Edible Physalis: useful properties and contraindications

Physalis is a member of the nightshade family. This product is "related" to tomatoes, potatoes and other vegetable crops. Physalis shrub is quite beautiful, orange fruits are hidden in green boxes and have a resemblance to Chinese lanterns.

What is and where does it grow?

The fruit of the physalis is a smooth, round, small orange-yellow berry that is encased in a husk of green. The plant itself is 60-90 cm tall and can sometimes reach 150 cm. Physalis grows best in sunny locations from June to August. The plant and its fruits have alternative names. For example, you can often hear such names as cape gooseberry or golden berry.

This crop came to the European continent from South and Central America. Physalis can be seen growing in the wild because it reproduces by self-seeding. It is common in the territories of Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Venezuela and Colombia. Many varieties have been developed in this part of the globe that are very well adapted to the conditions of the plains and mountains.

Types

There are about 120 different species of physalis. The largest number of species grow in Central American countries. The plant is usually divided into two species, ornamental and edible. The first are very often used as ornaments in flowerbeds, and they can also be used for bouquets. They include such varieties as "Chinese lantern", "Longifolia", "Alkekengi".

If we talk about edible varieties, they can be divided into 2 groups - berry and vegetable varieties. Berry varieties have rather small fruits, they have a sweet taste, and also have a rather pleasant aroma. Vegetable varieties have large fruits with medium flavor qualities.

How to distinguish between ornamental and edible physalis

The ornamental variety has large capsules, but small, unsightly berries. Edible varieties are less attractive but have larger, juicier orange fruits that are similar to tomatoes.

Composition and calories

100 g of the product contains:

• calories - 32 kcal;
• proteins - 1 gr;
• fats - 1 gr;
• Carbohydrates - 3.9 g.

The fruit is also rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 and C, phosphorus, calcium, manganese, copper, selenium, zinc, potassium, magnesium and iron.

Useful properties of physalis

General benefits

1. Supports cardiovascular health. Vitamin B1, found in physalis, is responsible for the production of acetylcholine, a compound that keeps the nerves and muscles connected. A vitamin B1 deficiency can reduce acetylcholine production, making the heart beat irregular. Sometimes there can even be congestion, which increases the risk of heart failure. Regular consumption of physalis fruit normalizes and supports heart function, thereby helping to cope with the stresses on this organ.
2. It improves blood flow. Physalis contains vitamin B3 - niacin, which improves blood flow, especially in places where there is stagnation or impaired functionality. In addition to supporting blood circulation, physalis can also reduce pain. Therefore, instead of taking vitamin B3 in drugs or pills, it is advisable to consume the fruit of the physalis, which saturates the body with vital substances, including niacin.
3. Controls weight. Physalis is a low-calorie food. The fruit is a rich source of nutrients, which are especially necessary for people who are on a diet or maintain physical fitness. This product contains a lot of fiber and carbohydrates, which will help fill the body with energy and keep it toned.
4. Supports vision. Physalis contains vitamin A. This vitamin is an important component for maintaining healthy eyes and therefore vision, helping to avoid age-related disorders. For example, this product can help prevent night blindness, cataracts and yellow spot degeneration.
5. It is useful in pregnancy. Iron is a mineral that is essential for the health of mother and child. A pregnant woman's need for iron is approximately 27 mg. Physalis contains enough of this element to maintain a balance during this period. In addition to making up for iron loss, the berry will also help protect the body and strengthen the immune system.
6. It supports and improves cognitive function. Physalis is rich in antioxidants, in particular it contains vitamin C, which helps to get rid of harmful deposits and fights free radicals. Consumption of physalis on a regular basis will help to get rid of oxidative stress. In addition, physalis is very useful in the recovery of cognitive disorders, such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
7. It treats laryngitis and the flu. The fruit of physalis has many medicinal properties. Among other things, it is very effective in the treatment of laryngitis and the flu. On the basis of physalis you can make various tinctures and drinks that will help get rid of colds and infectious diseases.
8. It prevents fibrosis in the kidneys and liver. Physalis contains alkaloids - flavonoids and andanolides. These are substances that help to prevent the occurrence of fibrosis in the liver and kidneys. In addition, the regular use of physalis will help to improve the condition during the course of this disease.
9. It can cure hepatitis, asthma and cancer. Physalis as a plant and fruit is useful for malaria, rheumatism, hepatitis, cancer, asthma and dermatitis. Repeated studies show that extracts of physalis contain ethanol, which is responsible for suppressing all these diseases.
10. It is useful for diabetes. Physalis is quite often used as a preventive and protective agent against diabetes. As a rule, fresh plant is used to treat diabetes, from which infusions or decoctions are made.
11. It supports the process of cellular repair. According to studies, physalis contains a large complex of vitamins, which are necessary for the body to function normally. One of the main useful properties of physalis is that this product participates in processes related to cellular repair.
12. It strengthens the immune system. Vitamin C, which is contained in the plantain, helps to strengthen the immune system. Regular consumption of physalis will help the immune system to cope with its work more effectively, making it stronger. In addition, the body's ability to fight viruses will qualitatively improve.
13. It fights cancer cells. Physalis contains ananolides. These are organic compounds that are antioxidants and can act as anti-inflammatory agents. They help the body fight cancer cells and slow down the rate at which they are produced. Although the effect of this compound is not as effective as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, but certainly regular consumption of physalis will help the body to fight the disease.
14. It has anti-inflammatory properties. Among other things, physalis can act as an anti-inflammatory. Regular use of this product helps to fight various inflammations, especially in the blood vessels, which, in turn, reduces hypertension.
15. It speeds up the healing of wounds. Vitamin C present in physalis, in addition to strengthening the immune system, has other beneficial properties. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties support collagen tissue production and help wound healing. This vitamin also keeps the skin young and elastic.
16. It lowers blood pressure. The anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants present in physalis help get rid of excess cholesterol in the blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure.

