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The health benefits and harms of gooseberries continue to be actively studied by specialists in the field of nutrition and health. The plant belongs to the Gooseberry family, Currant genus. This is a shrub with large fruits: from 12 to 40 mm in length and weighing up to 60 g. Currently, more than 1.5 thousand varieties of cultivated or wild plants have been discovered, each of which has its own unique decorative and taste qualities.The taste of the berries can vary from sour to sweet, and the colors of the fruit are equally rich: from pale green, emerald and yellow to bright orange or purple. Gooseberries grow in many countries, which include Europe, Africa, America, Asia, the Caucasus, Ukraine and Russia.
Despite the wide distribution of the berry, not everyone knows what the actual benefits and harms of gooseberries are for the human body, and what effect they have on human health.
Composition and value of gooseberries
Gooseberries contain 84 - 90% water, carbohydrates, fiber, starch, pectin, oligo- and monosaccharides. In addition, the fruits are rich in organic acids, of which ascorbic acid accounts for 37–54%. The composition is also rich in tannins, carotenoids, catechins and nitrogen-containing substances. The product also contains potassium, calcium, sodium and magnesium salts.
The concentration of certain elements in the composition of the berry is significantly influenced by the gooseberry variety, the place where it grows, the degree of ripeness, as well as the conditions for growing the bush.
Vitamin content
The benefits of gooseberries for human health are due to the rich content of useful substances in their composition, among which vitamins occupy one of the most important positions. The berries contain:
- vitamins of group C (up to 60% of the body’s daily needs);
- B vitamins;
- provitamin A (up to 15%).
Dark-colored gooseberries contain vitamin P and pectin substances, which promote the active removal of heavy metal salts from the body.
This berry is also valuable for its mineral components, such as potassium, iodine, sodium, calcium, iron, manganese, cobalt, zinc, phosphorus and copper. Of the organic acids in gooseberries, you can find malic and citric acids, as well as folic acids.
The greatest benefit comes from the nitrogenous and tannin substances in the berry, as well as theanine, which has hemostatic properties. Due to the high content of pectin, eating gooseberries helps remove heavy salts from the body, and leucoanthocyanin and anthocyanin help get rid of accumulated toxins and wastes.
Calorie content of gooseberries
The energy value of 100 g of gooseberries is only 45 kcal. BJU: 12 g carbohydrates, 0.7 g protein, 0.3 g fat. The berries also contain 15% sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose).
An equally important factor is the glycemic index of a product, which helps determine the increase in blood sugar levels when consumed. In gooseberries, this indicator is low, equal to 25 units, which means that sugars are evenly transformed into energy, which the body quickly uses. The low calorie content and glycemic index allow the berry to be consumed by people with diabetes, as well as when losing weight.
Useful properties of gooseberries
Gooseberries are rich in antihypertensive and capillary-strengthening substances, as well as anti-sclerotic P-active compounds, which is why the product is particularly useful in the treatment and prevention of hypertension, atherosclerosis and other diseases of the cardiovascular system. Gooseberry infusion has the ability to remove excess cholesterol from the body, and thanks to the serotonin in the product, it has an antitumor effect.
Gooseberries can be consumed either fresh or as decoctions in the presence of hypovitaminosis, a lack of iron, copper or phosphorus in the body, to normalize metabolism, in the treatment of chronic constipation, gastroenterocolitis, dropsy, and also to stop bleeding.
Gooseberry weakens or strengthens
Gooseberries are rich in plant fiber, which in soluble form contributes to the beneficial nutrition of intestinal microflora, and the insoluble form tends to enhance peristalsis and increase the volume of feces. Because of this, the berry is indicated for use in the presence of constipation, as well as for its prevention.
Which gooseberry is healthier
Gooseberries can be consumed both in the form of fresh berries and in the form of various preparations (for example, jam). However, it is worth remembering: heat treatment can “block” most of the beneficial properties of the product. Therefore, when using gooseberries for medicinal purposes, it is better to give preference to eating the berries fresh. This will help stimulate the metabolic process in the body and normalize health.
The benefits of gooseberries for the body
Due to the presence of many substances necessary for the body, gooseberries have many health benefits, which not every lover of this berry is aware of.
