The uchuva fruit is also called “Physalis peruviana” is a species of physalis, the plant and its fruit. It is originally from Peru and also known as uchuva (Colombia) Cape gooseberry (South Africa, UK, New Zealand), Inca berry, Aztec berry, golden berry, giant ground cherry, African ground cherry, Peruvian groundcherry, Peruvian cherry, amour en cage (France), and sometimes simply Physalis (United Kingdom).
It is indigenous to South America, but has been cultivated in England since the late 18th century and in South Africa in the region of the Cape of Good Hope since at least the start of the 19th century.
So far it tastes best mixed with other tropical fruits as salad for breakfast in raw form. Just clean it with some water before eating. Thats all.
Health benefits of the uchuva fruit
Like many fruits the uchuva has more than just a few health benefits. The uchuva is part of the superfruits! :-) Here are just some benefits of eating uchuvas apart of the fact that they do taste VERY good!
Diabetes: Cape gooseberry is rich in fructose and good for diabetic patient.
Anti-inflammatory: Due to the presence of polyphenols and antioxidants, the golden berry are used for many medical uses such as anti asthmatic, anti spasmodic, anti septic, anti helmenthic, anti inflammatory, purgative, laxative and good for stomach related disorders.
Hypertension control: Rasbhari controls high blood pressure due to the presence of phyto-chemicals such as polyphenols and carotenoids and suitable percentage of potassium, which act like as high blood pressure reliever. These bio-chemicals compounds reduce cholesterol too.
Lung cancer: The African ground berry has appropriate percentage of polyphenols and carotenoids, which are beneficial against lung cancer cure as shown by recent research studies. The anti-hepatoma properties of the fruit are also being related to treat cancer. In folk culture, Physalis peruviana is being prescribed against cancer and leukemia. It is still prevalent in the folk medicine of Kerala, India.
Neurological problems: Physalis peruviana has the power to control the movement of free radicals thus helps in prevention of many diseases including neurological related disorders.
Good vision: Rasbhari is rich in vitamin A and provides 14% of daily requirements of vitamin A. Vitamin A is good for eyes, prevent cataracts, and protect muscular degeneration.
Strengthens bones: The golden berry has a good proportion of pectin, which helps in calcium as well as phosphorous absorption thus good for making the bones stronger. It is also used in treating of rheumatism and dermatitis.
Boost immunity: The fruit contains vitamin C and fulfils the 18% of daily requirements. Having an profuse amount of vitamin C, it helps in enhancing immunity of the body.
Healthy liver: In a research, it has been confirmed that rasbhari regulates the level of cholesterol and good for the health of the liver.
Atherosclerosis: The juice of the fruit contains some important phyto-chemicals that are good for smooth functioning of the heart.
Side effects of Rasbhari: Unripe fruit shouldn’t be taken as it contains lighter form of poisonous alkaloids, which may cause allergy.