes it a great kitchen ingredient. For example, in Peru and Colombia it is common to add pieces of cape gooseberry or aguaymanto to all kinds of desserts , such as yogurts, ice creams, sweet pastries and cakes. In desserts, it is very common to mix it with creams or chocolates due to its good combination of flavors, and cape gooseberry jams and preserves are also as tasty as they are beneficial. It is also not difficult to find your dehydrated fruits in the form of snacks. Likewise, it can be added to liqueurs to give them a sweet and acid touch.

In addition to this, its striking and beautiful color makes it a very suitable garnish to finish giving an aesthetic touch to practically any salad, main or dessert dish.

If you liked getting to know this delicious fruit, you can discover many more in this other AgroCorrn article, in which we talk about 30 names of rare tropical fruits with photos .

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Hello, I am a blogger specialized in environmental, health and scientific dissemination issues in general. The best way to define myself as a blogger is by reading my texts, so I encourage you to do so. Above all, if you are interested in staying up to date and reflecting on these issues, both on a practical and informative level.

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