The benefits and harms of gooseberries for human health, medicinal properties and vitamins

Most medical professionals and nutritionists have debates about the health benefits and harms of eating gooseberries. Even in ancient times, people noticed that gooseberry berries, leaves and branches have unique properties and have a beneficial effect on the body. The main thing is to not harm your health, consume it in moderation, and use the leaves and branches strictly according to your doctor’s recommendations.

Composition and nutritional value of gooseberries

Gooseberries are a storehouse of useful substances that the body needs, especially during an epidemic of viruses and pathogenic microorganisms, in the postoperative period, and for children to increase immunity. Berries contain a large amount of vitamins, microelements and macroelements, dietary fiber, organic acids, polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids.

100 g of fresh berries contain 0.7 g of protein, 0.2 g of fat, 9 g of carbohydrates and 45 calories, 3.4 g of dietary fiber, 0.6 g of ash. Processed berries into preserves, compotes, and jams also contain many nutrients and beneficial substances, although the calorie content of such products is higher due to the addition of sugar and other spices. The jam contains 190 kcal, protein 0.5 g, fat 0.2 g, carbohydrates 40-45 g, dietary fiber 2 g, ash 49 g.

Fresh berries contain vitamins:

Some of the vitamins and minerals it contains make up most of the daily value:

• Biotin – 1000%.
• Silicon – 35-40%.
• C – 33%.
• Manganese – 23%.
• Molybdenum – 17%.
• Copper – 13%.
• Potassium – 10%.
• B4 – 8.5%.
• Iron – 4.5%.

But it is worth considering that these tables show approximate amounts: vitamins in gooseberries, macro- and microelements may be slightly less or more depending on the variety used with fruits of green, yellow, red or black.

How to choose a high-quality and fresh product

The berries come in different colors: yellow, green, red, red-violet, black. Many buyers ask the question of how to choose the right gooseberries so that they are tasty and ripe. The main thing you need to know is that green berries contain a larger amount of valuable substances for the body, while others contain less. But dark-colored varieties will have a sweeter taste than green ones, which have a slight sourness due to their higher vitamin C content.

How to choose:

• The berries must be dry so that there are no drops of water or condensation on them. Then such a product will be stored for longer. And the likelihood of the onset of rotting processes will be eliminated, since it is usually sold in plastic containers in the store.
• If you touch the berries, ripe ones will have a more elastic skin. Unripe ones will be hard. Overripe berries are soft to the touch and mushy inside.
• Berries from a healthy bush will not have damage, spots, or white bloom.

If the berries are sold with stalks, then such a product will be stored longer.

What are the benefits of gooseberries: the effects of berries on the body

The benefit of gooseberries for the human body lies in the composition of the substances that it needs for normal functioning.The vitamin C it contains, more than 30%, and vitamin A, 3.5%, are involved in redox reactions in the body, thanks to which the process of iron absorption occurs.

This interaction of substances contributes to:

1. increasing the protective function of the body;
2. improving blood circulation;
3. helps synthesize hormones in the thyroid gland;
4. promotes the absorption of B vitamins;
5. improves metabolism;
6. increases the body's resistance against viruses and pathogenic bacteria;
7. relieves fatigue, helps fight stress.

Biotin, which significantly exceeds the norm, contributes to:

1. normalization of metabolic processes;
2. improves lipid, protein, carbohydrate metabolism;
3. increases skin elasticity, improves complexion;
4. helps fight skin aging;
5. normalizes the functioning of the nervous system;
6. promotes hair growth;
7. ensures the growth of new cells;
8. normalizes blood sugar.

Silicon, copper, manganese, molybdenum, choline contained in fruits help:

1. normalize cholesterol levels;
2. protect body cells from harmful bacteria;
3. improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
4. normalize fat metabolism;
5. prevent the formation of gallstones;
6. fight excess weight;
7. participate in the process of formation of bone and connective tissues;
8. ensure the delivery of oxygen to tissues.

The benefits of gooseberries for the human body are great, because not every product can combine such a number of useful substances that affect the functioning of the entire body as a whole.

Beneficial properties for men

Nutritionists recommend that men consume gooseberries not only fresh, but also dried, in the form of sauces, marinades, jams, wine, and alcoholic tinctures of berry cake.Even when cooked, the fruits retain many useful substances that can improve cardiovascular activity and help fight stress, because men most often hide it and suffer from heart disease.

