Gooseberries gained great popularity among summer residents and gardeners. This is not surprising, because it is an amazing plant. Unpretentious, extremely productive, only one adult bush will give you 20 kg of fresh berries. At the same time, the bushes do not take up much space and can grow even in the shady corners of the garden, where the land would be empty. And how delicious is a ripe gooseberry. Its calorific value is quite low, only 44 kcal per 100 g of product. You can eat it, almost without measure, and do not harm your body at all.
History and most popular varieties
Back in the 11th century, monks in England already cultivated gooseberries. The calorie content of this year allowed it to be consumed even in the most stringent fasts, in addition, it served as an important source of vitamins. However, a real breakthrough in its cultivation occurred in the 19th century, when wild varieties were replaced by new ones that gave large and sweet fruits. Gradually, culture reached Russia, where it was loved and continues to be grown in large quantities to this day. Today, most often in gardens and orchards you can find such varieties as Emerald and Smena, Honey, Russian, Moscow, Rodnik, Pink Early, Black Sea, Souvenir and some others.
Berry composition
Not only for the simplicity of its agricultural technology, but also for its great taste, we value gooseberries. The calorie content of its fruits is low, that is, it is an invaluable storehouse of vitamins and an insignificant source of carbohydrates, which will not harm at all during the day. By the way, the gooseberry of dark color is the most useful, therefore it is necessary to eat berries ripe well. The fruits contain vitamins C, A and P, in addition, a large number of B vitamins. It is a terrific source of iodine and potassium, sodium and calcium, manganese and iron, zinc and cobalt, copper and phosphorus. Tannins and pectin are present in the berries . It is also a valuable source of citric and malic acids, flavonoids and serotonin. This is the usual garden gooseberry. Calorie content, as we have already noted, is very small, only 44 kcal per 100 g of product.
Beneficial features
Gooseberries are a sure remedy for many health problems. Any berry is rich in vitamins and good for health, but still today we are paying your attention to this thorny bush. It is recommended to pay special attention to the red gooseberries. Its calorie content is not higher at all, but there are much more vitamins than in other varieties. Let's take a closer look at what diseases it is recommended to use.
Problems and their solution
These delicious berries perfectly strengthen blood vessels. Thanks to their regular use, memory is trained, that is, such a simple and affordable tool delays the development of sclerosis. The following item is especially important for those who live in large cities and environmentally disadvantaged areas. Berries help to remove harmful salts of heavy metals from the body. To a greater extent, this property is possessed by dark varieties. However, it should be noted that gooseberry is also useful. Its calorific value is slightly lower, since it contains less sugar, about 35 kcal per 100 g.
However, this is not all, ripe berries have an amazing ability to inhibit the growth of various tumors. Any fruits of this prickly shrub can reduce high blood pressure. In addition, you can find information about lowering blood cholesterol, although official medicine says that the best way to help for these purposes is the rosehip tincture.
For you dear women
Most often, low-calorie foods, in this case berries, are of interest to lovely ladies. Perhaps that is why many of them are so fond of gooseberries. Calorie content per 100 grams is comparable to one caramel, and the benefits are disproportionately large. But let's get back to health benefits. These amazing berries act as a diuretic, laxative and choleretic, that is, those who monitor their weight, or suffer from problems with these organs, the technique is shown first. Much more than a simple garden gooseberry can be useful. Calorie content (the benefits of it are much greater) may not bother you, it is very low. Berries stop bleeding, accelerate recovery in various inflammations. In addition, it should be noted that they normalize the metabolism and strengthen the immune system.
Contraindications
Despite all the beneficial properties, green gooseberries can be excluded from your diet in some cases. These are primarily individual allergic reactions. It is advisable to consult your doctor so that he gives you the necessary recommendations. Do not eat gooseberries with foods such as yogurt and yogurt. But the cottage cheese will be a great addition to delicious berries.
You can not discount the fact that the thorny bush is often subjected to pesticide treatment. That is why the risk of poisoning with berries is very high if you do not thoroughly rinse them under running water. You should be careful not to eat gooseberries in large quantities for those who have a tendency to indigestion. In addition, not only berries, but also decoctions from its leaves have a diuretic effect, and in combination with diarrhea this can lead to dehydration.
Harvest gooseberries for the winter
When dried, this berry is poorly stored, so most often housewives prepare gooseberry jam. The calorie content of this product is quite high, about 200 kcal per 100 g, because the basis is sugar, not a berry. However, it is jam that preserves the maximum amount of nutrients. Of course, it is necessary to observe the correct cooking technology. To do this, first the berries are covered with sugar and left for several hours. Then put on fire and bring to a boil, then turn off and allow to cool. After cooling completely, it is necessary to heat the berries again. After the third heating, the jam is ready for capping. You were able to save the maximum amount of vitamins and minerals and stock up on jam for the winter, which will not only be a delicious dessert, but also a source of nutrients.