Physalis is a small plant with orange cups that resemble Chinese lanterns. Physalis has many other names: Jewish cherry, Inca, Aztec, golden berry, ground or Peruvian cherry, pichu and pok. This is a representative of the nightshade family, which is grown as a medicinal and ornamental plant.
The ripe fruit is sweet, with a pleasant smell of grapes. It has many vitamins and antioxidants that are good for your health.
Physalis as a percentage of the daily norm, provides:
The fruit contains fatty acids, including many polyunsaturates. It also contains ananolides and carotenoids. These are natural antioxidants, such as kempferol and quercetin, which kill harmful bacteria, protect against cancer and reduce inflammation.
Benefits of Physalis
The beneficial properties of Physalis is used as a diuretic and anthelmintic agent, as well as for intestinal disorders.
Physalis is used to treat cancer, leukemia, hepatitis, rheumatism and other diseases. It is also used to relieve inflammation and heat, fight infections and strengthen immunity. It is useful to treat malaria, asthma, hepatitis, dermatitis and rheumatism.
Physalis relieves inflammation, so it is used in the treatment of joint diseases and osteoarthritis.
Physalis reduces the level of "bad" cholesterol. Its use normalizes blood pressure and performs the prevention of ischemic stroke.
Studies have shown the benefit of physalis in Parkinson's disease. The product has a positive effect on the nerves that are responsible for the movement of the muscles.
Vitamin A in Physalis is good for the eyes and protects the eyes from the development of diseases.
Physalis is effective in the treatment of abscesses, cough, fever and sore throat.
Physalis normalizes bowel function and improves peristalsis. These properties will improve the work of the gastrointestinal tract with constipation.
The fruit contains pectin, which regulates blood sugar levels. Physalis leaves have choleretic and diuretic effects.
Physalis stops the spread of cancer cells in the colon and breast. The root of the plant contains fizaline, a substance recommended for the treatment of intermittent fever.
Physalis can be eaten fresh or added to salads. They are preserved whole in compotes, boiled in the form of jam and cooked sauces. Physalis is used in cakes, puddings and ice creams.
In Colombia, the fruits are stewed with honey and eaten for dessert. They also receive nuts that can be covered with chocolate and served with tea.
Before using, the berry should be cleaned of the dried leaves. Inside, fruits are often covered with a thin, slightly sticky layer that must be washed before eating.
