The decorative fruits of the Cape gooseberry or physalis are often used to decorate desserts, cakes or cocktails. But the berry fruit can do a lot more, because it is very healthy, very rich in vitamins and, above all, delicious. Originally from Peru, the fruits are now mainly grown in South Africa. Because of its origin, it is also known as the Andean fruit. How healthy the fruit really is and what it can do is briefly explained in the following article.
origin
The name Andean berry, as the physalis is also called, already reveals its origin. Because it originally comes from the highlands of Chile and Peru. The name Cape gooseberry also has a meaning of origin. In the 19th century, the Portuguese sailors discovered Century the fruit and brought it to South Africa, where the plants spread on the Cape of Good Hope. Today, however, the plants can also be found in the local latitudes, with South Africa continuing to be the main growing area for the fruits that are commercially available here.
The coated fruit
The name Physalis was given to the tasty fruit because it is enveloped by its petals like a cloak during and after ripening. The petals grow together. When the fruit is ripe, the leaves look like dry, orange paper, which gives it its decorative appearance. The actual fruit, however, is located in this shell as a small, red berry. This has a diameter of only one to two centimeters. Otherwise the Physalis has the following characteristics:
- Outside very cute
- soft, very sticky shell
- There are around 100-180 small, light-colored seeds inside
- these are also edible
- have an aromatic citrus taste
- this combination makes it bittersweet to sour overall
Tip: Physalis has an intense, sour-sweet taste that some connoisseurs compare with the taste of kiwi, gooseberry, pineapple or passion fruit.
Drying physalis
Not only the fresh fruits from South Africa, which are mainly in season from December to July, are offered in stores. Cape gooseberries are also being offered more and more often from local growing areas. Here they ripen in the months between August and October. This means that ripe, fresh fruits can be used almost all year round
will. The physalis, once harvested, does not ripen and should therefore always be consumed immediately, otherwise it will spoil. Like raisins from grapes, the fruit is also well suited for drying and can thus be preserved. When drying the fruit, the following must be observed in particular:- when drying, the outer skin becomes almost transparent
- the seeds shimmer through the fibrous shell
- the water content is significantly reduced
- this is how it is made durable
- The nutrient density is maintained through a gentle drying process
- the taste can also be preserved in this way
- The drying temperature must be 45 ° Celsius
- Put the fruits in an oven and set the temperature precisely
Tip: After drying, the fruits should be allowed to cool well and then stored in a dry and not too warm place. This means they have a long shelf life and can be used again and again in the kitchen.
ingredients
The low-calorie and low-fat Physalis unfolds its ingredients especially when fresh. However, it does not achieve peak values here, but it provides a good basis for a healthy diet. It contains the following valuable vitamins in 100 grams of fresh fruit:
- 0.06 mg vitamin B1
- 28 mg of vitamin C.
- 0.04 mg vitamin B2
- 0.05 mg vitamin B6
- 0.5 mg of vitamin E.
- 8 µg folic acid
- 150 µg retinol
- 900 µg carotene
- 0.1 µg biotin
- 2583 µg niacin
- 0.2 mg pantothenic acid
But not only the vitamins make the Physalis so attractive and healthy, also the many minerals, which are contained here have a positive effect on the whole when you enjoy the delicious berries Body. The following minerals are contained in 100 grams of Physalis:
- 5 mg sodium
- 170 mg of potassium
- 10 mg calcium
- 8 mg of magnesium
- 40 mg of phosphate
- 1.3 mg iron
- 0.1 mg zinc
In addition, there are 13 g of carbohydrates, 2 g of fiber and also protein with 2 g per 100 grams of fruit. With its 53 kilocalories, the Physalis is also considered to be very low in calories.
Tip: Above all, physalis contains a lot of vitamin C, which the body needs for many metabolic processes. In addition, the
Vitamins and Effects
Physalis contains many vitamins, all of which have a different effect and function on the human body and are therefore so healthy for people when they work together.
Vitamin A
If only about 30 grams of the delicious fruit are consumed daily, this already covers about 45% of the daily requirement of vitamin A. Vitamin A is made up of carotene and retinol. This is responsible for many functions in the body. This includes, above all, the strengthening of the immune system and thus protection against diseases and infections. In addition, vitamin A is said to have the following effects on the human body:
- Eyesight support in twilight
- for healthy mucous membranes
- good for treating various skin diseases, e.g. B. acne
- against viruses in the respiratory tract
- against measles
Vitamin B1
This vitamin is also called the anti-stress vitamin. Because it primarily ensures a good and healthy nervous system and also the muscle tissue as well as that The immune system is strengthened and the body can better deal with external stress-triggering factors counteract. Those who do not consume enough vitamin B1 often suffer from irritability, fatigue, abdominal complaints and even depression.
