Physalis is a small plant with chalices interestingly reminiscent of a Chinese flashlight. Within the orange cocoon there are small round fruits of a similar color. Not many people know the real name of the plant, so it is also known as Earth’s cherry, golden berry, Jewish cherry, etc. It belongs to the Family of the Solanáceas and the gardeners cultivate it for ornamental and medicinal purposes.
To safely consume the sweet fruit with grape aroma, it is enough to know the basics about it: how sure is a physalis, the benefits of the plant, the composition and the possibility of using it for certain diseases.
Useful properties and composition
Orange berries contain natural antioxidants: carotenoids, analoids, polyunsaturated acids, quartzetine. They are capable of fighting inflammation, destroying bacteria, eliminating cancer cells. In 100 grams of product it contains only 53 kcal.
Physalis mineral and vitamin composition:
- Vitamin PP – regulates the work of the digestive tract, circulatory and nervous system;
- Vitamin B1 – Duplicates the work of the PP and participates in the work of metabolism;
- Vitamin C – Relieves the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, protect against colds by increasing immunity;
- Phosphorus – Strengthens bone tissue, essential element of DNA, phospholipids;
- IRON – Catalizes metabolic processes, provides oxygen to the organism.
What is useful for a Physalis man:
- decreases blood pressure;
- Help with respiratory diseases;
- hyperglycemia prevention;
- The phytocidas eliminate free radicals, main cancer components;
- Improve nails, hair and bone tissue
- clean the blood vessels of cholesterol plates;
- Reduces the possibility of cataracts;
- The inflammatory processes of any location;
- Adequate for dietary nutrition;
- Clean the liver;
- Heals wounds, stomatitis ulcers.
Dangerous properties of Physalis: damages and contraindications
Physalis health benefits are as great as their possible damages, especially when consumed in uncontrolled quantities.
- The hemlock, as people call it, can be used with caution in any chronic process, especially in the acute phase.
- In case of thyroid pathology or inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, a high berries consumption can be seriously harmful.
- Physalis is strictly contraindicated in seasonal allergies.
- Hypertensive can only consume a single ration of these berries, since otherwise their blood pressure can descend sharply.
- You cannot eat the fruits of all the varieties of the plant, especially ornamental.
- Dry stems are only allowed to make medicinal tinctures with the permission of the header.
The berries have several contraindications
- stomach hyperacidity;
- thyroid disorders;
- Product intolerance
- exacerbation of gastritis;
- open ulcer;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding period.
Categorically it should not be added to the food along with coffee. It causes possible tachycardia, irregularities of the heart rate and the consequent respiratory problems and general discomfort.
For men
As men grow up, it increases their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Large amounts of Physalis can be harmful to heart rate and, with possible anomalies of the circulatory system, will cause the deterioration of the general state.
The fruit has a pronounced diuretic property, so in case of incontinence, prostate tumors and inflammation of the bladder should be limited or minimized.
For the women
The benefits of the edible variety of Physalis for women are much greater than possible damages. However, it is recommended to include it with caution in diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In case of hormonal imbalance or ovarian tumors, their consumption must be supervised by a doctor.
How to keep Physalis
The berries need a dry and well ventilated room, with a low temperature and an average humidity. The lower shelf of a refrigerator is a good option.
Caution. Under adequate conditions, agripalma berries can be kept fresh up to 60 days. Its subsequent consumption can cause serious damage.
How to consume them?
The benefits of agricultural berries are much greater if they are consumed fresh. However, to get rid of the sticky plaque from the surface, which protects the pest plant, it is better to boil the peeled elements.
Physalis has a specific taste: sweet, with pronounced acidity and bitterness. It is very suitable for summing vegetables, preparing stews, fresh and stewed salads. Boiled is also interesting, so experienced housewives add it to soups, main plates or as a cake filling.
With Physalis juice you can prepare sauces, fresh drinks and kissel. Jam can be done with the pulp, dry the berries or make them dehydrated for winter.
Phyzalis decoction
In this way, it is used for bladder diseases and kidneys. It is also used for ascites and intermittent fever, a consequence of renal failure. The healers recommend decoction for intestinal or stomach hemorrhages.
To prepare a drink, it is enough to pour dry berries (25 g) ½ liter of boiling water, put on the fire and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. Next, leave infusion for 60 minutes, strain and put in the fridge.
Important! To maximize the benefits of healing composition, it is allowed to take up to 5 times a day for 30-50 ml.
