What "Falsa" Called in English ?? (Thanx to Salman for Solving this mystery)

Hi Buddies,
i m now going to answer the most talked about question of the last week .. but first i want to mention that Salman told me that and  i wana say thanx to him first for solving this mystery

What "Falsa" Called in English ??
Answer is . Black Currant ..
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Now a Little about Black Currant and its Benefits for health ...
first of all some links :
1) http://www.mdidea.com/products/proper/proper008.html
2) http://black-currant.com/
3) http://www.blackcurrantfoundation.co.uk/
4) http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/fruit_veg_diary/blackcurrant_page1.asp
5) http://www.drugs.com/npp/black-currant.html

From Wikiipedia : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackcurrant

The fruit has an extraordinarily high vitamin C content (302% of the Daily Value per 100g, table), good levels of potassium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin B5, and a broad range of other essential nutrients (nutrient table, right).

Other phytochemicals in the fruit (polyphenols/anthocyanins) have been demonstrated in laboratory experiments with potential to inhibit inflammation mechanisms suspected to be at the origin of heart disease, cancer, microbial infections or neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease.[5][6] Major anthocyanins in blackcurrant pomace are delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside[7] which are retained in the juice concentrate among other yet unidentified polyphenols.[8][9]

Blackcurrant seed oil is also rich in many nutrients, especially gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid.[10]

For Complete article and more articles about Anti-oxidant foods Please visit : http://www.phytochemicals.info/plants/blackcurrant.php

Other names: Black currant, quinsy berries, cassis

 
Description: The blackcurrant is a shrub growing to 2 m heigh with woody branches. The leaves are deeply lobed. The white flowers are rather small and grow show in short clusters. During summer the familiar small, shiny, dark purple (almost black) berries are formed. All parts of the plant, but especially the young buds have a strong and typical blackcurrant fragrance.

 
Parts used: Fruits, leaves and seeds (for oil).

 
Phytochemicals: Myricetin, Isorhamnetin, Sakuranetin, Anthocyanidins, Flavonoids, Quercetin, Lignans, Kaempferol

 
Medicinal properties: Blackcurrant leaves are mainly used for their diuretic property. A tea made from dried blackcurrant leaves is used against arthritis, urinary problems, diarrhoea, bleeding gums and coughs. Kessler T et al of the University of Bonn found that blackcurrant juice could support the treatment and metaphylaxis of uric acid stone disease because of its alkalizing effect. Blackcurrant juice increased the urinary pH level and the excretion of citric acid.

Syrup made from blackcurrant juice is often used to treat sore throats. The anthocyanidins in the blackcurrant berries are responsible for their antioxidant and antibacterial action.

 
Other facts: The blackcurrant originates from central and eastern Europe. Blackcurrant is now grown in all regions with cold and mild climates. Blackcurrants are widely used in the drinks industry. In some countries such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and France blackberry drinks are very popular. These blackberry drinks are promoted for their high vitamin C content. In France the blackcurrant is macerated in brandy and the resulting liquor is called cr?me de cassis.

For complete details : http://www.currants.com/index.php?submenu=HealthContent&src=gendocs&ref=Currant-Health-Report&category=v3

Currant Health Report
Because of the variety of vitamins and minerals, and the potent phtyochemical and antioxidant power, in Black Currants, they boast a fair amount of potential health benefits. As researchers continue to study these dark purple wonders, the compounds that they contain, and their effects on our health, there will likely be many more exciting benefits uncovered.

So far, here is what the research is telling us about Black Currants and your health:

Brain power
Two powerful compounds found in concentrated amounts in Black Currants may help protect our brains against diseases of aging. Preliminary research from the Horticulture and Food Research Institute in New Zealand found that the anthocyanins and polyphenolics found in Black Currants may help protect against Alzheimer's disease. In a 2006 Health Day article, Researcher James Joseph, from Tufts University, commented on the results of this study, "We have evidence that the compounds [anthocyanins and polyphenolics] protect against Alzheimer's by influencing the early gene expression in learning and memory, which influences cell signaling pathways that help neuronal cells communicate with each other," says Joseph.

Dilip Ghosh, Tony K McGhie, Jingli Zhang, Aselle Adaim, Margot Skinner. Effects of anthocyanins and other phenolics of boysenberry and blackcurrant as inhibitors of oxidative stress and damage to cellular DNA in SH-SY5Y and HL-60 cells. Journal of Science Food and Agriculture

Heart of the Matter
At least 61 million Americans suffer from some form of heart disease. And with coronary heart disease (CHD) as the leading cause of death in the United States, it's important to focus on dietary and lifestyle factors that can help prevent it! The American Heart Association supports a diet high in fruits and vegetables in helping to prevent cardiovascular disease.

In particular, berries like Black Currants that are especially high in certain compounds like flavonoids and other antioxidants may have an even more protective effect. A recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that subjects who were given a mixture of berries daily (including Black Currants) had a reduction in blood pressure and an increase in good (HDL) cholesterol, two factors that can decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke.

