Black Currant

Who doesn’t enjoy black currant ice cream or muffins? Blackcurrant isn’t simply an ice cream flavour; it’s also a fruit. Antioxidant, antispasmodic, anti-diabetic, and anticancer properties are all found in these berries. Black currant belongs to the berry family, and because of its high nutritional value, it is considered one of the healthiest fruits. They have a sour flavour while young, but when ripe, they turn sweet. The seeds, leaves, fruits, and flowers of the black currant plant are all used to manufacture remedies. The seeds, leaves, fruits, and flowers of the black currant plant are all used to manufacture remedies. Blackcurrant seed oil is the most frequent form, however the plant’s fresh or dried leaves can also be used to make infusions and teas. 

Health Benefits of Black Currant

Strengthens immune system– Antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, are abundant in black currants. These antioxidants, in addition to the anthocyanins in black currants, can help to enhance your immune system, allowing your body to fight illness and viruses more efficiently.

Have anti-inflammatory properties- Inflammation can lead to problems with the heart, liver, and kidneys. Arthritis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and neurological illnesses (Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, etc.) are all possible side effects. Incorporating anti-inflammatory items into your diet can help prevent or lessen the severity of this condition. Anthocyanins are a type of polyphenol that is found primarily in blackcurrants.

Improves kidney health- Blackcurrants’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help to avoid chronic kidney disease. They help to keep your excretory system healthy by preventing inflammation and infections. The extracts also prevent kidney stones from forming. Your urine becomes more alkaline when you drink blackcurrant juice or tea (increases its pH). It also aids in the removal of excess citric and oxalic acids from the body. The amount of oxalate in a hundred grammes of black currants is roughly 4.3mg. As a result, these fruits are safe for people who have kidney problems or bladder stones.

Regulate Blood Cholesterol Levels- LDL (bad) cholesterol levels above a certain threshold increase the risk of cardiovascular, liver, and other metabolic diseases. Anthocyanin-rich diets have been shown to lower total cholesterol and LDL levels in studies. Animal research using blackcurrant extracts back up this claim dies. They also enhance blood levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. Animal research using blackcurrant extracts back up this claim. Subjects who were given this extract had significantly lower cholesterol levels than those who were not.

Nourishes your skin- Inflammation, infections, and ageing can cause a variety of skin illnesses. They cause dry skin, lesions, itching, redness, scabs, and other problems. In such instances, your skin will require intensive mending and conditioning. Blackcurrants contain a particular polysaccharide that has anti-inflammatory properties, according to clinical trials. This molecule regulates your immune system’s generation of inflammatory chemicals.

Aids digestion- Flavonoids abound in these berries. Smooth muscle relaxation has been linked to these phytochemicals. These fruits have been shown to have antispasmodic properties in studies. Flavonoids such as quercetin, myricetin, and other flavonoids help to prevent stomach and bowel spasms. Blackcurrant leaves have also been used to cure diarrhoea in folk medicine.

 

How to incorporate blackcurrant in your diet?

Fresh and raw blackcurrants provide the greatest flavour. You may also combine them with other veggies and fruits to make a smoothie or drink. They give a lot of colour and texture to the preparation. Apart from that, blackcurrants can be found in a variety of formats on the market. A few kid-friendly and scrumptious options are ice cream, puddings, and cakes. Topical therapy with blackcurrant seed oil is a viable alternative. If none of these natural options appeal to you, you can take blackcurrant supplements in the form of capsules or lozenges.

 

Final Thoughts

Blackcurrants are one of the healthiest berries on the planet. These fruits are used to treat a variety of ailments due to their high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components. Blackcurrant leaves and seeds are also beneficial to one’s health. Taking these fruits or supplementing with them improves your overall immunity. Buy some fresh blackcurrants if your doctor approves, and savour their sweet, stinging sweetness.