For women

Physalis has a positive effect on the female body. Decoction based on the roots of this plant is used as a remedy in cases of menstrual disorders. Fruits have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, so they are very useful for inflammation of the genitals. For example, in the case of cystitis, pyelonephritis or urolithiasis can speed up the treatment process. To feel the effect of this product, as well as to protect the body from various kinds of inflammation, it is recommended to use it on a regular basis.

In addition, the fruit of physalis can sometimes be seen in diet menus, and for a reason, because it contains a very small number of calories. The low caloric content of the product allows women sitting on a diet to safely include this product in their diet without fear of gaining extra pounds.

For men

Physalis is useful for both women and men. It has a positive effect on men's health. The powerful anti-inflammatory effect that this product possesses plays a significant role in reducing the risk of genitourinary system diseases and their progression. The fruits contain substances that help the male body to maintain a balance of energy distribution, which allows you to feel fullness and strength in all areas. It is worth noting a very important point - physalis has almost no contraindications, so it is safe to include it in the diet.

When pregnant

Physalis has a number of useful properties that are beneficial to the body of a pregnant woman. Vitamin C, which it contains, helps to increase the body's defenses against infectious diseases and colds. Acids, including nicotinic acid, help maintain cholesterol balance. And vitamin B1 has a positive effect on the CNS and on a woman's brain activity. Potassium acts as a prevention of edema, which occurs, as a rule, in the late months of pregnancy. Pectin helps to eliminate toxins from the body more effectively and facilitates intestinal function, normalizes stools of a pregnant woman. Beta-carotene is especially necessary during pregnancy, as it supports the normal development of the fetus.

For kids

Physalis is a natural multivitamin that can cause allergic reactions, so you should not include this product in the diet of children under 3 years. From the age of 3 years onwards, it is possible to give your child figs, but you need to monitor their reactions. To answer the question - with what age can a child be given figs, can only be a doctor, because it largely depends on the individual characteristics. As a rule, the vegetable is prescribed if the child has no contraindications.

If we talk about the benefits of this product for a child, it is worth noting that the greatest effect can be obtained in the case of a weakened immune system, avitaminosis, bronchitis, laryngitis, stomatitis. It is recommended to give children physalis in the period of recovery after illness. In any case, excessive consumption of this product can lead to negative side effects.

When losing weight

Physalis is a low-calorie product, so it is recommended to consume during weight loss. The only point worth paying attention to is the amount of fruit eaten, because in case of overeating the risks of allergies increase or individual intolerance may appear. The daily rate for an adult is 1-2 fruits. To make the effect of the product more noticeable, you should use vegetables in fresh form.

Another positive point is that physalis contains few fats and carbohydrates. Sugared products are more caloric and contain more fast carbohydrates, so it is better not to eat them in the period of weight loss. It is forbidden to do mono-diet on physalis, because it can disrupt the stomach, liver and gall bladder.

Is dried physalis useful?