Benefits of gooseberries for men
Gooseberries are a healthy product for the male body due to their rich composition of vitamins from A to PP, as well as beta-carotene.In combination with microelements, beneficial substances stimulate the acceleration of the metabolic process and improve blood flow, which is extremely important during sports training.
Eating gooseberries helps to gain muscle mass and tone the male body as a whole, since the product helps to engage most of its systems and balance the level of hormones in the body. In addition, the berry helps strengthen the nervous system and prevent stress.
Experts recommend consuming the berry for men with problems with the cardiovascular system: gooseberries help reduce the risk of stroke, which is one of the main causes of death among males.
You can find out more information about the benefits and harms of gooseberries for human health, as well as the valuable properties of the berry from the video:
Useful properties and contraindications of gooseberries for women
It’s hard not to appreciate the benefits of gooseberries for women: in addition to saturating the body with a number of essential vitamins, the berry has a beneficial effect on most of its systems, including hormonal ones, which helps to successfully use the product to benefit women’s health.
Can gooseberries be consumed by pregnant women?
The benefits of eating gooseberries during pregnancy are manifested in strengthening the walls of blood vessels and the immune system, normalizing metabolism, and also improving digestive processes. Thanks to the participation of folic acid, the neural tube of the fetus is formed and the risk of miscarriage is significantly reduced, and the effect of pectin is manifested in the removal of toxins and heavy metal salts. Gooseberries have a low calorie content, and therefore can be included in the diet of fasting days for the purpose of weight loss.
Quite often, gestation can be accompanied by anemia, which is why the hemoglobin level drops significantly even in the body of a healthy woman. The iron contained in the product can help with such conditions in complex therapy. Calcium, which gooseberries are rich in, will help replenish the reserves of the element for the skeletal system in the body of the expectant mother and baby.
The beneficial properties of gooseberries are also manifested in eliminating the symptoms of toxicosis, preventing nausea and vomiting, and the sour taste of the berries stimulates the appetite.
The benefits of eating gooseberries for pregnant women include normalizing kidney function, which helps relieve these organs of serious stress during a special period of a woman’s life. Eating berries stimulates the removal of excess fluid from the body, which, in turn, reduces swelling of the legs. Including the product in the diet of the expectant mother will help in the treatment of pyelonephritis and cystitis.
The beneficial property of gooseberries to restore intestinal function is also of great importance in late pregnancy, when the fetus begins to put pressure on the woman’s abdominal cavity, including the intestinal area, which often causes severe constipation.
Is it possible to eat gooseberries while breastfeeding?
The period of breastfeeding is a rather important stage in the development of a newborn, so a woman should take special care of her diet. Gooseberries contain valuable vitamins and minerals, the restoration of which in a woman’s body during feeding is important.
Therefore, the gradual introduction of gooseberries into the diet will help improve the quality of breast milk, replenish the energy reserves of a woman’s body depleted by childbirth, and also:
- strengthen teeth and gums;
- speed up metabolism, which is extremely important when restoring your figure after childbirth;
- normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract of both mother and baby, prevent the occurrence of colic.
At what age can children eat gooseberries?
Gooseberries are extremely rarely capable of causing allergic reactions, but the organic acids they contain can cause digestive system disorders. Therefore, berries should be introduced into the baby’s diet no earlier than he reaches 12 months.
At an early stage (1 - 1.5 years), a child can consume gooseberries in the form of juices, since the pulp of the berries contains seeds that are not digestible by the child’s body. Experts advise diluting the drink with water in a 1:2 ratio so that the components in the gooseberries do not irritate the child’s digestive system. It is better to start with minimal portions (a few drops), gradually increasing the dose to 50 - 60 ml by the age of 1.5 years.
After 2 years, you can begin to accustom your baby to whole gooseberries. They are added to desserts, casseroles, pudding, jelly, and also to milk-based cereals. Another option could be a fruit salad with gooseberries in it.
Medicinal properties of gooseberries: berries, leaves, twigs
Few people know that both the gooseberry fruits and the leaves and twigs of the plant contain beneficial properties. That is why the berry is actively used in the field of traditional medicine in the treatment of various diseases.
