10/12/2018 / By Ralph Flores
Good things come in small packages: Goldenberry — which is roughly the size of a marble — is not only packed with nutrients but is also rich in health benefits. It’s widely considered to be a superfood, thanks to its ability to manage diabetes, strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and even help a person lose weight. The small fruit, aside from being delicious, is a powerful energizer and contains essential vitamins, mineral, and antioxidants. It’s also known to support body growth — thanks to its high levels of protein and phosphorous — and is associated with improving digestion, purifying the blood, and lowering cholesterol.
The goldenberry, which is also called cape gooseberry or Peruvian groundcherry, is a perennial plant native to South America. The evergreen shrub is cultivated for its fruit, which can be eaten raw or added in jams or jellies. The fruit is described to be bitter-sweet in flavor, with its dried version used as an alternative to raisins. In the wild, it’s found wrapped in its calyx to protect it against pests and the elements; however, this wrapping is toxic and should be removed before eating.
Most known health benefits of the goldenberry are from its fruits, but other parts of the plant have been shown to have active biological properties as well. The leaf juice, in particular, is used in traditional medicine to treat worms and bowel problems, while the calyces can be used in a decoction to treat diabetes.
Goldenberries are rich in vitamins and minerals and contain low levels of calories, but the real reason they’re valued is for their high antioxidant concentrations. In particular, these are rich in polyphenols and carotenoids, which are known to greatly benefit human health and have a synergistic effect with other nutrients. Here are some more ways that the body can benefit from eating goldenberries. (h/t to OrganicFacts.net.)
Learn more about the other health benefits of goldenberries at Food.news.
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