Top 10 Health Benefits of Gooseberry

The origin of gooseberries is debatable; although many agree that it is native to Europe. It has also been sparingly found in England, the Caucasus, northern Africa, and North America. This healthy fruit is seasonal, meaning it is only available at certain times each year. Fortunately, canned or frozen gooseberries are convenient substitutes. These are very healthy too as they still have the same nutritional value as fresh ones. Gooseberry bushes produce an edible fruit with a tart taste. These are frequently used in fruity desserts. Sometimes, people add gooseberry to rich sauces for roasted meats. The berries contain many essential nutrients including vitamins C and A, dietary fibers, and manganese. Furthermore, their calorie count is low; they are cholesterol and fat-free.

Rich in Vitamin C

Gooseberries contain high concentrations of vitamin A and vitamin C. The latter, specifically, is an important antioxidant. This means it is a substance that protects body cells from the damaging effect of free radicals. To counteract this damage, we need to consume a lot of antioxidants. You can usually find enough in antioxidant-rich foods and supplements. Vitamin C is vital in the process of collagen synthesis which contributes to healthy skin, bones, and teeth. A diet that contains a lot of vitamin C can prevent or reduce the occurrence of heart diseases, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, and even some types of cancer.

Beneficial to Skin

As we get older, our body changes but unfortunately, not for the better. The signs of aging will show on our skin, eyes, and almost all areas. But you don’t have to take these changes sitting down. A good diet can make your physical appearance look better for longer. Essential antioxidants can provide the support we need to look younger for a little longer. Foods rich in antioxidants should be an integral part of our diet. Gooseberries do have high levels of antioxidants which are excellent for the body’s internal health. Premature aging can happen because of free radicals as they damage our insides and make our outside look older before our time. Eating foods with high antioxidant contents can slow down the action of free radicals. It can prevent or may even reverse aging signs by clearing up wrinkles and other marks of skin aging.

Rich in Vitamin A

Gooseberries contain vitamin A in the form of carotenoids. These have antioxidant properties and can serve as protection against different diseases. These include neural disintegration, diabetes, and heart issues. Just a cup of delicious, fresh gooseberries contains a lot of vitamin A which is essential for age-related eye diseases. The vitamin also helps in stimulating red blood cell production and the regulation of genes.

Rich in Manganese

Manganese is important to help promote the absorption of calcium into the bloodstream. Calcium helps with the regulation of blood sugar and with energy metabolism. Also, calcium also triggers the activity of SOD or superoxide dismutase which is an antioxidant enzyme. Calcium is essential in doing all these. But without manganese, the body cannot absorb calcium efficiently. Based on this cycle, a deficiency in manganese can cause osteoporosis, arthritis, and diabetes. Women who don’t get enough manganese, they may experience serious premenstrual syndrome or PMS symptoms. On average, women need an RDA of 1.8mg of manganese, while men will require 2.3. One cup of fresh gooseberries contains a specific amount of manganese. That’s about 12% of the RDA for women and about 9% for men.

Promotes Digestion

Gooseberries are excellent sources of dietary fiber both the soluble and insoluble types. An increased intake of soluble fiber will reduce the risk of developing diabetes and high cholesterol. On the other hand, an increased intake of insoluble fibers helps in preventing digestive issues like diarrhea and constipation. Both types of fibers will definitely improve one’s digestive health. Both types of fibers are also effective in the treatment and prevention of constipation, cramps, bloating, and diarrhea. Fibers in our diets can reduce the risks of hemorrhoids and colon cancer.

Treatment of Diabetes

Another mineral found in gooseberries that have proven beneficial to diabetics is chromium. This acts as therapeutic food for them. Since gooseberries have high-fiber contents and low sugar, it becomes an ideal diabetic food. The compounds found in gooseberries can reduce blood sugar levels. They do this by activating the pancreatic cells which secrete the insulin hormone. This can improve the metabolism of glucose for diabetics thus maintaining the balance and health of the body.

Beneficial to the Heart

The heart would benefit the most if there is an increase in fiber intake in your diet. Such could prevent many heart diseases and can reduce high blood pressure. Gooseberries are a good source of antioxidants. These can protect the heart from any oxidative stresses that could lead to strokes, high blood pressure, and heart diseases.

Keeps your Eyes Healthy

The rich antioxidant content of gooseberries can benefit the eyes too. These compounds can protect the eye retina from any oxidative stress. They can also reduce the occurrence of cataracts. Also, it helps improve nearsightedness and can prevent the loss of vision or what’s known as macular degeneration.  Drink some gooseberry juice sweetened with honey. This is good for enhancing vision and reducing intra-ocular cataracts and tensions.

Supports Brain Health

The antioxidants of gooseberries can indeed prevent the occurrence of many disorders. These can protect the body from oxidative stress and cellular damage. The antioxidants promote brain health and cognitive functions such as better memory. Recent studies have shown that the antioxidants in gooseberries have another huge benefit. They can also protect from certain degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Rich in Minerals

Aside from those previously discussed, gooseberries are enriched with other minerals. All these are beneficial to the human body. Gooseberries contain potassium as well. This mineral is essential for several reasons.  It helps the muscles and the nervous system to work effectively. The heart will also benefit from potassium because the mineral can help the heart maintain blood pressure at healthy levels. It will also prevent the occurrence of abnormal heartbeats. A deficiency in potassium can lead to hypertension, strokes, and osteoporosis. The iron in gooseberries can help in the production of red blood cells and promote blood circulation and regeneration.