The benefits and harms of gooseberries for human health, properties and uses

Gooseberries are often grown in gardens, but the health benefits and risks of the berry must be considered before consumption. Gooseberries contain a large amount of vitamins and are often used for winter preserves.

Description and Features

A perennial plant that grows as a small bush. It is distinguished by its disease resistance and flavor.

The characteristics of gooseberries are as follows:

• the height of the bush can reach up to 1.5 meters;
• With proper care, large harvests can be collected annually;
• the size of berries can be up to 2 grams;
• can be pink, dark green, yellow, burgundy depending on the variety;
• the taste can be sour, sweet, or sweet and sour;
• used for fresh consumption or for preparations.

The plant does not require special care and quickly propagates by cuttings or layering.

History of appearance

The crop was first mentioned in England. Gooseberries are one of the ancient crops, grown in royal gardens as early as the 14th century. The plant became widespread in the 18th century. Bushes were then planted in gardens as ornamentals and for the harvest of their healthy berries. In the 19th century, breeders began developing different varieties. However, due to the powdery mildew fungus, the plant was unpopular for a long time, but has recently become popular among gardeners.

Useful composition

The berries contain the following useful components:

• vitamins C, A, B1, B6;
• minerals - manganese, zinc, potassium, copper, phosphorus, iron.

One hundred grams of the product contains only 40 calories. Therefore, the berry is considered a high-calorie food.

The medicinal properties of berries for the human body

Gooseberries are often used to prevent various illnesses. They contain all the necessary nutrients. They strengthen the body and boost immunity.

Hematopoietic

The berry contains a large amount of iron, so it is often used to treat anemia. It also strengthens blood vessels, reduces fragility, and helps thin the blood. With regular use of the product, the risk of blood clots and plaque formation is reduced, which reduces the strain on the heart.

Vitamin C, B, phosphorus

The vitamins contained in the product strengthen the immune system and prevent diseases and infections. These vitamins also reduce the risk of tumors and cancer.

For blood circulation

Regular consumption of berries thins the blood and accelerates its circulation. As a result, beneficial substances are distributed throughout the body, nourishing and saturating the internal organs.

Metabolism

Freshly harvested vegetables speed up digestion, eliminating waste and toxins from the body. A normalized metabolism facilitates the breakdown of all food products and prevents fat accumulation.

Normalization of hormonal levels

Regular consumption of gooseberries improves thyroid function. It also normalizes hormonal imbalances. It effectively combats hormonal imbalances during menstruation and reproductive disorders.

Prevention of hypertension, atherosclerosis, venous insufficiency

To prevent these types of diseases, it's important to regularly eat gooseberries. Green varieties are preferred. Gooseberries can be eaten fresh or frozen.

Fighting excess weight

Gooseberries are virtually calorie-free, making them ideal for weight loss. This weight loss is achieved thanks to the organic acids they contain, which naturally break down fat cells. Thanks to their ability to normalize metabolism, this process occurs quickly, and the weight remains.

Diets are used for weight loss. Gooseberries are the main ingredient. The berries also contain fiber, which increases intestinal motility and reduces hunger.

Important: For obesity, gooseberry for weight loss should only be used in combination with other methods.

Pain reliever

Berries have the ability to reduce inflammation in the body, thereby eliminating pain and discomfort. Berries are often used to relieve menstrual cramps.

Mild laxative

Eating berries daily can achieve a mild laxative effect. The fiber stimulates bowel movements, reducing constipation. For a laxative effect, consume 10 grams of fresh berries twice a day.

Choleretic property

The berries and decoctions of the plant's leaves are used to normalize bile duct function. They prevent inflammation in the bile ducts and cleanse the body of harmful substances.

Antioxidants

Consuming green berries helps flush out harmful toxins that accumulate during food consumption. The product also improves liver function. It's also suitable for cleansing the lungs of smokers.

Lowers cholesterol levels

The plant has the ability to reduce bad cholesterol levels in human blood. To do this, eat 100 grams of berries daily. Results will appear within 1-2 months of regular use.

Folk remedies

Gooseberries are often used in folk medicine to treat various ailments. Decoctions and ointments are prepared from the leaves and berries, and their use can also help restore the beauty of skin and hair in a short time.

Decoctions

The following types of decoctions can be prepared from the fruits:

• Laxative. To prepare, mix equal parts water and fruit. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Take 50 grams 4-5 times daily.
• Choleretic infusion: Pour 1 cup of berries with 2 cups of boiling water. Place the infusion in a thermos and let steep for 6 hours. Mix the resulting mixture with honey in a 1:5 ratio. Drink 50 grams 3 times daily.
• Immune-boosting tea: Pour boiling water over one spoonful of leaves and let steep for 15 minutes. Add a sprig of mint and a spoonful of honey.
• Tonic tea. Pour boiling water over one spoon of dried fruit and leaves. Let steep for 20 minutes and drink in the morning.
• A decoction to relieve menstrual pain: mix the leaves of the bush and the berries in equal proportions. Add water at a 1:2 ratio and simmer for 20 minutes. Cover with a towel and let cool completely. Drink half a glass twice daily.
• A decoction for healing mouth ulcers. Pour two cups of boiling water over one cup of leaves. Simmer for 10 minutes and drink three times daily. Can also be used as a mouth rinse.
• A decoction against infectious diseases: mix 1 cup of fruit with 2 cups of water and 1 cup of honey. Bring to a boil and take 2 spoons 3 times a day.

