CarlComments Off on 4 Surprising Health Benefits of Physalis
Also known as the ground cherry, physalis belongs to the subtropical regions of the earth. They’re grown in warm temperatures, and are indigenous to the Americas. The fruit is a genus of the flowering plants belonging to the nightshade family.
Regardless of its nature, it is now being cultivated all across the globe. The fruit is enclosed in a huge husk that’s papery in texture, covering the fruit either entirely, or just partly. The fruit itself is small sized, characterized by its unit coloring that has tints of both orange and yellow. It’s quite similar to a husk tomato in terms of its size.
A lot of species of this fruit are more popularly known as ground cherries. Although it’s scientific name is Physalis peruviana, but it’s also referred to as:
Cape gooseberry
Golden berry
Aztec berry
Chinese lantern
Peruvian ground berry
Let’s delve deeper into the world of physalis and take a look at the health benefits of consuming the fruit! It’s health benefits are the main reasons for its high popularity today among the health conscious.
Physalis as support of the immune system
Consuming one cup of physalis is beneficial for bossing your immune system. This is because it’s a rich source of Vitamin C, containing 50% of the daily value.
Vitamin C acts as defense against damage caused by free radicals. It acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals, and thus protecting your cells from damage caused by free radicals. This also includes white blood cells which are a body’s main defense against disease causing microorganisms.
The Vitamin also plays a key role in the formation of collagen, fiber used to heal wounds. In addition to this, vitamin C also causes enhancement of other nutrients, helping your body with the absorption of iron.
A Fruit to combat cancer and prevent inflammation
Steroids also known as withanolides, can help in combating inflammatory conditions. This includes, lupus and arthritis, as well as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Research suggests that these steroids can also help prevent certain cancers, and even treat them. Experts are still conducting research to find out how withanolides can kill particular cancer cells.
The best fruit to maintain bone health
Physalis is known for providing one with their daily calcium requirements. It is a rich source in calcium which means he fruit can help you with body functions other than the building and maintenance of bone mass:
Regulation of heart rhythm
Producing hormones
Providing support to blood vessels
Muscle contraction
The Perfect Food to Aid Digestion
The fruit is packed with pectin. This makes it perfect for the production of jams and jellies. What most people don’t know is that the high level of pectin is also a fiber rich food source. As we’re all aware, dietary fiber is essential when it comes to aiding digestion. The reason for this is, it helps food move down the colon by peristalsis, hence preventing constipation.
Conclusion
Considering it’s surprising health benefits, there’s no wonder why physalis is such a popular fruit among the health conscious today!
Carl Clay is a health blog author who has been writing about nutrition, fitness and healthy living for over 10 years. He also loves to run, hike and bike with her wife.