Vitamin B2
This vitamin is also called riboflavin and is mainly needed for healthy and stable hair, nails and skin. It is also necessary for the breakdown of fat, protein and carbohydrates. Anyone who suffers from a vitamin B2 deficiency can easily tell from sensitivity to light, eye diseases, digestive problems and tiredness. With regular intake, vitamin B 2 mainly helps against:
- Cataracts that cause cloudy vision
- Migraines, the incidence can be reduced up to 50%
Vitamin B6
Those who suffer from a vitamin B6 deficiency are often affected by irritability, depression and even confusion, and vitamin B6 anemia can also develop. Ingested regularly, it helps the body to support the following functions:
- forms antibodies that are necessary to fight diseases
- ensures normal functioning of the nerves
- forms hemoglobin
- splits proteins
- this is how the blood sugar is brought into equilibrium
vitamin C
Vitamin C is the best-known vitamin that primarily strengthens the immune system and thus offers better protection against viruses and bacteria. But the vitamin can do a lot more:
- Wounds heal better
- Cholesterol level is lowered
- Cell life is extended
- Protection against cardiovascular diseases
- Protection against strokes
- Protection against cancer
- Production of collagen for firm skin
Tip: According to one study, people who eat a lot of vitamin C have better complexion. Wrinkles are less noticeable and age-related, dry skin can also be avoided.
Other ingredients and effects
As can be seen from the many ingredients and vitamins, the Physalis is an excellent source of vitamin C, niacin, phosphorus and beta-carotene. But above all, the high protein content, which is higher than the goji berries, which are known to be very rich in protein, supports muscle building, stimulates the growth of cells and can do so
also supportive of weight loss and a diet. The high phosphorus content, on the other hand, helps the body to build up teeth and bones and the energy from food can also be better released through the absorption of phosphorus. The pectin contained in it, as it is found mainly in domestic apples, has the following effect in particular:- is considered a natural gelling agent
- regulates digestion
- lowers blood sugar levels
- also lowers the cholesterol level
- especially bad cholesterol is reduced by pectin
- the body's immune system and defenses are strengthened
- this can prevent cancer cells from spreading
The healthy berry also contains melatonin. This has a stress-relieving effect on the human body, the biorhythm comes back into harmony and sleep disorders can also be eliminated in this way.
Against diseases
The Aztecs already knew the healing and beneficial effects of physalis and used them against many diseases. Today it is known that the fruit is mainly due to its many small seeds inside If eaten in large quantities, it has a laxative effect and is therefore a good treat for digestive disorders is used. Therefore, if you regularly incorporate the delicious berries in your diet, you can achieve a good intestinal flora. But there are other diseases that the Cape gooseberry can be used to support. Above all, this includes:
- diabetes
- the laxative effect excretes toxins
- hepatitis
- malaria
- Can even be used to support various types of cancer
- Metabolic diseases
- asthma
- rheumatism
- Support of the body's immune system
Tip: Physalis can be incorporated into the menu every day. They can be eaten fresh or processed in a fruit salad or fruity smoothie. When dried, they are particularly popular in muesli or in homemade muesli bars.
External use
Physalis can also be used externally, especially for skin irritations, wounds and inflammations of the skin, it has a beneficial and healing effect. There are already tinctures with the active ingredients of the fruit on the market.
Conclusion
Those who regularly incorporate physalis in their diet can count on more energy. Because the berries support the cell metabolism and thus ensure a good sense of well-being. The energy level of the body is increased and the mental performance increases. Added to this is the stabilization of blood sugar and protection against cell damage. This cell damage is promoted primarily by external factors such as the environment, industrial waste, smoke and exhaust gases as well as by food and can lead to health problems. Regular consumption of healthy physalis with its antioxidants can counteract this cell damage. In addition, the fiber helps to keep the cholesterol level and blood sugar at a constant level and at the same time to signal to the stomach a longer feeling of satiety. The delicious physalis are not only very healthy and support the body in its own functions, but can also help you lose weight. If the fruits are therefore incorporated into the daily menu, whether dried or used fresh, well-being is increased and many diseases are counteracted from the outset.
