Gooseberry Fruit Helps Fight Cancers And Heart Disease Developments

A recent study revealed that Ceylon gooseberries have high antioxidants levels, which prevents oxidative stresses that can cause cancer and heart disease, according to a news release.

The purple, shiny berry is produced in the southwest tropics of Brazil and it is commonly used for making jams, jellies, drinks and it is also sold as a fresh fruit.

In a study by researchers from the department of food science, food engineering school, Campinas State University in Brazil, they found that gooseberries, their skin and pulp contained higher levels of antioxidant activity than other types of berries, such as blueberries and cranberries, according to the researchers.

The researchers found that gooseberries contain high levels of phytochemicals.

Phytochemicals are chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants. Some phytochemicals are responsible for color and other development properties, such as the deep purple of blueberries and the smell of garlic, for instance.

According to several studies, phytochemicals have been reported to prevent oxidative stresses that can lead to cancer and heart disease. Gooseberry skin could potentially be a source of natural colorants and antioxidants for use in food manufacturing, according to the researchers.

The researchers from Campinas State University in Brazil were the first to study the nutritional composition and antioxidant capacity of gooseberries.

The authors' study was published by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT).

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