Physalis – what is it, what is it for and side effects!

The physalis scientifically known as Physalis peruviana is really a tasty and useful fruit as it has many beneficial health properties. Phyalis is also known by different name like Aztec Berry, Barbados Gooseberry, bladderberry, Cape Gooseberry, Cherry Tomato Goldenberry, Gooseberry- Tomato, Goldenberry, Husk Cherry, Inca Berry, Works Cabbage, Peruvian Cherry, Peruvian Cherry, Poha, Poha Berry, Strawberry Tomato, Winter Cherry.

It is closely associated with the tomatillo, as well as the Chinese lantern, also members of the genus Physalis . As a member of the Solanaceae plant family, it is most closely related to a large number of edible plants such as the potato , tomato , eggplant as well as other members of the nightshades.

The small, round Physalis is, in fact, a storehouse of various health-promoting nutrients, minerals and vitamins. Some well-known varieties of Physalis include Giallo Grosso, Giant, Giant Poha Berry, Golden Berry, Golden Berry, Long Aston, Edulis and many more.

What is Physalis?

Physalis is actually a medium – sized softwood perennial, two to three feet (1.6-0.9 m) tall, but can occasionally reach 6 feet (1.8) m. It is found growing in sunny, frost-free locations, protected from strong winds.

It prefers well-drained soils, but is best suited to sand and gravel. Good crops can also be obtained in rather poor sandy soil. Physalis has branching, usually purple, spreading branch covered with fine hairs.

Physalis has a soft fruit that looks like a small, round yellowish tomato. It is a subglobular berry 1.25 to 2 cm in diameter, each inside a bladder like rind, which will become papery on ripening. The fruit is green, while the young become smooth, shiny, golden, yellow to orange when ripe, with many tiny yellowish flat seeds (2 mm in diameter) enveloped in the succulent, palatable pulp. It tastes slightly sour and sweet with a pleasant grape-like aftertaste, making it ideal for snacks, pies or pastries.

Nutritional Value of Physalis?

In addition to its flavor, Physalis is a good source of nutrients, minerals and vitamins. Consume 140 grams of this fruit supply, 3.92 mg of Vitamin B3 , 1.4 mg of Iron , 15.4 mg of Vitamin C , 0.154 mg of Vitamin B1, 15.68 g of Carbohydrate, 56 mg of Phosphorus , 50 µg of Vitamin A , 2.66 g of Protein and 0.056 mg of Vitamin B2, 0.98 g of Total Fat and 13 mg of Calcium .

What is Psysalis for?

• Improves cognitive ability;
• Protects the liver and kidneys;
• Improves the health of pregnant women;
• Relieves arthritis pain ;
• Improves vision;
• Effective for cardiovascular functions.

Benefits and Uses of Physalis:

• It is used in folk medicine as an antipyretic, anticancer, antipyretic, antimycobacterial, immunomodulator and anti-inflammatory and diuretic, also for the management of diseases such as dermatitis, malaria, asthma, rheumatism, leukemia and hepatitis;
• Physalis is a common medicinal herb used by Muthuvan tribes living in the Shola forest regions against jaundice in Kerala, India;
• The decoction of leaves is considered diuretic and anti-asthmatic in Colombia;
• Heated leaves are often applied as a poultice on inflammations in South Africa .

Side Effects and Contraindications:

As long as it is consumed without exaggeration, this fruit has no side effects or contraindications, being recommended for people of all ages.