Amazing Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses of Rasbhari (Cape gooseberry)

Cape gooseberry name

The fruit is named Cape gooseberry because it was first cultivated in the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Different names in different countries of the world know it. It is known as Inca, Goldenberry, African ground berry, Peruvian groundcherry, Peruvian cherry, Inca berry, Uchuva, Chinese lantern, Aztec berry, golden berry, giant ground cherry, etc. The different names of rasbhari across the world are as follows:

• Botanical name: Physalis peruviana
• Cape gooseberry: South Africa
• Pokpok: Madagascar
• Poha: Hawaii
• Rasbhari: India
• Aguaymanto: Peru
• Uvilla: Ecuador
• Uva: Colombia
• Harankash: Egypt
• Amour en cage: France
• Physalis: UK

Top benefits of Cape gooseberry

Rasbhari nutrition facts: The nutritional value of 100 grams of Cape gooseberry is as follows: Energy (53kcal), carbohydrates (11.2g), fat (0.7g), protein (1.9g), vitamin A (36 μg), vitamin B1(0.11 mg), vitamin B2 (0.04mg), vitamin B3 (2.8mg), vitamin C(11mg), calcium (9mg), Iron (1mg), Phosphorous (40mg), etc. The fruit is rich in pectin and has an adequate amount of polyphenols, withanolides, melatonin, and carotenoids.

Diabetes: Cape gooseberry is rich in fructose and suitable for diabetic patients.

Anti-inflammatory: Due to the presence of polyphenols and antioxidants, the goldenberry is used for many medical uses such as anti-asthmatic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, antihelminthic, anti-inflammatory, purgative, laxative, and suitable stomach-related disorders.

Hypertension control: Rasbhari controls high blood pressure due to phytochemicals such as polyphenols and carotenoids and a suitable percentage of potassium, which acts as a high blood pressure reliever. These bio-chemical compounds reduce cholesterol, too.

Lung cancer: The African ground berry has an appropriate percentage of polyphenols and carotenoids, which are beneficial against lung cancer cure, as recent research studies show. The anti-hepatoma properties of the fruit are also related to treating cancer. In folk culture, Physalis peruviana is being prescribed against cancer and leukaemia. It is still prevalent in the folk medicine of Kerala, India.

Neurological problems: Physalis peruviana has the power to control the movement of free radicals, thus helping prevent many diseases, including neurological-related disorders.

Good vision: Rasbhari is rich in vitamin A and provides 14% of the daily requirements of vitamin A. Vitamin A is good for the eyes, prevents cataracts, and protects against muscular degeneration.

Strengthens bones: The golden berry has a good proportion of pectin, which helps in calcium and phosphorous absorption, thus making the bones stronger. It is also used in treating rheumatism and dermatitis.

Boost immunity: The fruit contains vitamin C and fulfils 18% of daily requirements. Having a profuse amount of vitamin C helps enhance the body’s immunity.

Healthy liver: Research has confirmed that rasbhari regulates the cholesterol level and is suitable for the liver’s health.

Atherosclerosis: The fruit juice contains some crucial phytochemicals that are good for the smooth functioning of the heart.

Side effects of Rasbhari: Unripe fruit shouldn’t be taken as it contains a lighter form of poisonous alkaloids, which may cause allergy.

Rasbhari recipes

It is a berry-like fruit used for many purposes. Due to its sharp-tasting nature, it is used in making various recipes such as snacks, pies, puddings, ice cream, sauces, jams, salads, fruit salads, desserts, etc. In the making of salads, it is used with apples and honey. Generally, it is eaten raw, but it can be taken as raisins or the ingredients of jellies, yoghurt, oats, cake, etc. The fruit is also used in cocktails. Rasbhari is also popular in making various sweet dishes.