The deep purple pigment in black currant is attributed to its high anthocyanin content.
Anthocyanins are plant pigments that produce a red, purple, or blue hue depending on their pH.
Black currants contain a good variety of different anthocyanins, and some studies show that they contain up to 15 unique types.
In addition to their role as a plant pigment, anthocyanins also possess many health-promoting properties.
They also act as antioxidants, which are compounds that neutralize harmful free radicals to prevent cell damage and chronic disease.
Besides black currants, other anthocyanin-rich foods include berries, eggplants, red cabbage, and grapes.
Including a good amount of these foods in your diet can have a lasting impact on your health.
2.- Helps reduce cancer growth
One of the most impressive blackcurrant benefits is its powerful effect on cancer.
Thanks to its high anthocyanin content, some research has found that blackcurrant extract can help slow cancer growth.
In one study, black currant extract was shown to help inhibit the growth of liver cancer cells.
Another study conducted in Japan found that blackcurrant extract blocked the spread of breast and endometrial cancer cells.
Other research has shown that black currant extract can also be effective in killing cancer cells in the stomach and esophagus.
3.- Promotes eye health
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause blurred and distorted vision and can even lead to blindness.
This is typically a result of damage to the optic nerve, the nerve that connects the brain to the eyes.
Some studies show that the compounds found in black currants could help prevent glaucoma and promote the health of your eyes.
In one study, supplementing glaucoma patients with black currant extract was shown to decrease levels of endothelin-1, a type of hormone thought to contribute to the development of glaucoma.
Another study found that blackcurrant anthocyanins helped reduce vision loss and improve blood flow to the eyes in glaucoma patients.
When used in combination with traditional treatments, black currant can be effective in promoting eye health and preventing vision loss.
4.- Boost immunity
Black currant benefits are packed with vitamin C. Just one cup of raw black currants can provide triple the amount you need for the entire day.
Vitamin C is well known for its immunostimulating properties.
Studies show that vitamin C can shorten the duration of respiratory tract infections and protect against malaria, pneumonia, and diarrheal infections, among others.
A review from the Department of Public Health at the University of Helsinki in Finland comprised 12 studies and found that vitamin C supplements reduce the incidence of the common cold by up to 91 percent and reduce the incidence of pneumonia by 80 to 100 percent. percent.
Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant, which can help prevent tissue damage caused by harmful free radicals and may even reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
For best results, combine the benefits of black currant with other vitamin C- rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to keep your immune system strong.
5.- Protects against pathogens
In addition to its powerful antioxidant capabilities, black currant also contains antimicrobial properties that may help protect against harmful bacteria and viruses.
One study showed that blackcurrant extract with a concentration of less than 1 percent could block the growth of various strains of viruses, including those responsible for adenovirus and influenza, by more than 50 percent.
An extract with a concentration of 10 percent was able to prevent 95 percent of these viruses from sticking to cell surfaces.
Another study showed that treating influenza strains with a concentrated amount of blackcurrant extract was able to completely suppress the growth of the virus.
Other research has found that black currant oil can be effective against H. pylori, a type of bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers, abdominal pain, and nausea.
Black currant can also help treat other types of illnesses caused by bacterial infections, such as whooping cough.
6.- It can prevent herpes outbreaks
Herpes is a common viral infection that affects millions of people around the world.
Symptoms can vary, causing fever blisters in or around the mouth in some people and painful, itchy genital sores in others.
Some studies show that compounds found in black currant can help kill the virus that causes oral and genital herpes.
One study showed that black currant extract prevented the herpes virus from attaching itself to cells and prevented the virus from spreading.
Along with traditional treatments and other natural remedies like L-lysine and zinc, black currant can be a useful addition to the diet to help prevent herpes outbreaks.
Blackcurrant Nutrition Facts
Known by its scientific name Ribes nigrum, black currant (also sometimes called black currant) belongs to the gooseberry family.
This small shrub is native to certain parts of northern and central Europe, as well as Siberia, and thrives in the cold temperatures found in these regions.
The black currant bush can produce up to 10 pounds each year of edible deep purple berries that have a sour taste and can be eaten raw or used to make tasty jams, jellies, and juices.
Black currants are nutrient-dense foods, which means they are low in calories but contain many important nutrients.
They are particularly rich in vitamin C and can meet and exceed your daily needs in just one serving.
One cup (112 grams) of raw European black currants contains approximately:
• 70.5 calories
• 17.2 grams of carbohydrates
• 1.6 grams of protein
• 0.5 grams of fat
• 203 milligrams of vitamin C (338 percent DV)
• 0.3 milligrams manganese (14 percent DV)
• 1.7 milligrams iron (10 percent DV)
• 361 milligrams potassium (10 percent DV)
• 26.9 milligrams magnesium (7 percent DV)
• 66.1 milligrams phosphorus (7 percent DV)
• 1.1 milligrams vitamin E (6 percent DV)
• 61.6 milligrams calcium (6 percent DV)
• 258 IU vitamin A (5 percent DV)
• 0.1-milligram copper (5 percent DV)
• 0.1-milligram thiamine (4 percent DV)
• 0.1-milligram vitamin B6 (4 percent DV)
• Pantothenic acid 0.4 milligrams (4 percent DV)
How to use black currant
Black currants may be available in some grocery stores, as well as online.
Blackcurrant berries have a strong acid flavor and can be enjoyed raw or used to cook sweet and savory dishes.
Due to their sour taste, many prefer to sweeten them a bit if eaten raw with a natural sweetener.
They can also be brewed into blackcurrant tea or used to add a unique flavor to juices, jams, sauces, smoothies, and baked goods.
Here are some easy black currant recipes you can try:
• Blackcurrant and lavender cake
• Pork chops with black currant sauce
• Black Currant Chia nourishes the smoothie
• Blackcurrant jam
To squeeze out a quick, concentrated dose of all the beneficial nutrients found in black currants, you can also try black currant oil.
Often in capsule form, blackcurrant oil is a good source of gamma-linolenic acid, a type of omega-6 essential fatty acid, and is taken to promote healthy skin and hair.
Look for a capsule that contains at least 45 milligrams of GLA with minimal added ingredients, and take 500 milligrams twice daily.
Possible side effects of black currant
Although rare, black currant can cause an allergic reaction in some people, especially those who have a sensitivity to salicylate, a compound that occurs naturally in some plants.
If you experience symptoms such as rashes, hives, or swelling after eating black currant, you should discontinue use immediately.
Black currant seed oil can also cause side effects for some people, including gas, headaches, and diarrhea.
Those taking phenothiazines, a type of antipsychotic medication, should not take black currants, as they can increase the risk of seizures.
Also, black currant can slow blood clotting. If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking a blood-clotting drug, such as warfarin, you should check with your doctor before taking black currant.
You should also not take black currants before surgery, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
Final thoughts on black currant
• Black currants are low in calories but high in many nutrients, especially vitamin C.
• They possess strong antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial properties that can help prevent infection and disease and promote many aspects of health.
• They have also been shown to prevent eye disease, reduce cancer growth, and even block herpes outbreaks.
• You can enjoy these sweet and sour berries on your own, use them in cooking, or try black currant oil for an easy way to reap the nutritional benefits of black currant.
We hope the article on the 6 Shocking Health Benefits Of Black Currant has been of help.