7 facts about the benefits and harms of physalis for human health

Physalis (or golden berry) are orange edible fruits wrapped in a paper husk called a cup, which must be removed before consumption. They have a sweet, tropical taste and are often used to make salads, sauces and jams.

Physalis contains a number of valuable nutrients and is famous for its beneficial properties for health: from lowering blood pressure to preventing malignant neoplasms.

How it is useful – 7 facts

Below are 7 theses on the benefits of the fruits of physalis based on research.

1. Valuable composition

Physalis berries have a relatively low calorie content (53 calories per 100 grams) and contain the following nutrients:

Also physalis contains a number of fatty acids (polyunsaturated), ananolides and carotenoids, which are extremely important for maintaining the balance of cholesterol in the body and the health of the visual organs.

The plant contains a significant amount of the strongest antioxidants – kaempferol and quercetin. These substances eliminate inflammation, destroy pathogenic microorganisms and prevent the appearance of cancerous tumors.

2. Antioxidant effect

Physalis berries rich antioxidants (more than 34 valuable compounds) that prevent damage to body cells by free radicals.

Proven that it is the effect of free radicals on cells that underlies the appearance of malignant tumors, as well as the early development of many diseases from the endocrine and digestive systems, heart and blood vessels.

According to experts from Saudi Arabia, the inclusion of physalis in the diet can reduce the likelihood of breast, colon and small intestine cancer.

It is important to note that the largest amount of antioxidant substances is found exclusively in ripe fruits of physalis, and their concentration in the skin is 3 times higher than in the pulp.

3. Anti-inflammatory effect

It is known that many body tissues (for example, fat depots or the wall of the colon) are in a state of chronic inflammation.

This physiological process indirectly, but negatively affects the development of diseases such as cancer, type II diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, etc.

Colombian scientists installed that when physalis is included in the diet, the concentration of inflammatory markers (C-RB and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) in the blood significantly decreases.

American specialists claim that eating golden berries can reduce the likelihood of developing colon cancer.

Due to the pronounced anti-inflammatory effect of physalis extract can be used in the treatment regimen for malignant tumors, as well as for fighting with diseases such as: pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

4. Strengthening the immune system

Physalis improves the functioning of the immune system thanks to several mechanisms.

Laboratory research by Colombian scientists demonstrate that the polyphenols contained in the pulp of physalis improve the release of a number of neurotransmitters (interleukins 1 and 6, MCP-1), which stimulate the work of cells of the immune system.

It is equally important to note the effect of vitamin C in berries on immune function.

According to the data scientists from New Zealand, vitamin C accelerates the proliferation and differentiation of all cells of the immune system, as well as the recognition and destruction of foreign agents in the blood.

Vitamin C also contributes to more efficient utilization of "spent" neutrophils.

5. Increasing bone strength

Physalis is rich in vitamin K, which Strengthens bones , taking an active part in the metabolism of bone tissue.

According to the information German scientists, vitamin K helps to preserve calcium in bones, preventing its "leaching out".

Thus, it protects the body from the development of osteoporosis (decrease in bone density), the probability of which is several times higher in the elderly and women after menopause.

Vitamin K also helps preserve the cartilage tissue of joints, reducing the risk of osteoarthritis.

6. Improved vision

Physalis contains large amounts of lutein, beta-carotene and other carotenoids. At the same time, their content in the peel is 2.8 times higher than in the pulp.

According to research data conducted under the guidance of scientists from New Zealand, any diet rich in the substances described above reduces several times the risk of developing macular degeneration of the eyeball, which is the most common cause of complete loss of vision.

Also physalis protects vessels of the organs of vision from damage against the background of diabetes mellitus.

7. Lowering blood pressure

Polish specialists claim that the substances contained in the fruits of physalis cause relaxation of the smooth muscles of the walls of the arteries, followed by a decrease in the total peripheral vascular resistance and a drop in blood pressure.

It is recommended to regularly use the plant for people suffering from hypertension (in order to reduce the dose of antihypertensive drugs), as well as for the prevention of this disease (with a burdened family history or the presence of metabolic syndrome).

Harm and contraindications

Despite the abundance of medicinal properties, the fruits of physalis can cause harm to the human body.

Unripe berries contain a number of toxic substances (for example, solanine), which negatively affects the nervous and digestive systems, causing dyspeptic disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), seizures and even fatal respiratory and cardiac depression.

The main contraindications to taking include:

1. Acute (or chronic in the acute stage) diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Physalis contains a number of extraactive substances that can cause severe irritation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum and aggravation of diseases such as gastritis, enteritis, peptic ulcer.
2. Hypocoagulation of blood or taking drugs that "dilute" blood. Physalis reduces blood viscosity (due to vitamin K) and can cause bleeding with initially abnormal blood coagulation.
3. Late pregnancy. Special care should be taken to include physalis during the gestation period. In the late stages (after the 28th week of pregnancy), physalis can cause bleeding or miscarriage.

How to use?

Physalis fruits can be eaten fresh or dried. It is added to salads, sauces, puddings and even ice cream.

Below are a few common ways to use:

1. Fresh berries. This method is the most useful, as the initial level of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals is preserved. The recommended daily allowance is up to 100 grams, weekly – up to 300 grams.
2. Dried fruits. For cooking, it is necessary to carefully select the fruits, rinse and dry them. Then spread on a tray and put in the oven for 7 hours (at a temperature of 50-60 degrees). Consume 10-15 grams per day (duration is not limited).
3. Compote. Preparation technology: mix 200 grams of fruit, 100 grams of sugar and 150 ml of water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30-40 minutes. You can take up to 400 ml of compote per day (duration is not limited).
4. Jam. You will need: 1,000 grams of fresh berries, 1,200 grams of sugar, 500 ml of water. First, pour the physalis fruits with boiling water for 2-3 minutes and put them in a saucepan. Add water and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 10-15 minutes. If necessary, roll it into pre–sterilized jars. It is recommended to consume the product 1-2 tsp. for 1-3 times a day with tea. The duration is unlimited.
5. Tea made from leaves. Pour 2 tablespoons of dried physalis leaves 350 ml of boiling water, let it stand for 5-8 minutes. In order to improve the taste, it is allowed to add 1-2 mint leaves and sugar. Take 350 ml 1-2 times a day for 2 weeks.
6. Decoction of leaves . Pour 3-4 tablespoons of dried leaves and 50 grams of fresh physalis fruits with 800 ml of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 10-15 minutes. Strain and let cool to room temperature. Consume 200 ml 4 times a day. The duration is up to 1 month.

Conclusion

1. Physalis contains many vitamins, minerals and antioxidant substances necessary for the proper functioning of our body.
2. Against the background of regular use, it improves the health of the cardiovascular, endocrine, digestive and immune systems.
3. The berry also prevents the appearance of malignant tumors and pathologies of the organs of vision.
4. The plant has a number of important contraindications that must be remembered.