L'gooseberry, as we can imagine from the name, it is similar to normal grapes but with thorns.
In fact, this plant is recognizable by the scientific name of Ribes grussularia it is a climber with many thorns that produces transparent and green berries with darker veins similar to grapes.
The botanical family to which it belongs however, it is not that of the grape plant but belongs precisely to the currant family.
There are several varieties of gooseberry, among which the best known and which grow wild also in the country are the grape-crispa, the (Grossulariaceae). , the Ribes alpinum and the Ribes petraum Wulf.
In these varieties we have modifications of the berry both in the shape that can be round, oval or elongated but also in the color that can change from green to yellow, from red to white.
Properties of gooseberries
Gooseberries are made up of most of the water like grapes and therefore we will have up to over 87% of water. In addition, gooseberries are rich in dietary fiber up to 55, in proteins at 1% and in a small part of good vegetable fats at 0,6%.
The presence of fiber it greatly helps intestinal transit and the simultaneous presence of water encourages more evacuation, greatly helping with constipation problems. The mix of soluble and insoluble fiber present in gooseberries thus helps reduce the risk of diabetes and controls blood cholesterol levels.
In addition, gooseberries are an excellent reservoir of minerals and vitamins which make it an excellent natural supplement.
Among the minerals it is rich in sodium, calcium, potassium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc, manganese and phosphorus. Instead the presence Vitamins sees in first place vitamin A, those of group B (B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6) and vitamin C.
The gooseberry phytocomplex it contains flavonoids, beta-carotene, polyphenols, folates and anthocyanins which are all active ingredients useful for the well-being of our body.
La presence of vitamins and other active ingredients with antioxidant properties allow gooseberries to have a targeted action on free radicals which are the main cause of cellular aging.
In particular the co-presence of vitamin C and antioxidants it helps protect the DNA and the cells of our body from damage by free radicals by stopping the oxidative process.
Furthermore, the Vitamin C serves to keep the skin healthy thanks to the production of collagen and is essential to lower the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Finally, vitamin C as we all know helps and supports the activity of ours immune system.
Another main property of the gooseberry is to be diuretics thanks to the presence of a lot of water and specific active ingredients.
Action aimed at facilitating urination it helps the elimination of toxins from the body and thus lowers the acidosis of the whole organism, one of the factors that lead our body most at risk of incurring inflammation and disease.
Finally, gooseberries have a natural astringent and antibacterial action which helps both the immune system to do its job and to lower any infections present. It is even capable of increasing the presence of white blood cells that defend our body from attacks by bacteria and other substances that are harmful to us.
Read also Vitamin C and free radicals >>
Gooseberries: how to use it
Gooseberry is a fruit so it is eaten fresh as a snack or in fruit salad with other types of fruit.
Gooseberries can also be used to make jams and syrups and its small shape and its streaked and transparent green color also makes it an excellent decoration of dishes or garnish of cakes and desserts.
Gooseberries are not readily available especially fresh and its processed food products such as jellies, jams or ice creams are usually available for purchase.
Gooseberries are also used as a natural supplement purchasable in herbalist's or other shops for the well-being of the person.
It is usually also included for those natural herbal remedies which help against constipation and urination problems related to inflammation of the urinary tract.
In fact, the gooseberry thanks to its phytocomplex has been used since ancient times for its diuretic properties. In particular, its flowers, roots and obviously its fruits are also used for the production of herbal teas and natural remedies.
To use it as a pancreatic tonic e adjuvant of the liver function and the balance of cholesterol in the blood, it is possible to use 1 tablespoon of gooseberry powder to drink dissolved in water.
Instead against gout and arthritis problems pwe will be able to use a decoction of gooseberry fruits and if we add honey to the herbal tea we can also use it to relieve iron deficiencies and anemia problems.
Read also Uva ursina, when and how to use it >>
