5 Must-Eat Superfoods

Are you bored with hearing about all the usual superfoods like blueberries and chia seeds? Here are fi ve superfoods which are packed full of nutrients and minerals for you to experiment with to maximise your health benefits.

- Lisa Holmen

Cape gooseberries

These brightly orange-coloured super foods, with the botanical name Physalis peruviana, originate from South America and grow in warm regions. They are commonly known as Inca berries, Peruvian ground cherries, poha berries, husk cherries and golden berries, depending on where you are in the world. Sounds confusing, right? Don’t let the name “berries” fool you; cape gooseberries are actually closely related to tomatoes and eggplants since they are members of the nightshade family. Their distinctly sweet, slightly tart and tropical taste is often likened to pineapple and mango.

So what makes gooseberries so special as a superfood? Gooseberries are rich in nutrients and minerals, offering a bevy of health benefits for those willing to try something a bit different. They have a particularly high concentration of vitamin C (21 per cent of the recommended daily intake (RDI) for women and 17 per cent for men), vitamin E, vitamin K, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and iron. They also contain carotenoids and polyphenols, which are potent antioxidants vital in neutralising free radicals in the body. Gooseberries are also particularly beneficial for immunity and digestive health, and help to reduce inflammation, detoxify the body and manage blood sugar levels.

Compared to other types of fruit, gooseberries have a lower sugar content, making them an ideal fruit for diabetics or people who are watching their calories. Just make sure to watch out for hidden added sugars, if purchasing the dried variety.

How to eat them