8 facts about the benefits of black currant for the body based on science

Black currant berries have a sour-sweet taste and a pleasant aroma. They are widely used in folk and evidence-based medicine due to their medicinal properties.

Currant is the leader in vitamin C content, and also contains a number of antioxidants and minerals that improve the condition of the heart, blood vessels and endocrine system.

Scientific research confirms that black currant brings tangible benefits to human health. It is able to strengthen the immune system and is especially effective in acute respiratory infections. The berry also reduces body weight, improves eye health and even prevents the appearance of cancerous tumors.

How it is useful – 8 theses

Below are 8 useful properties that black currant has, which have a scientific basis.

1. Rich composition

Currants have a fairly low calorie content (about 62 calories per 100 grams) and contains many important vitamins and minerals:

Black currant also contains a lot of antioxidant substances (polyphenols, anthocyanins, linolenic acid), which normalize metabolism, reduce the risk of developing malignant neoplasms, as well as chronic diseases of the endocrine and cardiovascular systems.

2. Improving the health of the cardiovascular system

Currants contain a large amount of potassium, gamma-linolenic acid, anthocyanins and fiber.

Specialists from the USA claim that such components cause the synthesis of nitric oxide, which relaxes the smooth muscles of the artery walls and lowers blood pressure.

Berries can be used both for the prevention of early development and to alleviate the course of hypertension (together with antihypertensive drugs).

Black currant also has a positive effect on the lipid profile.

According to the data Canadian experts, against the background of consumption observed reduction of total cholesterol , as well as its atherogenic fractions (LDL, VLDL, TAG). As a result, prevention of the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and the development of diseases such as coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, chronic cerebral ischemia is ensured.

3. Eye protection

Both black and red currants are rich in vitamins C and A. These substances accelerate the time of adaptation to darkness, improve blood supply to the eyeball, and effectively eliminate manifestations of eye fatigue (during prolonged reading or computer work).

According to the information Japanese scientists, due to the presence of antioxidants in the composition, currant is an effective means of preventing cataracts and glaucoma.

4. Strengthening the immune system

All dark berries, especially blackcurrants and blueberries are rich sources of vitamin C, which is powerful a stimulant of the immune system .

Against the background of berry consumption, acceleration of proliferation and differentiation of T- and B-link cells, improvement in the work of macrophages (neutrophils, monocytes) is recorded.

The abundance of anthocyanins allows prevent the appearance of malfunctions in the immune system and minimize the risk of developing autoimmune and malignant pathologies.

Shoots, tails and leaves of black currant also have pronounced antimicrobial activity (destroy a number of bacteria and viruses). For example, proven efficacy against herpes viruses of types 1 and 2.

5. Relief of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic disease of autoimmune etiology that causes a lot of aesthetic problems to a person. In pathology, dry papules are formed on various areas of the skin, prone to peeling and wetting.

Currant is able to alleviate the course of this disease.

National Psoriasis Foundation recommends use currant oil internally and topically in order to eliminate itching and rapid healing of skin defects.

6. Lowering blood glucose levels

According to research data conducted in Finland, black currant causes a slight decrease in plasma glucose levels after consumption.

It is assumed that the effect is associated with an abundance of antioxidant substances in the composition, which increase the sensitivity of peripheral tissue cell receptors to insulin, which causes increased glucose uptake and a decrease in its concentration in the blood.

It turns out that currant affects the key mechanism of development of type II diabetes mellitus – insulin resistance, therefore, it can be used to prevent and alleviate the course of this pathology.

7. Weight Loss Aid

Fresh currants, as already mentioned, are a valuable source of vitamin C and fiber . It is these two components that make the berry effective for weight loss.

Vitamin C accelerates the breakdown of adipose tissue cells in order to meet the energy needs of the body, prevents the formation of new fat depots.

Fiber causes rapid development of a feeling of satiety (as a result, the craving for food decreases for the next few hours), slows down absorption of nutrients (especially fat) in the intestine, normalizes motor activity of the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract.

8. Useful during pregnancy and lactation

The berry contains a number of valuable substances ( pectin , essential oils, vitamins), which are necessary for the adequate formation of fetal tissues during gestation, increasing the mother's immunity and preventing pregnancy complications.

Currants are also recommended during breastfeeding. Proven that the use of black currant by a mother reduces the risk of developing atopic dermatitis in a child.

Harm and contraindications

In rare cases, black currant can harm the body. Against the background of use, adverse side effects may develop, which include:

1. Dyspeptic disorders. Are observed with excessive consumption of berries and usually manifest themselves in the form of flatulence, stool disorders such as constipation or diarrhea.
2. Allergic reactions. Increased individual sensitivity to currants is rare and characterized by a mild course.
3. Thrombotic and thromboembolic complications. It is forbidden to consume the plant in large quantities when taking drugs that affect blood clotting, this can reduce the effectiveness of the latter and lead to unpredictable consequences.