Physalis juice
This drink has a very specific flavor. It is usually prescribed to those who have no stomach problems, intestines or thyroid. The dose of juice is small: no more than 20 ml a day. It can also be used externally to eliminate fungal lesions in small areas of the skin.
Leudado Physalis mosaic
Like apples or berries, the fruit of the gallbladder can be soaked for the winter. To do this, the prepared elements must be washed in cold water, placed hermetically into an adequate size jar and pouring the brine (1 l of water, 150 g of salt, 250 g of sugar). Cover the preparation with a lid, leave it for 2 days at room temperature and then transfer it to the cold place. Dry figs will be ready to eat after 1 month.
Escabec figs should not be kept more than six months.
Stacky figs
This product variant is ideal as a snack, as an accompaniment of salads, sandwiches or meat garrisons. An excellent substitute for canned tomatoes.
To prepare it, collect and wash 1 kg of the PHYSALIS plant variety. Species in each jar: a little dill, curious leaves, spicy radish, cherries, jamaic pepper peas and 1 clove of garlic. Pack the berries well into a bowl, pour boiling water on them, leave 15 minutes, then pour the liquid into a saucepan, add 4 teaspoons of salt, 8 teaspoons of sugar. Remove the mixture, bring to a boil, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar and pour into jars. It remains to roller calafateo, keep upside down under a blanket for 1-2 days, then move on to a dark and fresh place.
The chemical composition and the value of figs
In addition to the vitamins mentioned above, the base of the plant is a rich list of minerals.
- Potassium is the most abundant with 268 mg. Normalizes the work of heart muscle and the entire hematopoietic system.
- A little less are copper, phosphorus and magnesium: 79, 39 and 20 mg respectively. These elements improve blood quality and help replace the organism’s energy reserves.
- Calcium (7 mg) and sodium (1 mg) normalize water balance and improve hair quality, nails and skin.
- Zinc, iron and manganese are not many, between 0. 62-0, 153 mg. These elements reinforce immunity, normalize metabolic function.
- Selenium is the least abundant, with 0. 5 micrograms. It is an indispensable link for the stable functioning of the thyroid gland.
100 g of product contain more than 30 kcal. The berry is based on water (more than 60 g) and food fiber (9 g). There are very few proteins and fats (1 g each) and most carbohydrates (8 g).
What cure the Physalis
Officially, doctors recommend using the mature fruit of the plant to treat gastritis, ulcers, diabetes, cholecystitis and hypertension. It is also an excellent remedy for swelling, the elimination of bile and to enrich the body with vitamins.
Due to the large amount of fiber in the composition, a great benefit of Motherwort in the treatment of digestive disorders. Decoction of rose stick healers Remove the symptoms of colds, nerve pace, compensate for the lack of vitamins. But the brilliant fruit is especially valuable for several serious ailments.
- Digestive problems. The admission product improves digestion, accelerates metabolism, so minerals and vitamins are better absorbed in intestines. Very quickly eliminated toxins, go cramps, constipation, flatulence, disorders disappear.
- Kidney disease, liver. Several fresh berries per day, and a little broth helps get rid of swelling, eliminate inflammation in the urinary tract, adjust the gallbladder and prevent the formation of calculations in these organs.
- Healing of wounds. The edible varieties of the plant contain a large amount of iron, which helps increase hemoglobin and accelerate the regeneration process, which is especially important for cuts, deep injuries or after surgery.
Physalis for type 2 diabetes
Physalis has a low glycemic index, so it has good blood effects. People with type 2 diabetes can easily include it in their diet, especially to reduce high blood sugar levels, or their sudden peaks. Another characteristic is its ability to restore the normal functioning of the pancreas, protecting the organ from possible complications due to the existing problem.
Physalis can eat raw, but for medicinal purposes, it is better to prepare a decoction of it or make an infusion of dry berries. The maximum benefit is observed if the remedy prepared with an empty stomach is taken before breakfast.
Is it safe for children?
The benefits of the plant for the child’s development are huge. Minerals and vitamins reinforce the immunity of children, improve their memory and have a positive effect on their activity. This treat is suitable for children from 3 years, since at an earlier age Physalis can cause allergies.
Important: Before adding berries to a child’s diet, it is better to consult a pediatrician.
During pregnancy
For women in the position of any of the existing species of Physalis is not contraindicated. The rich composition of Physalis has beneficial effects on the body, and its benefits are especially notable during pregnancy. A large amount of vitamin C protects the future mother from seasonal respiratory diseases, strengthens the immune system. Orange fruit not only prevents any inflammatory process, but also prevents the development of avitaminosis, which is especially common in the last trimester of pregnancy.
