Looking At Gooseberry Nutrition

Fruits generally became an important factor in human diet centuries ago because of its nutritional values and culinary uses. A fruit from genus Ribes popularly known as Gooseberry has been a part of culinary structures around the globe for much of this time. Scientifically known as Ribes uva-crispa, this fruit is widely distributed in parts of Europe, southwestern Asia and Africa. It has has many healthy as well as tasty uses including in desserts, jams and juices. Throughout the article, gooseberry nutrition and its health benefits are intensively discussed.

Gooseberry Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits

Vitamins

Gooseberries are a very good source of Vitamin A Retinol or simply vitamin A. When eaten raw and peeled, a portion of it is enough for recommended vitamin A intake for the day. Gooseberry juices are also made to correct certain eye problems such as cataract.

Gooseberries contain large amounts of L-ascorbic acid or vitamin C. It contains 20 times more than oranges. Vitamin C is known to fight free radicals that damages cells and tissues that causes early aging. This makes gooseberry nutrition helpful to regenerate cells and tissues. This fruit is also proven to serve as supplement to prevent scurvy. This vitamin C deficiency is characterized by brown spots on the skin.

Heart disease can also be helped through a controlled diet of gooseberry. Its vitamin C content dilates blood vessels and eases the flow of blood.

Traces of Pantothenic acid in gooseberry also plays a vital role in the health of andrenal glands. Significant amounts of riboflavin, niacin, alpha-tocopherol and folate are also included in its nutritional value.

Dietary Fiber

Gooseberry nutrition can be helpful for those suffering from bowel irregularities because of the fruit’s high fiber content. Thus, it can help prevent colorectal cancer. When raw it contains 3.5 grams of fiber. High fiber contents can aid in normalizing cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Minerals

Because of its good potassium level, the risk of high blood pressure can also be avoided by having good gooseberry nutrition. Potassium also controls and maintains acid balance in the body.

Gooseberry nutrition intake is important as an aid in preventing illness. There are considerable traces of calcium which is vital for maintaining healthy bones which prevents osteoporosis and iron that maintains good blood circulation and red blood regeneration preventing iron deficiency syndrome. Small amount of selenium, zinc and copper are also present.

Calories

Nutritionists and dieticians have said that about a cup of gooseberry contains 66 calories. These calories of course contain no bad fats or cholesterol.

Other Uses of Gooseberry Nutrition

Researchers found that gooseberry nutrition can be an effective relief for hair loss. Many simply apply its juice with added milk to their scalps to stimulate hair growth.

Gooseberry nutrition is also proven to control diabetes by stimulating the body to produce insulin that helps regulates blood sugar levels.

For regions which gooseberry is grown abundantly, simple cooking for gastronomy purposes is developed. Gooseberries are used as simple ingredients for jams and desserts. Others add it to fruit salads to lessen its bitter taste.

Gooseberry can be easily cooked. Poaching is one of the best ways for preparing this fruit. Another remarkable characteristic of this fruit is that the vitamin C contents never diminish when cooked. This makes gooseberry a popular choice for health enthusists.

All the factors mentioned make gooseberry nutrition ideal for maintaining a healthy body. If you have never tried gooseberries it is time you did.