Decoctions can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days after preparation. If an unpleasant odor or mucus appears, do not use the remedy.

For sore throat

To relieve swelling and sore throat, use the fruit juice. Dilute the juice with equal parts water and gargle every two hours.

For skin diseases

To reduce skin damage, topical treatment with the leaves of the plant can be used. To do this, soak the leaves in water in a 1:2 ratio. Bring to a boil. Strain and apply to the affected areas.

For eczema and dermatitis

To treat skin conditions, it's important to regularly consume fresh berries. Berries contain beneficial components that restore the epidermis. This treatment method can be used long-term. Consume up to 200 grams of fresh berries per day.

For inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system

To treat the reproductive system, it is recommended to drink 30 ml of fresh fruit juice daily. The treatment course lasts up to 15 days.

For kidney stones in the urethra

Regular consumption of fresh fruits helps remove kidney stones and sand. For the desired results, consume the product daily for a month.

With high blood pressure

Fresh berries can often be used to lower blood pressure. Berries have a diuretic effect, which helps stabilize blood pressure.

Temperature drop

When you have a high fever, drinking gooseberry tea can help reduce the temperature and relieve inflammation. To achieve the desired effect, the berries are mixed with gooseberry leaves and simmered over low heat for 15 minutes.

Removal of toxins and waste

The fruits have an antioxidant effect on the human body. They promote the natural elimination of toxins and waste. To cleanse the body, consume 100 grams of fresh fruit twice a day. During this cleanse, avoid fast carbohydrates and unhealthy foods. Gooseberries have the ability to remove heavy metal salts and are also effective against cancer.

Stimulation of hemoglobin production

Consuming red fruits helps stimulate amino acid metabolism, which results in the production of hemoglobin.

Improving brain function

The fruit contains potassium, which promotes active brain function. It helps reduce the effects of stress on the body and speeds up recovery after a long day at work.

Use during pregnancy

Gooseberries rarely cause allergic reactions, so they can be used during pregnancy. For pregnant women, regular consumption of the berries provides the following benefits:

• the fruit develops better because the berries contain folic acid;
• women are less susceptible to colds;
• using berry juice you can treat skin diseases without harming the fetus;
• the presence of vitamin C reduces the formation of varicose veins and thins the blood;
• the woman receives all the necessary vitamins for the normal course of pregnancy;
• using a decoction of the fruits reduces the risk of kidney disease;
• facilitates bowel cleansing;
• reduces the risk of excess weight gain after childbirth.

When consuming berries, care must be taken and they should not be combined with dairy products.

Important: Consuming in large quantities may cause diarrhea, which can lead to increased uterine tone and possible premature labor.

Can children use it?

Gooseberries can be consumed by children from the age of one year. The product is introduced gradually, starting with small amounts. For children, the product has the following beneficial properties:

• promotes the development of brain activity;
• gently cleanses the intestines;
• saturates the body with all necessary minerals and vitamins;
• prevents the formation of dermatitis;
• fruit juice increases appetite;
• removes excess fluid from the body;
• visual memory improves;
• increases the immune system's ability to fight infectious diseases.

For children, berry-based compotes and kissels should be used. You can also give 3-4 fresh berries several times a day.

How is it useful for women?

Gooseberry consumption by women helps normalize the menstrual cycle and relieve pain. It also helps reduce discomfort during menopause.

Women can use the product as an anti-wrinkle treatment and for problem skin. The fruits are ground into a paste, mixed with clay, and applied to the face. This mask reduces puffiness, acne, and fine lines. This treatment can be repeated every 10 days.

Beneficial properties for men

The male body is different from the female one. However, eating berries also has its benefits. These include:

• a decoction of the bush leaves increases immunity and promotes energy;
• the product reduces the risk of inflammation in the genitourinary system;
• The use of fruits helps to remove excess fat and cholesterol, which leads to the growth of muscle mass;
• reduction of aggression and anger attacks;
• the risk of stroke decreases.

Regular consumption of the fruit also increases potency and reduces the risk of prostate inflammation.

Contraindications for use

Gooseberries rarely cause allergic reactions, but the following contraindications for use should be taken into account:

• long-term intestinal disorders and diarrhea;
• gastritis;
• breastfeeding period;
• for chronic flatulence;
• recent surgical interventions;
• ulcer;
• children under 1 year of age.

In rare cases, an allergic reaction may develop. If these symptoms occur, discontinue gooseberry consumption.

Selection and storage

The beneficial properties of fruits depend on the correct selection of the finished product. When purchasing berries, pay attention to the following recommendations:

• there should be no plaque on the fruits;
• the berries have a medium level of firmness;
• green varieties of the crop are considered useful;
• The fruits must have stalks.

The product can be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic container. You can also freeze the berries and use them throughout the winter. If you have a large quantity of berries, puree them with sugar and place them in the freezer. In winter, use them as jam for tea.

The fruits can also be dried. To do this, follow these steps:

• place ripe berries in a sunny place;
• stir three times a day;
• remove damaged specimens;
• Collect the finished material in 3-4 days.

It is necessary to store in cloth bags away from moisture and dampness; if a musty smell appears, the dried fruit becomes unusable.

Result

Gooseberries are a common crop in gardens. They require little care, are distinguished by their excellent taste and long shelf life. The berries are also rich in nutrients and have the ability to remove toxins and waste from the body. They can be used to freeze food for the winter. The fruits are also often used to make sauces for meat dishes.