Dried Physalis: uses and nutritional benefits

• Hypocholesterolemic (fiber, phytosterol): dried Physalis are rich in fiber and phytosterol. These compounds decrease the absorption of cholesterol from food.

• Contributing to energy metabolism (carbohydrate, magnesium, iron, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin B3, manganese): carbohydrate vectors, dried Physalis contribute to the daily energy intake. Carbohydrates are the reference macronutrients for the body to obtain from the body. Before obtaining energy, it is necessary to break down macronutrients. This requires the action of enzymes, and enzymatic cofactors (which contribute to the activity of enzymes) which are micronutrients. Some are available in dried Physalis: zinc, magnesium, manganese, vitamin C, vitamin B3 and phosphorus.

• Anti-oxidant (manganese, zinc, vitamin C): dried Physalis contain antioxidant micronutrients. Manganese and zinc activate superoxide dismutase, an enzyme that neutralizes free radicals. Vitamin C directly neutralizes free radicals, and regenerates vitamin E, also an antioxidant.

• Laxative (fiber): dried Physalis are fiber concentrates. The fibers have the property of swelling on contact with water. Within the digestive tract, they will increase the mass of stools, leading to acceleration of transit.

• Anti-inflammatory (whitanolide): whitenolides from dried Physalis inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines. Thus, they would have anti-inflammatory activity.

• Anti-insect (whitanolide): whitanolides E and 4b-hydroxywithanolide E were purified in Physalis. It seems that they keep insects away.

• Photoprotector (zinc, vitamin A): two nutrients are necessary for eye health: zinc and vitamin A. Dried Physalis provide these two nutrients. Vitamin A is also extremely well represented in dried Physalis: a handful of dried Physalis meets more than half of the daily vitamin A requirements. Zinc and vitamin A are essential for the functioning of the photoreceptor cells of the eyes. In addition, zinc improves the bioavailability of vitamin A by participating in its metabolism.

• Anti-anemic (iron, vitamin A, vitamin C): dried Physalis helps prevent iron deficiency anemia. In fact, the latter are a source of non-heme iron. Non-heme iron is poorly absorbed by the body. However, the presence of vitamin C improves iron absorption. Finally, they are rich in vitamin A: vitamin A contributes to iron metabolism.

• Nervous rebalancing (potassium): transfers of potassium through neurons allow the transmission of nerve impulses. Physalis are rich in potassium, which allows them to contribute to the functioning of the nervous system.

• Skin regenerating (vitamin B3, vitamin A, zinc): dried Physalis offers vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and zinc: they form the winning combo to reduce the appearance of skin imperfections.

• Firming (vitamin C, vitamin A): dried Physalis are a source of vitamin C and extremely rich in vitamin A. This vitamin duo is ideal for reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Vitamin A prevents skin sagging. Vitamin C corrects collagen production, increasing skin firmness.

• Participating in muscular functioning (magnesium, potassium, zinc): dried Physalis stimulate muscle building thanks to zinc and magnesium, this is called proteogenesis. In addition, magnesium associated with potassium participates in muscle contraction. Potassium transmits contraction information. Magnesium is involved in muscle relaxation.

• Hypotensive (sodium, potassium): dried Physalis provide a lot of potassium, and very little sodium. This combination is a favorable factor in keeping blood pressure normal.

• Immunomodulating (zinc, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C): dried Physalis intervene on the immune system in two main ways: by fighting against deficiencies and by participating in the functioning of immune cells. First, a zinc or iron deficiency leads to an immune deficiency. Finally, vitamins C and A participate in the formation and functioning of white blood cells (immune cells).

• Protector of the osteoarticular system (vitamin C, manganese): dried Physalis participate in the synthesis of collagen thanks to vitamin C. Collagen forms the protein framework of the bone and participates in the hydration and resistance of the cartilage. In addition, dried Physalis are rich in manganese. Manganese is involved in the formation of connective tissue. There are several types of connective tissues, including dense connective tissue represented by tendons and ligaments; or specialized connective tissue, embodied by cartilaginous and bone tissues.

• Remineralizing (magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc): dried Physalis are full of minerals. These join the skeleton and contribute to their strength. In addition, zinc and manganese, also present in dried Physalis, modulate the activity of the enzymes involved in the synthesis of the bone structure.

Physalis is a plant belonging to the Solanaceae family. This small shrub measures less than 2 m in height, and loves the sun. In summer, it is covered with beautiful yellow and black flowers. The flowers evolve with the seasons: their calyxes swell and grow to form a lantern. Inside, which represents the bulb, in autumn, the fruit grows: Physalis. This small orange berry is enclosed in a cage of orange leaves. Enough to leave room for the imagination to find nicknames for Physalis: caged love, Chinese lantern, ground cherry, golden berry, pineapple cherry, Jewish cherry... Especially since these names also vary in depending on their origins: bay of the Incas, Cape gooseberry, Peruvian cockerel, aguaymanto (for its Spanish name)...

We appreciate the Physalis plant for its fruit consumed fresh, dried, in jam, or for its decorative appearance. It originated in America, before spreading throughout the world. The physalis (plant) is included in many medicinal treatises: the plant is considered a diuretic (because of its calyx which resembles a bladder), it is used to combat water retention, or in the event of a heart attack. gout or kidney stones. Be careful, this plant of the urinary sphere must be the mature pomme: because its foliage and its immature fruits (which do not have this golden color) are toxic.

Whitanolides are bioactive compounds mainly present in some genera of plants in the Solanaceae family. In this large family, we find Physalis, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, tobacco and even goji berries. (Note that no whitanolide has yet been found in tobacco). We don't know why these plants make them, apparently it is to ward off larvae and herbivores. This group brings together more than 300 whitanolides, which after certain scientific studies, shows some beneficial properties within the body.