As a rule, dried fruits and vegetables have quite a lot of useful properties. Dried physalis is no exception. It contains a lot of vital minerals and vitamins.

Benefits:

1. Presence of antioxidants. Dried physalis fruits are rich in antioxidants. They help prevent free radicals from entering the body.
2. Anti-aging properties. Dried physalis can be used as an anti-aging product for leading a healthy lifestyle and prolonging youthfulness. It can also be soaked and added to home facial masks. Such a mask will nourish the skin, which is especially important in winter.
3. Anti-inflammatory properties. Dried fruit can help get rid of swelling and inflammation.
4. Anti-bacterial properties. Regular consumption of dried physalis will protect against bacterial infections.
5. Presence of fiber. Consumption of dried product promotes the replenishment of dietary fiber. Fiber will help improve the function of the gastrointestinal tract, preventing the occurrence of digestive disorders.
6. Supports skin health. The substances contained in physalis help to prevent skin inflammation.
7. Strengthening the immune system. The substances contained in this dried product promote body health and help prevent flu and colds.
8. Detoxification of the body. Dried fruits of physalis help eliminate toxins from the body. It is a natural means of detoxification.

Physalis in medicine

Physalis is one of those products that are not used in official medicine, but the study of the therapeutic properties of this vegetable was nevertheless carried out. It is known that physalis is able to have a beneficial effect on the genitourinary system and can also be useful as a wound-healing agent. Experts point out that this product is acceptable in the menu and even useful for people suffering from diabetes, hypertension, chronic cholecystitis, gastritis and peptic ulcer. Fruits larger than average size can be eaten in quantities of 3-8 pieces, and smaller than average - 9-15 pieces. The recommended time of consumption is 10-15 minutes before a meal. In case of increased stomach acidity, the rate should be reduced by half.

Physalis is also allowed to use in cases of gastrointestinal problems, in cases of diarrhea and hypertension or as a general tonic. This product has a beneficial effect on the female body because it reduces inflammation of the reproductive organs, helps with cystitis, urolithiasis and pyelonephritis.

In spite of the fact that physalis does not officially belong to medicinal products, it is widely used in the field of folk medicine. For example, in Bulgaria, decoctions based on physalis are used in case of problems with the stomach and intestines, the urinary system, as well as hemorrhoids. In Central Asian countries, physalis acts as a medicine against constipation, anemia and hypertension, and the juice is used to treat angina.

Hazards and contraindications

Physalis contains a large amount of antioxidants, which makes it a useful product for health. But it must be said that too much antioxidants can damage healthy body cells. It is also worth noting that with an individual intolerance, the use of the product can have a negative impact on health. Here are some contraindications for physalis:

• blood clotting disorders;
• low blood sugar levels;
• The period of taking drugs that lower blood pressure.

Sometimes eating physalis can cause drowsiness, so you should not eat this product while driving or working with potentially dangerous machinery.

Unripe fruits contain solanine, a compound that can be toxic. In case of peptic ulcer or thyroid problems, you should also be careful when consuming the product. Excessive consumption of physalis fruit can lead to breathing difficulties or diarrhea.

How to Store Physalis

Keep this product in a cool, dry place. It is desirable to put it in small boxes with holes (for ventilation) or in slatted boxes that can hold up to three kilograms of fruit. The storage temperature should range from 12-14C. Ripened fruits can be stored like this for about 2 months. Unripe fruits are allowed to store longer.

If the temperature is higher than normal, the product spoils much faster. For example, at 25C, it takes 2 weeks for the physalis to ripen.

Periodically, the fruits should be reviewed, throwing away the spoiled products.

How to eat physalis

Before consuming this product, it should be well washed and remove the sticky substance from the rind. For this purpose, you should pour boiling water over them (for 4-5 minutes). It should be noted that this method is only suitable for vegetable physalis. Berry varieties can be consumed directly after picking from the bushes. Physalis can be eaten raw, dried, candied, salted, soaked, and pickled. The fruits can be stewed, roasted, and baked. Vegetable varieties are suitable for making salads (meat, vegetable, and fruit), side dishes, caviar, sauces, purees, and casseroles. They can also be used as an ingredient in various dishes such as soup, borscht, rassolnik and cabbage soup.

Physalis juice can act as a seasoning for fish and meat dishes. It is also used in the preparation of pickles and marinades. It is suitable for souring and canning. In addition, on its basis you can prepare various desserts and drinks. Dried figs can replace raisins or apricots.

