The Creator has provided solutions for our livelihood and remedies for our ailments within nature itself. Almost every plant in nature holds medicinal properties. In ancient times, people used these herbal plants for their treatment. One such plant with herbal benefits is the “Bon Tepari” or “Fotka”, Native gooseberry plant. Today, we will discuss what this plant looks like and its benefits.
Introduction to Bon Tepari or Fotka Plant
The Fotka or Bon Tepari is an annual herbaceous flowering plant. It typically grows on elevated lands, beside roads, on field boundaries, or in fallow lands. In English, it is known as “Gooseberry” or “Pygmy Ground Cherry.” Its leaves are oval-shaped, soft, and smooth green in color. The flowers are small and light yellow. The fruit is enclosed in an extended calyx that looks like a spinning top. When ripe, the fruit turns red and has a sweet-tangy taste. The plant grows to a height of 1 to 1.5 feet and its scientific name is Physalis minima. This plant is found in Bangladesh, India, and many other countries. In some places, it is eaten in salads. Children often burst the calyx like a small firecracker while playing.
Phutka or Bon Tepari is an annual flowering herbaceous plant that grows on the edges of fields, on high land by roadsides, or on fallow land. In English, it is known as Gooseberry or Pygmy Ground Cherry. Its leaves are soft, smooth, and green, shaped like an oval. The flowers of Bon Tepari are small and light yellow in color, and the calyx of the fruit extends to cover the fruit, resembling a spinning top in appearance. When ripe, the fruit turns red and has a sweet and sour taste. The plant grows up to 1 to 1.5 feet in height and its scientific name is Physalis minima. This plant is found in Bangladesh, India, and many other countries around the world. In some countries, it is eaten in salads. Children often play with the calyx by popping it with a ‘phut’ sound.
Medicinal Properties of Bon Tepari (Native gooseberry)
Fotka is not just a weed; it has several medicinal and nutritional benefits. The fruit contains Vitamin C and is beneficial for the human body. Its fruits, leaves, and roots are all used as herbal medicine. Don’t mistake this plant as just an ordinary weed.
- Boosts physical strength: The juice from its leaves or fruits helps prevent urinary tract infections when consumed regularly.
- Improves immunity: Regular intake increases the body’s immunity and enhances eyesight.
- Relieves asthma and breathing problems: The juice from its leaves and roots is effective for asthma and respiratory issues.
- Heals mouth ulcers and skin wounds: The inner part of the fruit is very effective for treating mouth sores or skin wounds. The leaf juice can also help stop bleeding from cuts.
- Promotes hair health: The inner part of the fruit works as a tonic to prevent hair fall and care for hair. Consuming the leaf juice regularly can help prevent various diseases.
These delicious candy-like berries are not just packed with flavor but are also highly beneficial for your health. Especially for those suffering from diabetes, this fruit should definitely be added to their daily diet.
Many fruits help in preventing diabetes, which is why nutritionists always recommend diabetic patients to consume antioxidant-rich fruits. These fruits assist in the proper functioning of organs, which in turn helps boost a person’s immune system.
Celebrity nutritionist and dietitian Shweta Gupta advises that cape gooseberry can effectively help lower blood sugar levels. “Whether you have diabetes or not, you should definitely include some cape gooseberries in your diet this season. Those who have diabetes will be able to manage it better, and those who don’t can prevent it by consuming this superfood.”
Diabetes is a medical condition that occurs when the level of glucose in the blood becomes excessively high. This happens when the body does not properly process food to use as energy.
There are two different types of diabetes:
- Type 1 is an autoimmune disease where the immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
- Type 2 diabetes occurs when sugar starts to accumulate in the blood.
ANTIER Alkekenig Cape Gooseberry Fruit Seeds
Additionally, consider this:
Raspberry is a delicious fruit that has been consumed for many years. It is rich in vitamins, powerful antioxidants, and minerals that help improve overall health and boost immunity.
“Several studies have also shown that this fruit has various health benefits, such as improving heart health, preventing cancer, and managing type 2 diabetes. Moreover, this fruit helps with weight loss, reduces heart disease risk, and lowers the chances of Alzheimer’s disease, which is a common complication of diabetes,” says Shweta.
- Raspberries are high in fiber, which helps improve blood glucose, insulin, and lipid levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
- People with diabetes often experience chronic oxidative stress, which can be managed with the antioxidants present in berries.
- Raspberries contain fructose (a natural sugar) that does not require insulin, making it helpful for pre-diabetic individuals to lower glucose levels.
- When blood sugar levels get out of control, diabetes can lead to various complications, including heart disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, eye problems, and more. On the other hand, consuming raspberries, which are rich in fiber and nutrients, helps regulate blood sugar and makes them one of the best fruits for diabetes management.
Here are some more benefits of regularly eating cape gooseberries (rasbhari):
- The fiber and water content help prevent constipation and maintain digestive health.
- Helps regulate blood pressure.
- Reduces inflammation and redness, promoting healthy skin.
- Raspberries are rich in vitamin C and folic acid, which aid in hair growth.
So, if you are concerned that your diet or family history might put you at risk of diabetes, start including cape gooseberries in your diet right away.
Warning:
The flower of this plant contains a type of toxin that can be harmful to the human body, so it’s best to avoid the flowers. The information provided here is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is recommended to use this plant under the supervision of an expert.
There’s no denying that people with diabetes have very limited food options, as they must be extremely cautious about their insulin levels. However, there are some fruits that are not only diabetes-friendly but also help in controlling blood sugar levels. Among them, cape gooseberry, also known as Rasbhari, is one of the most popular choices.
