Currants offer an abundance of nutrients found nowhere else. The little black currant can be both sweet and sour, so it’s a fruit that, for both eating and baking, usually needs some sort of added sweetness, such as: e.g. honey. Currant juice can be used to make a delicious, spicy sauce for lamb, turkey or fish. In Chinese and European folk medicine, the plant is used in hundreds of recipes. Read on to learn what currants are good for!
Health Benefits of Fruits
In these small berries is the infection-fighting vitamin C, more than 300 percent of the recommended daily value is contained in 100 grams of currants. This vitamin has antioxidant properties that prevent free radicals (which result from exposure to toxic chemicals and pollutants and cause aging, cancer, heart disease and inflammation) from damaging cells. The B vitamins found in blackcurrants, such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), and thiamine (vitamin B1), are called “essential” because they come from a common source outside of the body—they are made by the body for the body metabolism required. The iron contained in the berry is an important mineral that covers 20% of the daily requirement and protects against immune deficiency and fatigue by transporting oxygen to the cells. Also included are copper, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium and potassium for optimal functioning of cells, tissues and organs in the body.
Anthocyanins are one of the compounds that make blackcurrants such a powerful antioxidant. Flavonoids like beta-carotene, zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin help reduce the risk of lung and oral cancer, protect against neurological diseases, slow down the aging process and fight inflammation. The berries play a role in preventing Alzheimer’s, preventing and treating arthritis, gout and liver problems, relieving menopausal symptoms, painful periods and diarrhea. They are even used externally to heal wounds and treat insect bites.
How healthy are currants: strengthening the immune system
In addition to vitamin C, blackcurrants contain numerous antioxidants and anthocyanins. They can help boost the immune system, soothe a sore throat, and fight flu symptoms. Black currant leaves also have a number of properties, including:
- antimicrobial
- anti-inflammatory
- antiviral
- antidote
- antiseptic
Help for the heart system
Grape-based beverages such as Foods such as wine and juice are known to reduce plaque build-up, but blackcurrant juice is much more effective. Blackcurrants are high in potassium and GLA, which may also help lower blood pressure. GLA also helps the cells in your heart become more resilient and slows down the formation of platelets in your blood vessels. In addition, one study found that currant powder increased blood flow to the heart and decreased total peripheral resistance. This suggests that blackcurrants are healthy and can also contribute to post-exercise recovery.
The berries help with psoriasis
The berry is effective for skin conditions as the currant oil helps relieve psoriasis symptoms. It has been found that the oil can slow down the growth and development of psoriasis plaques. It can also be applied directly to dry, itchy or burning skin.
Improving the function of the eyes
Research shows that GLA and linoleic acid found in vitamin C may show promise in treating dry eyes. Thankfully, blackcurrants are packed with both. Clinical studies using currant root have shown that these berries improve eye function, including:
- the ability of the eyes to adjust to darkness
- the blood flow in the eyes
- slowing the progression of visual field deterioration in people with glaucoma
- Symptoms of visual fatigue
People who work on computers every day can benefit from black currant supplements. In one study, 1 tablespoon of the berries two hours later was found to reduce visual fatigue.
What are currants good for: improving memory
Black currant is essential for maintaining brain health. Daily consumption of the berries sharpens memory and improves brain oxygenation. This is due to the presence of antioxidants and iron. They improve the oxygen supply to the brain and nerve cells and support their function. They counteract free radicals and prevent oxidative damage in the brain. The berries reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Are currants healthy: protection against pathogens
In addition to their powerful antioxidant effects, the berries also contain antimicrobial properties that can help protect against harmful bacteria and viruses. An extract at a concentration of less than 1% can inhibit the growth of several virus strains – including those that cause adenoviruses and influenza – by more than 50%, and an extract at a concentration of 10% is able to inhibit 95% of these viruses prevent them from sticking to the cell surface.
How to use the berries
The berries are available in some grocery stores and also online. They have an intense sour flavor and can be eaten raw or sweetened and hearty dishes are processed. They can also be brewed into black currant tea or add a unique flavor to juices, jams, sauces, smoothies and baked goods.
Are there side effects
People who take phenothiazines, a type of antipsychotic medication, should not be black eat currants, as they may increase the risk of seizures. In addition, they can slow blood clotting. If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood clotting medications such as warfarin, you should consult your doctor before consuming the berries. You should also avoid consuming berries before surgery, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
