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Many remember this fruit from their childhood, precisely from grandma’s garden. Today its cultivation is no longer nearly as popular. However, that is a great pity. You should know that if you include gooseberries in your diet, even for a limited time, it will have a tremendous positive effect on your health.
Gooseberry is an absolute rarity
Whether you choose any variety — green, yellow or red — their health benefits are tremendous in all cases. Our ancestors already knew this, which is why gooseberries were widely grown in almost every garden. Besides being so healthy, they are also very easy to cultivate. They grow almost without you having to pay attention to them.
Your body will thank you
Gooseberries have a beneficial effect on the function of the liver, heart and kidneys, they prevent stomach illnesses and even cancers of the digestive tract. Our grandmothers made syrup from gooseberries; it was indispensable for fevers, colds, inflammations and viral infections. In high heat it has been proven that gooseberries can help the body cool down quickly and thus sometimes reduce a life-threatening condition. Because this is such a strong effect, you should not overdo it with gooseberries and be careful about consuming large quantities of this fruit.
More vitamin C than in currants
Thanks to the high content of vitamins A, B1, C, D and E and their minimal caloric content, they are one of the best fruits for people trying to lose weight. In addition, they contain citric acid, tartaric acid and fructose, pectin, niacin, potassium, phosphorus and calcium, which results in exceptional cellular protection and strengthened immunity. Pectin not only stimulates bowel function but also lowers high cholesterol. And last but not least, they also provide significant protection against cancer, especially due to their high antioxidant content.
A rescue for your kidneys, prostate and even for anemia
It is not very well known that gooseberries can help with urinary tract and kidney infections even more than cranberries. They can quickly flush bacteria out of the urinary tract and protect the kidneys and urinary tract from their return. In addition, they fight fluid retention. Gooseberries also strengthen blood vessel walls and combat high blood pressure. If you have problems with anemia, you should eat gooseberries every day, as they contain a high proportion of iron. Women will certainly be pleased by the fact that gooseberries improve the quality of skin, hair and nails. No masks or peels are needed — simply enjoy them.
High content of vitamins and nutrients
Gooseberry leaves contain a number of useful substances — they are especially rich in vitamin C. They also contain tannins, flavonoids and a significant portion of mineral salts (manganese, copper, magnesium, etc.)
What can they do for our health?
The high vitamin C content is very important for people with weakened immunity and during periods when the body is prone to developing illnesses such as the flu or colds.
It is a strong antioxidant that protects cells from premature aging and the effects of free radicals. It can thus contribute to protecting cells against cancer.
Infusions and decoctions from gooseberry leaves have a strong disinfectant and anti-inflammatory effect. They are used on wounds, scrapes, and also as a mouth rinse for various inflammations.
The beneficial properties of teas and decoctions from gooseberry leaves have also been proven in the treatment of stomach ulcers and gastritis.
For the treatment of anemia and to support hematopoiesis — the substances contained in gooseberry leaves are important for the formation of red blood cells and, in addition to the mentioned anemia, they also prevent atherosclerosis.
The effects of gooseberry leaves are invaluable for gout and rheumatism. Leaf tea is excellent for flu, colds and tonsillitis. Prepare the tea by placing 2 teaspoons of dried leaves and pouring 250 ml of boiling water over them. Let steep for 4 minutes.
For aching knees use a compress of gooseberry leaves. Boil about 30 leaves in 500 ml of water and let steep for 15 minutes covered with a lid. Soak a cloth in the decoction, put the leaves on it, fold it and hold the still-hot compress on the knee. Cover with plastic wrap and wrap with a warm towel. Leave the compress on overnight and repeat as needed.
Gooseberry leaf tea acts as a diuretic, promotes sweating and can remove excess water from the body and also bacteria that cause kidney and urinary tract infections. It brings relief for constipation and digestive problems. Regular drinking of gooseberry leaf tea acts as a prevention against serious diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, stimulates bowel activity and also protects the liver. Be sure to drink this beverage at least once a day during flu season and you won’t have to worry about being felled by illness.
Decoctions of gooseberry leaves are also beneficial for skin conditions — they reduce irritation, swelling, redness and itching. Gooseberry leaves are often added to baths and thus help fight dermatitis of various origins.
Why freeze?
Freezing is the best way to make full use of the strength of gooseberries throughout the year, even when they are out of season. Frost locks in all the vitamins and makes the taste of gooseberries even more pleasant. Freezing also keeps gooseberries fresher for much longer.
Simply grind the gooseberries in a meat grinder and freeze them in ice cube trays. You will always have on hand a perfect addition to lemonades, desserts, or as something cooling and very healthy to refresh you. They are excellent combined with yogurt, as a healthy smoothie and as a natural sweetener for tea from dried gooseberry leaves.
Gooseberry jam
The method is very simple and quick. To start, remove all the black “tails” and the stem. I usually use scissors for that. Rinse the fruits with water and blend them in a blender (this is very fast and easy); if you don’t have a blender, use a meat grinder.
Then layer the gooseberry mixture alternately with layers of sugar — leave it to stand overnight. The next day bring the mixture to a boil — cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally (after 20 minutes it is necessary to remove the foam). Fill the hot mixture into jars (you can also mix in citric acid). Turn them upside down and let cool!