Benefits of gooseberries for diabetes
The usefulness of gooseberries is invaluable for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
At the initial stages of the disease, consuming fruits can help stabilize the patient’s condition independently and save him from the use of special medications.
The beneficial properties of gooseberries for diabetes are due to the composition of the berries: in addition to problems with insulin concentration, chromium deficiency occurs in the body, which entails poor absorption of vitamins consumed with food. Gooseberries contain sufficient amounts of chromium to keep the body in good shape.
Doctors note the particular importance of chromium in diabetes mellitus: according to experts, the element has a beneficial effect on the pancreas, which takes a big hit in the disease.
During menopause and menstruation
The benefits of gooseberries are also relevant for menstrual irregularities in the female body. Regular consumption of berries will help regulate menstruation, as well as normalize the amount of discharge. Due to the presence of ascorbic acid in gooseberries, the product significantly increases the level of hemoglobin in the blood, which tends to fall during the menstrual period. In addition, eating the fruit helps normalize hormonal levels during menopause.
For depression and neuroses
The presence of B vitamins in berries activates the functioning of the brain and nervous system, which helps improve memory, cognitive functions, normalize mood and general psychological state, and relieve depressive and suicidal thoughts.
For kidney diseases
Gooseberry fruits are known for their diuretic and choleretic properties, which is why an infusion of the berries is recommended for the prevention and treatment of kidney, urinary and gall bladder diseases.
The benefits and harms of gooseberry jam
Gooseberries can be consumed either fresh or in the form of jam, which is well suited as preserved food for the winter. The main disadvantage of such sweetness is the process of heat treatment of the berries, due to which the gooseberry may lose most of its beneficial properties. However, there is an option for raw (or cold) jam, the preparation of which preserves all the benefits of the berries.
After short-term heat treatment, gooseberries retain 80% of vitamins C and P, which have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart and liver, as well as on blood vessels. Due to the preservation of most vitamins and beneficial properties in raw jam, it is especially recommended to be consumed in the spring, when the risk of vitamin deficiency increases.
Despite the excellent taste and benefits, consuming such jam is highly not recommended for people who are obese, since the product contains “fast carbohydrates” that contribute to excess weight gain. In addition, it is better to refrain from sweets for people with gastritis, hyperacidity, allergies and diabetes.
Beneficial properties of gooseberry leaves
In addition to the fruits, gooseberry leaves also provide significant benefits. It is worth noting that the concentration of certain components in their composition may vary depending on the plant variety. The leaves of the bush contain:
- folic acid;
- malic and citric acids;
- ascorbic acid;
- retinol;
- vitamin E;
- tryptophan;
- a nicotinic acid;
- B vitamins;
- group of antioxidants;
- tannins and flavonoids.
Due to the presence of such a cluster of useful elements, gooseberry leaves in fresh and dried form are actively used in folk medicine.
However, despite all the beneficial properties of gooseberry leaves, before using them it is important to familiarize yourself with all contraindications and possible side effects.
The use of gooseberry leaves in folk medicine has many options: decoctions, tinctures or compresses, which can be used for various purposes:
- treatment of anemia: due to the presence of beneficial substances and microelements in the leaves, which help stimulate blood circulation and enhance metabolism;
- improving the functioning of the immune system: for this it is recommended to take tea from the leaves of the plant in winter, when the risk of flu and colds especially increases;
- high-quality cleansing of the body: malic acid in the leaves helps remove accumulated toxins and decay products from the body;
- weight loss and normalization of the gastrointestinal tract;
- reducing the risk of developing atherosclerosis;
- improving the functioning of the central nervous system and activating the functioning of brain cells;
- treatment of infectious diseases: in addition to ascorbic acid, tannins in the product also contribute to this;
- prevention of myocardial infarction;
- relieving inflammation in the oral cavity;
- treatment of gynecological diseases;
- improving skin condition, removing signs of fatigue.
When treating certain diseases, teas, decoctions and tinctures from leaves have the most effective effect on the body. Each product has its own preparation characteristics:
- Tea. To prepare it use 2 tsp. dried gooseberry leaves, 2 tsp.black tea and 1 slice of lemon. All ingredients must be mixed and placed in a teapot. After this, pour boiling water over the mixture and leave for at least 5 minutes. If desired, you can add mint, cinnamon or dried gooseberries.
- Decoction. You need to take 2 tbsp. l. dry and 4 tbsp. l. fresh leaves of the plant and pour 800 ml of boiled water over them, then simmer over low heat for 8 minutes. The resulting drink should be cooled and then strained thoroughly.
- Infusion. To prepare it, it is best to use a thermos, into which you need to add 2 tbsp. l. dry gooseberry leaves and pour 400 ml of boiled water. The composition should be infused for 30 - 60 minutes, then cool slightly and strain.
Medicines from gooseberries should be used in the treatment of:
- Esophageal hernia. To alleviate the condition, it is enough to take ½ cup of the decoction 3-4 times a day, regardless of meals. The course of treatment is 10 days, after which it is necessary to take a week break and continue treatment if necessary.
- Tuberculosis. To do this, you need to take 250 ml of gooseberry infusion during the day. The course lasts 30 days, after which you should take a break for 2 months.
- Arthritis and ligament injuries. To do this, you can use decoction compresses. 100 g of dry gooseberry leaves should be boiled in 200 ml of water for 30 minutes, then soak gauze swabs in the broth and apply them to the inflamed area.
- Gynecological diseases. In case of inflammatory processes, douching is done with a decoction of the leaves of the plant. If a burning sensation and discomfort appears during the procedure, this is a signal of individual intolerance to the plant, in which case the procedure must be stopped.The course of treatment is 7 days.
- ARVI and colds. For this disease, it is recommended to take tea from the leaves with the addition of honey. This product is suitable for both older people and preschool children.
- Inflammatory and infectious diseases of the urinary system. To do this, you need to take a tincture of 150 g of leaves 5 - 6 times a day. If desired, you can sweeten the drink with honey or sugar.
- Inflammatory processes of the oral cavity. You should rinse your mouth with a decoction of the leaves 2-3 times a day.
- Insomnia and neuroses, to calm the nerves. To prepare the product you will need 1 tsp. rowan and strawberry leaves, gooseberry leaves and 3 tsp. burdock. The collection is poured with 2 tbsp. boiled water and leave for 30 minutes. You need to take the product 200 ml at a time; if desired, you can add jam or honey.
- Symptoms of fatigue, loss of strength and fatigue. It is necessary to brew gooseberry, raspberry and currant leaves in equal quantities. Once a day you should take 1 tbsp. funds for a month. The infusion is also recommended to be drunk in spring and autumn to prevent vitamin deficiency.
- Obesity. For weight loss, take a decoction based on the leaves and fruits of the plant. This remedy has powerful diuretic and laxative properties and accelerates metabolism in the body. It is recommended to take it throughout the week, 100 g in 5 doses.
The benefits and harms of gooseberry twigs
The branches of the bush, which are also used to make teas, also have beneficial medicinal properties.When properly prepared, such a drink has significant benefits for blood vessels, speeds up metabolism, increases the body's immune forces, and also has a diuretic property. The drug is often prescribed for the treatment of rheumatism.
To prepare tea, you need to take several sprigs of gooseberries and boil for 15 minutes, then let the drink steep (it is best to leave the tea overnight). Then the drink needs to be strained and heated again, without bringing it to a boil. It is necessary to take the product 2-3 times a day before meals.
Gooseberry branches can be brewed in a second round, and the raw materials of young trees can be brewed directly with the buds.
Considering all the medicinal properties of gooseberry fruits, leaves and branches, before using them it is important to familiarize yourself with possible contraindications.
Uses of gooseberries
To use gooseberries in cooking, both fresh and heat-treated berries are taken.
The production of jam with a characteristic emerald color, as well as jams, marmalade and jellies, is in great demand. The berries of the plant are used to prepare drinks (jelly, compote, etc.) or desserts (ice cream, pastries, cakes or yogurt). Thanks to the sour taste of the fruit, gooseberries also add piquancy to various sauces for seasoning meat.
