Impressive Health Benefits of Gooseberries

Health Benefits of Indian Gooseberries

Indian gooseberry is a yellowish-green stone fruit packed with vital, health-boosting nutrients. Here is how the fruit benefits your health —

1. Strengthens the Immune System

One of the main benefits of gooseberry juice is that it can strengthen your immune system remarkably. A 100g (i.e., approximately half a cup) serving of diced gooseberries can offer 300mg of Vitamin C — an amount which is almost double the amount recommended daily for adults. Vitamin C, along with other beneficial compounds like alkaloids, polyphenols, and flavonoids, act as excellent immune boosters.

2. Protects Cardiovascular Health

The fruit can safeguard cardiovascular health by lowering LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or 'bad' cholesterol levels and increasing HDL (high-density lipoprotein) or 'good' cholesterol levels. This way, the fruit reduces the risk of heart attacks.

3. Prevents Neurodegenerative Diseases

Intake of gooseberry juice or gooseberry powder can significantly reduce inflammation. The fruit's anti-inflammatory properties play a role in preventing the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Motor Neuron Disease, etc.

4. Manages Diabetes

Consumption of gooseberry fruit or its juice can help manage diabetes effectively. The soluble fibres in the fruit get dissolved easily, thereby controlling the sugar absorption rate by your body. This phenomenon prevents sudden sugar spikes, which are common in individuals coping with diabetes. Furthermore, research has shown that drinking amla juice daily in the morning can favourably impact the lipid and blood glucose counts in patients with type 2 diabetes.

5. Prevents Cancer

One of the most remarkable benefits of gooseberry juice or fruit is that it can increase longevity by preventing certain deadly diseases like cancer. Studies, though limited, show that gooseberry can destroy cancer cells in the case of certain types of carcinoma. These include carcinoma of lungs, breasts, ovaries, and cervix.

6. Improves Eye Health

Vitamins A and C, the two vital nutrients in gooseberry, may protect your eyes from issues like weak vision and age-related macular degeneration. Vitamin C may also prevent eye infections like conjunctivitis or pink eye.

7. Improves Skin Health

One of the most well-known benefits of gooseberry juice and fruit is that it can give you radiant skin. Drinking the juice daily in the morning can flush out toxins from your system, giving you flawless skin. Researchers have also declared that topical application of fresh gel extracted from the gooseberry fruit can eliminate ageing signs like wrinkles, fine lines, loss of skin elasticity, and hydration.

8. Improves Digestive Health

The gooseberry fruit is excellent for digestive health. Consumption of the fruit can stimulate the secretion of various digestive enzymes, thereby improving your digestion power. The fibre in the fruit can regulate your bowel movements, alleviating issues like constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.

Nutritional Value

The nutritional value of Indian gooseberry is impressive. This humble fruit is rich in vital nutrients for a healthy body and mind. The chart below will tell you about the nutritional value of Indian gooseberry: