Wellbeing experts claim a “small, golden and powerful” fruit could reduce nighttime toilet trips and improve sleep, but how true is it?
Getting up to urinate at night is a common problem for adults(Image: Satjawat Boontanataweepol via Getty Images)
Having trouble getting a full night’s sleep without waking up numerous times to nip to the loo? It appears that a lesser-known fruit could be the key to putting an end to this once and for all.
Wellbeing experts at Nature Wellness unveiled the surprising natural remedy in a viral TikTok video. The clip suggests a “small, golden and powerful fruit” might help cut down on nighttime bathroom trips.
It’s also said to relax the bladder, reduce inflammation, and support urinary health while promoting better sleep. But what is this solution, and is there any science to back it up?
Aguaymanto, the Spanish name for the golden berry also known as Cape gooseberry or Peruvian groundcherry (Physalis peruviana), originates from the Andes. It has been grown for thousands of years in Peru, Ecuador and neighbouring countries, according to WebMD.
These golden berries are packed with vitamins, antioxidants and minerals including vitamin C and carotenoids. Healthline states a single cup provides fibre, thiamine, niacin, all at around 74 calories making it nutrient-rich.
Cape gooseberries(Image: Luis Echeverri Urrea via Getty Images)
Research published in the National Library of Medicine has identified bioactive compounds like withanolides, phenolics, and flavonoids – antioxidants that can neutralise free radicals and reduce inflammation, contributing to overall health.
However, there’s a shortage of substantial clinical evidence supporting its ability to prevent nocturia, or that it directly enhances bladder function. Studies do emphasise its other health benefits, but effects on nighttime urination remain anecdotal.
Waking up repeatedly at night, known as nocturia, impacts millions of adults, particularly as they age. A study by StatPearls reveals that around one in three adults over the age of 30 experience nocturia at least twice per night, rising to 50 per cent of adults by the time they’re over 60.
Nocturia happens when the bladder cannot retain enough urine until morning or the body generates too much urine at night. Common causes include excessive fluid consumption before bed, urinary tract infections, prostate or bladder problems, diabetes, medications, and even caffeine or alcohol intake.
Experts caution that frequent nocturia may signal underlying conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, heart failure, or sleep disorders. Anyone experiencing persistent nighttime urination should seek medical advice to establish the cause.
While aguaymanto is nutritious and rich in antioxidants, its effect on preventing nighttime bathroom trips is not scientifically proven. Maintaining good hydration habits, managing diet, and consulting a doctor remain the best approaches to address nocturia.
“I’ve never heard of that” confessed a viewer in the comments on the Nature Wellness video, while a second said: “First time I’ve ever heard of it.”