Physalis peruviana is a plant belonging to the Solanaceae family, the same as potatoes, aubergines and tomatoes. The fruits, called golden berries, are round yellow berries with a bitter sweet taste, with notes of pineapple and vanilla. Golden berries can be purchased in specialized shops or online in the form of dried berries.
Golden berry, properties
Golden berries are a source of carbohydrates, therefore energy, of fiber, vitamin C, vitamins of group B and K, tocopherol, carotenoids, such as lutein and beta carotene, important for the health of eyesight and skin by protecting them from damage of free radicals, and mineral salts such as zinc, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and copper (Nawirska-Olsza?ska et al, Foods, 2017). Moreover, these fruits contain particular substances, called withanolides, which are characterized by anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-tumor, relaxing and hypotensive properties (Nawirska-Olsza?ska et al, Foods, 2017). Golden berry works by protecting the liver. In fact, as evidenced by scientific studies (Taj et al, Pak J Pharm Sci, 2014), the intake of these berries has led to a reduction in the blood values ??of ALT, or alanine aminotransferase, ALP, or alkaline phosphatase, and GOT, or aspartate amino transferase, which, when elevated, can indicate some liverishness.
Golden berry, warnings
Golden berry, when it is not perfectly ripe, contains solanine and, for this reason, it could be toxic (Kasali et al, Asian Pac J Trop Biomed, 2013). In any case, if you buy dried berries this problem does not exist. However, there is a study (Perk et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2013) that indicates that a high dosage of freeze-dried golden berry juice, 5000 mg per kg of body, has caused heart damage in animals. However, this has only been observed with high doses of freeze-dried juice, so it is safe to consume some dried berries.