The Physalis base is potassium, which eliminates excess water from the body, which is relevant to all pregnant women. A handful of fresh berries will help overcome toxicosis, and his rich composition will protect the fetus and provide maximum benefit during his formation.
Warning. The permission to eat figs can only be in the absence of allergies.
Lactation
The utility of the plant also does not lack importance during breastfeeding. Its main task is to quickly restore the level of important vitamins, microelements to saturate the newborn with them. This helps women quickly overcome childbirth stress and return to normal life.
It is important to understand that a product of this type can cause allergies in the baby, so introducing it in the best diet in small portions, seeing how the child reacts to such changes.
How it affects weight loss
Highly valued properties and benefits of Physalis in losing weight diets. The caloric value of this vegetable is quite low, but the fiber and the diuretic substances it contain are abundant. Therefore, at the bottom of fruit slags and excess fluid quickly leave the body, and with them go and pounds.
Thanks to its fresh and interesting flavor, the benefits of the Physalis diet are maximum. The juicy berries give the illusion of not having to eliminate any dessert from the diet. In addition, the product favors the rapid elimination of excess liquid from the organism, which is especially important in the thinning process.
How and where figs grow
This perennial plant is originally from South America. From there he began his spread throughout the world. Due to its lack of claims regarding cultivation conditions, Physalis is well established in Japan and in all Asian countries. In Russia, the ornamental species of the plant, called Franché, has gained popularity. Tolerates the frost well and grows in the central part of the country, with a moderate climate.
As very few care requires, the benefits of your cultivation are maximum. He prefers open plots, has little similarity and therefore divides vegetatively. This usually makes the bush in spring into several parts and planting them around the plot. This division does not cause notable damage to the plant.
Depending on the variety, it can be perennial or grow for a single season. Gardeners prefer to cultivate the first option to obtain the greatest benefit. The stem does not exceed 120 cm high and will eventually become woody and the leaves will become opposed to each other. During fruiting, the plant produces bright bel l-shaped calices. In them the small orange fruits mature, the size of a large cherry. When the petals begin to dry, you can start harvesting.
Phyzalis candies
Speaking of the benefits of including this product in the diet, it is enough to assess the amount of dishes that can be prepared with it. A good example are the candies made with the Physalis pulp. Such sweets will not cause any damage to the sweet tooth, if their amount is reasonable.
For your preparation it is necessary
- Pumpkin seeds – 50 gr;
- Sunflower seeds – 60 gr;
- figs – 15 berries;
- dates – 7 units;
- 1 lemon zest;
- Coconut chips – 2 tablespoons;
- 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds.
Preparation
- Throw all the ingredients in a blender (except the chips, the poppy seeds and the dates), mix them until you get a paste, pour it on the table and mix the resulting dough with your hands.
- Wash the berries and let them dry.
- Put a small amount of the resulting base on an ice cream maker, place a gum in the center and press it slightly inwards. I pinch the ascending edge of the dough so that the fruit is “sealed”.
- Remove the pieces from the mold and pass them through coconut flakes or poppy seeds.
- Place on a plate and cool a few hours in the refrigerator.
This sweet does not hurt if it is eaten in 2-3 pieces. For greater utility, it is recommended to prepare such sweets in winter.
The benefits of dry figs
The dried version of the berry retains all the same elements and vitamins. With so many antioxidants and oleic and linoleic acids, it is difficult to overestimate the benefits of filberries.
Warning. To achieve the benefits of the product, and not damage the body, it is recommended to add the dry product in food in a limited amount – 3-4 pieces per day.
Physalis jam
Another option for a bright color fruit is sweet jam. To prepare the “sunny” jam you need to prepare:
- Physalis – 550 gr;
- Sugar – 500 gr;
- Limón – 1 UD;
- Water – 1 CDA;
- cinnamon – half teaspoon.
- Wash and dry the berries, click them with a fork and put them in a saucepan.
- Add the water and sugar and put it over medium heat until it breaks to boil.
- Add cinnamon and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add the lemon juice, lower the fire and let cook for an hour and a half, stirring constantly.
- Put it on the sterilized jars, tápelos and keep them in a fresh and dark place as soon as they have cooled.
Conclusion
The fruit of bladder grass is a true treasure of useful and important elements for the functioning of the entire human body. But before consuming Physalis, it is important to study its main useful properties and contraindications. Small size, berries contain a large number of useful, mineral elements and vitamins. Including them in the diet is a good decision, but only if there are no contraindications, chronic diseases or product intolerance.