How to use it correctly?

The most useful option for eating black currant is in its raw form.

The maximum daily allowance is 50-75 grams. During pregnancy, it is allowed to increase the dose to 150 grams per day.

The berry goes well with dairy products (milk, yoghurts, kefir, sour cream), whipped cream, ice cream, honey.

Can be used to make compote, jelly, juices, decoctions and teas. It is also used in cooking to make syrups, jellies, pastes, toppings for sweets and pastries. Tinctures, wines and liqueurs are made from berries,

Remember that black currants contain almost 10 times more vitamin C than red currants. The other components of the composition do not have significant differences. Therefore, black currant is considered more useful and more effective in terms of increasing immunity and improving skin condition.

Wild currant has the same medicinal properties as regular currant. Sometimes it contains even more biologically active substances.

Currant leaves and shoots have antimicrobial, wound healing and general toning effects. In folk medicine, they are used to treat infectious diseases, heal superficial wound defects, Increase strength and energy , eliminating depression . No studies have been conducted to evaluate these effects.

5 cooking recipes

Below are some simple recipes based on currants.

1. Compote

Ingredients for 1 can of compote, volume 3 liters:

• 600 grams of black currant;
• 300 grams of sugar;
• Water – up to 3 liters.

Recipe:

1. Select the berries, rinse, remove the stems.
2. Bring the water in an enameled saucepan to a boil.
3. Put currants in a jar, pour water up to 50% of the volume. Leave in this state for 40 minutes.
4. Drain the liquid from the jar into any bowl, mix with sugar, add the rest of the water.
5. Put on medium heat, bring to a boil and simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
6. Pour the boiling syrup back into the jar to the top. Roll up the lid.
7. Turn the jar lid down, wrap it up. Let it cool down. Store in a dark, cool place for up to 1-2 years.

2. Jelly

Will be required:

• 600 grams of currants;
• 800 ml of water;
• 2-3 tbsp starch;
• Sugar – to taste.

Cooking scheme:

1. Rub the berries through a sieve or gauze. The juice should be temporarily postponed.
2. Pour the currant cake with water, put it on a slow fire. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Strain the mixture, remove the cake. Add sugar.
4. Dilute the starch in 20-30 ml of cold water and add to the main mixture. Cook for about 3 more minutes.
5. Add the currant juice to the pan. The dish is ready.

3. Juice

To get blackcurrant juice, it is enough to use a juicer or rub the berries through a sieve or gauze. The recommended daily allowance is up to 50-70 ml.

4. Tea

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp dried leaves;
• 200 ml of boiling water.

Recipe:

1. Pour the dried leaves with boiling water.
2. Let it brew for 10-15 minutes.
3. Strain. The drink is ready.

Consume 200 ml 3 times a day. Tea is effective in increasing immunity, improving the course of respiratory infections.

5. Tincture

Needed:

• 100 grams of dried berries;
• 500 ml of vodka.

Recipe:

1. Put the berries in any glass container.
2. Add vodka to the currant. Close the lid tightly.
3. Keep for 3 weeks in a dark, cool place. It is recommended to shake the contents every 2-3 days.

Take 30 drops 2 times a day before meals. The main purpose is the treatment of atherosclerosis.

How to save a berry for the winter?

There are many ways to store berries for a long time.

The most useful option is freezing. Frozen currants retain the maximum amount of biologically active substances.

Drying is considered a less useful option, in which the percentage of carbohydrates and dietary fiber increases significantly. Dried currants have a high energy value and can negatively affect health in the presence of type II diabetes mellitus and obesity.

As for currant jam, as well as berries mashed with sugar, such options are the least preferable due to too high amounts of sugar. Their consumption should be normalized – no more than 3-5 tablespoons per day.

Freezing

To freeze the berries properly, you need to:

1. Select the best berries (large, without damage), rinse them and dry them.
2. Spread out on trays, if several layers of berries are laid out, make a polyethylene layer.
3. Freeze from 12 to 18 hours.
4. Then pour the berries into a bag and store in the freezer. The shelf life is up to 12 months.

Drying

To dry currants, you should:

1. Sort, wash and thoroughly dry the berries.
2. Put on a baking sheet in one layer.
3. Dry in the oven, preheated to 60-70 degrees for about 4 hours.
4. Transfer the dried berries to an airtight container or bag. Store in a dry place.

Conclusion

1. Currants contain record amounts of antioxidants and vitamin C, as well as other valuable substances.
2. The plant has a beneficial effect on the health of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, reduces the risk of developing malignant tumors, improves the condition of the skin, reduces body weight and strengthens the immune system.
3. The berry is recommended during pregnancy and lactation.