Turkey berry is a type of spiny, flowering shrub that produces large clusters of yellow-green, pea-sized berries that can be used for a variety of culinary, horticultural, and medicinal purposes.
Turkey berry is basically an erect and slender perennial shrub 2-3 m tall. This plant can grow well in places with full sunlight but cannot survive in a closed forest canopy; this plant is adapted to a wide range of soils.
The roots of the turkey berry are deep and strong. Its woody taproot contains many woody laterals. The plants only start to flower and fruit when it reaches a height of 1.5 m. it can reach that height in a year but die after two to five years.
Turkey Berry, also known as “Bebru” or “Kwahu nsusuwa”, is a staple that grows under tropical conditions in backyards and is used in a variety of cuisines. This tangy taste of berries has gained popularity these days due to its many health benefits.
Turkey berries can be added in many ways, including other herbs, which also boosts the benefits of turkey berries.
Health Benefits of Turkey Berries are:
1. MANAGE DIABETES
Turkey berry contains rutin, caffeic acid, catechins, and gallic acid, which are bioactive phenolic compounds that help in reducing sugar levels.
2. LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE
Almost 50% of all adults suffer from high blood pressure(BP) which is a major risk factor for many diseases like stroke and cardiovascular diseases. Compounds present in turkey berries can help in lowering blood pressure. As it is loaded with different unique compounds like ferulic acid, and gallic acid, which have shown antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties during studies.
3. FIGHT AGAINST INFECTION:
Turkey berries can reduce the growth of bacteria, which can cause several infections in the body. They can be very effective against certain bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli.
4. FOR REGULATING BODY TEMPERATURE:
The juice of turkey berries is a drink to reduce body heat, especially in hot temperatures or fever.
5. INCREASE IMMUNITY:
Turkey berries contain antimicrobial properties, which can increase the body’s immune function in many different ways. They can be very effective against the disease herpes simplex, which is a viral disease.
The antimicrobial properties of turkey berries are very useful in healing cuts and ulcers and keeping the wound clean.
6. CAN TREAT DIARRHEA AND INDIGESTION:
Turkey berries are good for digestion and can help in reducing digestive problems like stomach, diarrhoea, and indigestion. These berries can help Neutralize acids present in the stomach, which can further take part in healing the gastric ulcer.
Moreover, the antimicrobial properties of turkey berries can also help reduce gastric ulcers and heal intestinal wounds.
7. PREVENTS INTESTINAL WORMS:
Regular intake of turkey berries can help reduce the formation of intestinal worms present in the intestine. These worms can cause significant health issues.
Tapeworms present in the intestine can occur because of many diseases like blockage of the intestine or in the ducts of the intestine.
8. CAN HELP IN TREATING ANEMIA:
For people suffering from low haemoglobin, turkey berries can be a lifesaver.
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies found worldwide and anaemia is a common condition caused due to lower intake of iron. Fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath can be symptoms of this disease.
Turkey berry is a rich source of iron and can be used to treat anaemia. These berries can increase the production of red blood cells. But the higher concentration of iron in turkey berries cannot be absorbed through the digestive tract unless it is paired with vitamin C-rich food like strawberry, bell pepper, and other citrus fruits, which can increase the absorption of plant-based iron in the berries.
9. PREVENT COUGH AND COLD:
When added to soups, these berries can help prevent and heal the symptoms of cough and cold. Turkey berries are also used to get rid of mucus congestion.
10. AS A TREATMENT FOR KIDNEY DISEASE AND CANCER:
Turkey berries are anti-inflammatory and reduce kidney problems. Berries can also reverse tubular necrosis and congestion in the kidney. They also cure many other Cancers in the body.
11. REDUCE CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES:
Turkey berries contain many antioxidants like alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, flavonoids, torvosides, and saponins, which can be very effective against cardiovascular diseases.
12. REGULATE MENSTRUATION:
Consumption of turkey berries regularly can help in regulating Menstruation in women. It can also be very helpful in irregular menstrual periods.
So, any woman facing menstrual problems can add turkey berries to their diet to solve all of the issues related to periods.
This plant is considered to have originated in South and Central America, where it can be found from Mexico to Peru and Brazil. It is also widespread in the Caribbean and in Africa.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