Berries, leaves, and roots that can be brewed into tea contain components that increase physical endurance and promote the functioning of the reproductive organs of men. Traditional medicine recommends harvesting the leaves of the plant in the spring, and the roots in the fall, drying it in the shade, but bringing it into a room with low humidity at night.

For women and pregnant women

Women should pay special attention to eating fresh fruits, as they help gently remove waste, toxins, and normalize sugar, cholesterol and hemoglobin in the blood. The substances that make up gooseberries, when interacting, solve the problem of excess weight, quench thirst and appetite, improve metabolism and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Increase skin elasticity and restore damaged cells, promote nail and hair growth.

The skin of the face becomes clean, fresh, brightened after using masks and drinking juices, compotes, decoctions of gooseberry leaves and berries. It is especially important to use for pregnant women, who often experience a decrease in hemoglobin, an increase in blood sugar, weight gain and problems with bowel movements.

Pregnancy reduces a woman’s immunity, and the fetus consumes most of the vitamins and elements received, so they need gooseberries for good health. Gooseberries fill the body of a woman and fetus with useful non-essential and essential amino acids, helping to increase immunity, which is reduced due to pregnancy.

What are the benefits of gooseberries for a child?

Pediatricians recommend that children starting from 7-9 months, who do not suffer from gastrointestinal diseases or allergies, be given a teaspoon of gooseberry juice. A child needs to consume 45-70 g of fresh gooseberries daily. Berries have a positive effect on a child’s body: they increase immunity, saturate the body with nutrients and vitamins, improve mood, and prevent the occurrence of skin diseases.

For what diseases is it recommended to use?

Gooseberries help improve the functioning of the whole body, but are more effective in the treatment and prevention of diseases:

• associated with metabolic disorders in the body;
• skin diseases;
• oncology;
• for diseases of the thyroid gland;
• disorders in the functioning of the gall, liver, urinary, kidneys;
• for diabetes mellitus;
• for diseases of joints and cartilage.

Gooseberry leaves and berries are brewed into tea to prevent ARVI and influenza.

Recipes for medicines based on gooseberry fruits

To treat colds, squeeze the juice from gooseberries and drink 50 g 2 times a day for 5-7 days.

A decoction of 100 g of fruits per 1 liter of water will help increase the metabolic rate and improve digestion, boil over low heat for 15-20 minutes. Drink 1 tbsp. in 30 min. before meals.

You can improve the condition of joints and cartilage with tea made from gooseberry leaves and fruits. Wash 10 leaves and pour boiling water over them, leave to steep for 6 hours. Pour boiling water over 10 gooseberries for 2 hours. Mix the infusions and consume 30 g 3-4 times a day.

The use of medicinal and culinary recipes from gooseberries for the prevention of diseases should be under the guidance of the attending physician or after his consultation.

Features of the use of berries in cosmetology

Retinol, folic acid, vitamin C, collagen, silicon help improve skin condition, restore damaged cells, and eliminate fine wrinkles. All these elements are found in gooseberries, so masks with them help women look several years younger, eliminate fatigue, cleanse, moisturize and whiten the skin. But before use, you must undergo an allergy test.

You can prepare a skin mask from the pulp of berries, mixed with olive oil, and also add baby cream or other berries and fruits to which you are not allergic. The main feature of using gooseberries in cosmetology is that it cannot be used if the skin has wounds, cracks, or cuts, since the concentration of acids in the berries will irritate open wounds.

Pros and cons of using gooseberries for weight loss

The advantage of eating gooseberries when losing weight is the low calorie content of the berries. Therefore, to lose weight, you can eat 100-200 g, and the body will receive a signal of saturation, because it contains chromium, which is responsible for appetite. It has a beneficial effect on the genitourinary system and gastrointestinal tract, it promotes the breakdown of fats, and has a mild diuretic and laxative effect.

The downside of gooseberries when losing weight is that they should not be consumed in large quantities, which will irritate the digestive system and can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Existing contraindications and restrictions

Gooseberries help remove waste, toxins and improve metabolism, so for people suffering from chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system, or in the acute stage, it is contraindicated for consumption in any form. It can do more harm than good if you have the following diseases:

• pancreatitis;
• enterocolitis;
• stomach and intestinal ulcers;
• kidney and urinary stones;
• gout.

For any illnesses, you should consult your doctor before consuming gooseberries. And of course, consume little by little, in moderation, without overeating.