How much can be eaten per day

The daily rate of consumption of figs is considered to be from 4 to 8 fruits. For people with hyperacidity of the body, the consumption of figs should be limited to a few fruits per day.

Can you eat them raw

Physalis can also be eaten raw, but the taste will be slightly different. The fruits will be sour and have an unpleasant taste. But at the same time they are excellent for making delicious juices and jams.

Do you need to wash the physalis before eating it?

Before you start eating the fruits of physalis, they should be washed and hot water. This is necessary to remove unnecessary plaque from the fruit.

How to cook figs jam: Recipes

Physalis jam with apples

Ingredients:

• sugar - 3 kg;
• physalis - 2 kg;
• apples - 1 kg.

How to cook:

1. Peel the fruits of the physalis from the dry peel, rinse and rinse with boiling water. Wash the apples, get rid of the core.
2. Cut apples and physalis into small pieces (1/4 physalis), put them in a bowl and cover with sugar. Leave in this form until the juice appears.
3. Cook over low heat, stirring until amber color appears.
4. Check if it is ready. To check if the jam is ready, you can drop the jam on a saucer. If it doesn't spill out, it is ready.
5. Add citric acid.
6. Pour the jam into sterilized jars, seal and cover. When jars have cooled, place them in a cool, dark place.

Physalis jam

Ingredients:

• Physalis (pastry) - 1 kg;
• water (potable) - 500 ml;
• sugar - 1,2 kg.

How to prepare:

1. To begin, prepare a sugar base to impregnate the berries. To do this, put sugar in water and boil until homogeneous. After cooking, cool the syrup.
2. While the syrup is boiling, sort the physalis, remove the capsules, rinse, dry and put on a towel. Boil water, scald the fruit and cool it.
3. Send the fruit to boil. Pour in the sugar base and stir thoroughly. Wait about 4.5 hours until the fruit is completely saturated.
4. Put the resulting mixture on the burner. Set the heat to medium and simmer until it begins to boil. After that, reduce the power to minimum. Cook for another 8 minutes.
5. Remove from the heat and wait for the mass to cool. Repeat the 8-minute heat treatment again after 6 hours. Do the procedure 3-4 times until the jam thickens.
6. Pack the jam in jars and seal it.

Jam of figs and orange

Ingredients:

• Physalis - 1 kg;
• sugar - 1 kg;
• oranges - 1 pc;
• cinnamon - 1 tsp.

How to prepare:

1. Physalis peel, wash and put in boiling water, dry, pierce the fruit with a fork (you need to do this to soak in syrup).
2. Place in a pot of figs and sugar, cover with a towel or a lid. Put in a dark place for 12 hours.
3. Cook the figs on low heat. If there is not enough juice, you can replace it with water. After boiling, remove the foam and remove from the fire.
4. Rinse the oranges in hot water, cut into small pieces. Combine the oranges, physalis and cinnamon, stir and leave for another day.
5. After that, put the jam on the stove to boil. After boiling, the fruit should soften.
6. Pour the jam in jars and roll up. After that, they should be turned over, wrapped in a blanket or thick towel and leave until they are completely cooled.

Interesting facts about physalis

1. Before you start eating physalis fruits, they must be dipped in hot water. This is necessary in order to clean the product from the plaque on the surface. If this procedure is not done, you can not fully enjoy the unique taste of fruit.
2. Physalis grows as an independent plant. Physalis fruits "hide" in an attractive shell, the formation and growth of which is much more active than the fruit itself inside.
3. You can tell how mature the fruit is by the outer shell, because over time it changes color and fades. The moment the shell begins to lose its beauty and color saturation, you need to get ready for harvest.
4. Plants have a fairly high yield rate. One average bush of physalis can give about 3 kg of harvest.
5. The most important points associated with the fruits of physalis are its great taste and the content of a large number of useful properties. But only mature fruits have these advantages.
6. This crop has many different names, but the most common name for the fruit is "physalis". This word came from the Greek language, as "physo" has a translation - "bloated", and this is quite a characteristic feature of the fruit and its shell.
7. Before consuming, it is necessary to consider that the shell is the inedible part of this product. The same is true for overripe fruits, but they contain a lot of toxins, which can have a very negative impact on human health.
8. There is a belief - if you collect dry branches of physalis in a bouquet, it will help to create a positive atmosphere in the house, because physalis drives away unkind spirits, as well as eliminates all negativity.

Photo of physalis