Cardiovascular disease statistics. American Heart Association. Available at: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4478 Website accessed July 20, 2008.
I. Erlund, R. Koli, G. Alfthan, J. Marniemi, P. Puukka, P. Mustonen, P. Mattila, A. Jula. Favorable effects of berry consumption on platelet function, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. February 2008, Volume 87, Number 2, Pages 323-331

Seeing is Believing
Vision disorders of aging such as Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) are the number 1 cause of blindness in adults over age 65. Research and clinical studies have shown that certain antioxidants like vitamin C and anthocyanosides (anthocyanins) may support vision health and decrease the risk of age related vision problems such as cataracts and (AMD). Scientists have found that a plant based diet rich in flavonoids, including anthocyanins and quercitin (found in Black Currants), may play a role in decreasing the degeneration of the macula (the part of your retina that's responsible for central vision) by keeping harmful free radicals from damaging the retina.

Urinary tract infections
While the best treatment for a urinary tract infection is antibiotics, plant compounds called proanthocyanins, found in fruits like Black Currants, may help prevent the infection from beginning or progressing. Proanthocyanins work their magic by preventing harmful bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. The most studied for these effects are cranberries, but scientists believe that Black Currants may be just as beneficial. Studies show that Black Currants also contain proanthocyanins, which can be found in the urine after drinking the juice.

Netzel et al. Bioactive anthocyanins detected in human urine after ingestion of blackcurrant juice. K Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 2001; 20 (2): 89-95
L.Boyle et al. 1996, Study of blackcurrant juice in nursing home residents to alleviate urinary tract infection and associated problems. Centre for Ageing Studies, Flinders University of South Austrailia.

 

Kidney stones
Research is still sparse regarding Black Currant juice's support in the treatment and prevention of uric acid stone disease. But, it looks promising, according to findings published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition that report that subjects who drank Black Currant juice daily had a higher urinary pH and excreted more citric acid and oxalic acid. High levels of oxalic acid are associated with uric acid stone disease because the acid binds with metal ions in the body to deposit crystals which can irritate the kidneys. Black Currant juice shows promise for helping increase the excretion of oxalic acid.

Note : Black currant is also a rich in  iron fruit , 100mg black currant contain's 1.5mg iron  ....


Here are ther pics :



Best Regards :
Umair

wow yummy

Tariq Bro ,
but its not good for you and me ... as it per 100grams has 1.5mg iron , its too much na ?? wat is your say Andy ??.... it has also contain Vit-C in significant amount to help absorp Iron . here is Black Currant's Nutritational Details :

http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/cgi-bin/list_nut_edit.pl

Minerals
Nutrient                                              Units      Value per100g Numberof DataPoints Std.Error   
Calcium, Ca                                           mg                 55            3            4.825
[bgcolor=#ffffff]Iron, Fe                                            mg                 1.54          4            0.418 [/bgcolor]
Magnesium, Mg                                      mg                 24            2            0
Phosphorus, P                                       mg                  59            3            1.878
Potassium, K                                          mg                 322          4            10.827
Sodium, Na                                            mg                 2             1            0
Zinc, Zn                                                 mg                0.27         2            0
Copper, Cu                                             mg               0.086        4            0.006
Manganese, Mn                                       mg               0.256        2            0
Vitamins 
[bgcolor=#ffffff]Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid                      mg              181.0        1            0 [/bgcolor]
Thiamin                                                   mg             0.050        0            0
Riboflavin                                                 mg             0.050        0            0
Niacin                                                      mg             0.300        0            0
Pantothenic acid                                       mg             0.398         0             0
Vitamin B-6                                              mg             0.066         0            0
Vitamin B-12                                             mcg           0.00           0            0
Vitamin A, RAE                                mcg_RAE                12           0                0
Retinol  mcg 0 0 0
Vitamin A, IU                                             IU               230          0            0
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)                        mg             1.00          0            0

what is your say Andy about Iron and Vit-C in it ??..

Umair

Umair,

Iron in fruits and vegetables is not a concern because it is non heme iron - it is not as readily absorbed.  Most fruits contain some vitamin C and it is also not harmful.  The other benefits of this fruit for thalassemics far outweighs the small amount of iron that will actually be absorbed from it. 

Sharmin

Can you eat 100 grams of black currants? 1.5 mg iron isn't so much but I doubt you could eat that much in one sitting. It is high in vitamin C but eaten in moderation would be no problem.

Falsa is also known as Phalsa. It is not a blueberry or a currant and in fact is a different genus altogether. It is grown in the Himalaya regions. It is rather high in iron but low in vitamin C.

Se  http://www.tropicananutritioninstitute.in/swf/phalsa.pdf

100 grams contains 3.1 mg iron and 22 mg vitamin C.

Phalsa/Falsa is not black currant either.

FREWIA فالسہ ۔ ایک بہت ہی اہم اور صحت کے لیے مفید پھل ۔ 
GREWIA -   گريووا ۔ فالسہ  

( Note : فالسہ = Phalsa/Falsa )

other findings ,,

Grewia Asiatica : Drought-resistant Asiatic treelike shrub bearing pleasantly acid small red edible fruits commonly used in sherbets

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Wow... Andy, You posted a super informative link , Thanx buddy , you're good at web surfing and searching .... you find the best link to settle down this issue about Falsa/phalsa ...  so , its safe for thals to take Falsa humm yummy .... Thanx alot buddy you saved Phalsa for thals ...

Tariq Bhai now you & me can say this " WOW YUMMY Phalsa :P " ..

Best Regards
Umair

Fruits are always good source of trace elements and minerals,along with antioxidants,and iron in them is non-heme,so i don't think eating in moderation will cause big issue.

Zaini.