Gooseberries for a silky younger look
Feb 27, 2011
FOR many, the mention of entuntunu (gooseberries) evokes childhood memories. Children, especially in rural areas, go to the wilderness to hunt for this sweet and succulent fruit.
By Agnes Kyotalengerire
FOR many, the mention of entuntunu (gooseberries) evokes childhood memories. Children, especially in rural areas, go to the wilderness to hunt for this sweet and succulent fruit.
Today, gooseberries have found their way to the streets and in supermarkets countrywide. They are among the highly priced packaged fruits.
Gloria Kirungi, a nutritionist with MildMay Uganda, says though not regarded highly, gooseberries are the richest source of Vitamin C among all fruits and vegetables.
“One gooseberry contains more than 500mg of Vitamin C compared to oranges,†Kirungi says, adding that the amount of Vitamin C contained in gooseberries helps to protect cells and tissue from free radical (cells) damage, thereby preventing cancer.
In addition, the Vitamin C also aids in dietary iron absorption, developing a strong immune system and providing strength to the muscles.
Apart from vitamin C, Kirungi affirms that gooseberries contain other nutrients like Vitamin A, calcium, phosphorous, Vitamin B complex, iron, fibre, carotene magnesium and potassium.
Moses Ssenoga, a naturopathic (specialist in natural remedies) of Mukago Herbal Sanitarium, Mbuya, says gooseberries are helpful in curing indigestion and liver disorders.
Ssenoga says the berries neutralise toxins that build in the body since they work as a powerful anti-oxidant. The calcium in the berries helps to keep the teeth and nails strong.
The anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties found in gooseberries help keep the urinary system healthy. “The berries also facilitate protein synthesis in the body and are particularly suited for low blood sugar patients,†explains Ssenoga.
He affirms that gooseberries also reduce blood sugar and stimulate the hormone that is responsible for secreting insulin, hence keeping diabetes at bay.
Besides, Ssenoga says regular consumption of this fruit helps to maintain and improve eyesight due to the carotene content.
In addition, gooseberries provide a good amount of fibre which helps to support bowel regularity, thereby helping to prevent bowel cancer and constipation. Fibre also helps to maintain normal blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Kirungi says the Vitamin B5 contained in gooseberries helps turn carbohydrates and fats into energy and also plays a part in the health of the adrenal glands.
Besides, the fairly good level of potassium in gooseberries helps the muscles and nerves function properly and maintains the bodies’ acid balance. Potassium helps to lower risks of high blood pressure.
Gooseberries have anti-ageing factors and are effective in managing hypertension and promote quick wound healing.
Kirungi says gooseberries also contain carbohydrates, proteins, unsaturated fatty acids, water, Vitamin A, calcium, phosphorous, iron and fibre.
FOR many, the mention of entuntunu (gooseberries) evokes childhood memories. Children, especially in rural areas, go to the wilderness to hunt for this sweet and succulent fruit.
Today, gooseberries have found their way to the streets and in supermarkets countrywide. They are among the highly priced packaged fruits.
Gloria Kirungi, a nutritionist with MildMay Uganda, says though not regarded highly, gooseberries are the richest source of Vitamin C among all fruits and vegetables.
“One gooseberry contains more than 500mg of Vitamin C compared to oranges,†Kirungi says, adding that the amount of Vitamin C contained in gooseberries helps to protect cells and tissue from free radical (cells) damage, thereby preventing cancer.
In addition, the Vitamin C also aids in dietary iron absorption, developing a strong immune system and providing strength to the muscles.
Apart from vitamin C, Kirungi affirms that gooseberries contain other nutrients like Vitamin A, calcium, phosphorous, Vitamin B complex, iron, fibre, carotene magnesium and potassium.
Moses Ssenoga, a naturopathic (specialist in natural remedies) of Mukago Herbal Sanitarium, Mbuya, says gooseberries are helpful in curing indigestion and liver disorders.
Ssenoga says the berries neutralise toxins that build in the body since they work as a powerful anti-oxidant. The calcium in the berries helps to keep the teeth and nails strong.
The anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties found in gooseberries help keep the urinary system healthy. “The berries also facilitate protein synthesis in the body and are particularly suited for low blood sugar patients,†explains Ssenoga.
He affirms that gooseberries also reduce blood sugar and stimulate the hormone that is responsible for secreting insulin, hence keeping diabetes at bay.
Besides, Ssenoga says regular consumption of this fruit helps to maintain and improve eyesight due to the carotene content.
In addition, gooseberries provide a good amount of fibre which helps to support bowel regularity, thereby helping to prevent bowel cancer and constipation. Fibre also helps to maintain normal blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Kirungi says the Vitamin B5 contained in gooseberries helps turn carbohydrates and fats into energy and also plays a part in the health of the adrenal glands.
Besides, the fairly good level of potassium in gooseberries helps the muscles and nerves function properly and maintains the bodies’ acid balance. Potassium helps to lower risks of high blood pressure.
Gooseberries have anti-ageing factors and are effective in managing hypertension and promote quick wound healing.
Kirungi says gooseberries also contain carbohydrates, proteins, unsaturated fatty acids, water, Vitamin A, calcium, phosphorous, iron and fibre.