In cosmetology
As noted above, the sour taste of gooseberries is due to the rich content of vitamin C in its composition, which is invaluable for the restoration of skin cells.Ascorbic acid accelerates chemical reactions, due to which the epidermis is cleansed of all toxins, renewed and oxygenated
However, the beneficial properties of other organic acids present in the berry allow it to have a complex effect on the skin, penetrating the deeper layer of the epidermis, cleansing it and dissolving harmful substances.
Takretinol helps restore damaged cells, folic acid molecules protect against photoaging, and potassium promotes hydration.
Using gooseberry face masks makes the skin smoother, softer and softer to the touch, relieves inflammation and, over time, lightens age spots. The skin gains density and a healthy appearance.
There are many variations of masks using gooseberries, each of which has unique beneficial properties for the skin, cleansing and whitening it:
- Classic cleanser. You need to mash 1 tbsp. l. berries into a paste and apply to the face for 7 - 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- Mask with glycerin. A little gooseberry juice is mixed with glycerin and applied to the skin for 5 - 10 minutes.
- Mask with wine to eliminate acne. You need to take 2 - 3 tsp. white wine and add some crushed berries. Let the mixture sit for 10 - 15 minutes, and then gently apply it to your face for 5 - 10 minutes.
- Moisturizing. Add a few drops of olive oil to the berry pulp and spread over the skin for 7 - 10 minutes. You should place a towel under your head.
- Mask with milk. 2 – 3 tbsp. l. The milk is heated over the fire, and then a little mashed gooseberries are added. You can also use a few drops of olive or flaxseed oil. Let the resulting mixture brew for 10 – 15 minutes.
- A facial scrub is an excellent option for cleansing your skin at home. It will require some oatmeal, which must be mixed with 2 tbsp. l. gooseberries and add 1 tsp. Sahara. The product can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Acne mask. Blue clay is used for it, known for its beneficial cleansing properties. You need to mix 1 tsp. clay and berry pulp and apply the mask to your face until it dries. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little warm water or olive oil.
- Nutritious. Add sour cream or homemade yogurt to the berry pulp. Flour is also used to prepare it (it is better to use chickpea, pea or wheat).
- Mask with yolk. The yolk of one egg is mixed with 1 tsp. grated berries and apply to the skin for 7 - 10 minutes.
When losing weight
Gooseberries will also benefit people who want to lose a few extra pounds. By consuming 700 grams of berries per day, you can significantly speed up your metabolism and trigger fat burning in the body. At the same time, it is important to control your diet and try to exclude fast carbohydrates from it.
There is also a more thorough approach to weight loss: the gooseberry diet. It does not apply to mono-diets, so you can add other foods to your diet.
To avoid harm to the body, a gooseberry diet is strictly contraindicated for people with allergies to the berry.
There are several diet options, among which everyone can find the most optimal one. The gooseberry diet is based on a standard scheme:
- The first day includes eating 450–500 g of berries three times a day.In the morning, you can supplement the fruit intake with a slice of bread with cheese, at lunch - with cottage cheese, and for dinner, drink two glasses of kefir.
- On the second day, the volume of the berries is increased to 600 g. For breakfast, it is recommended to eat a plate of oatmeal and drink a glass of gooseberry juice (300 g of the morning serving of berries). For lunch, in addition to berries, you can include chicken breast, and finish the last meal with cottage cheese.
- The rest of the days you need to alternate this sequence. It is also important to take into account that the berry diet is best supplemented with physical activity and drinking large amounts of water, which also helps speed up the metabolic process in the body.
If you follow the diet correctly, you can get rid of 2 to 4 kg within the specified period. The standard regimen ensures gradual weight loss without harm to the digestive system and the body as a whole.
Restrictions and contraindications
Despite all the beneficial properties of the fruit, there are several contraindications to eating gooseberries:
- The berry is not recommended for consumption if you have a stomach ulcer;
- in case of an allergic reaction;
- for inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Conclusion
The health benefits and harms of gooseberries continue to be actively studied by experts around the world. Today, many beneficial properties that berries provide to the human body have been discovered: value for the treatment and prevention of various diseases, for weight loss, during pregnancy, etc.The availability of gooseberries allows them to be used in many areas (from cooking to cosmetology), and the rich composition of the berry has a beneficial effect on many body systems. Before consuming the berries, you should familiarize yourself with possible contraindications in order to avoid negative consequences.
