Scientifically known as Ribes Nigrum, which means “black ribes”, black currant is an edible berry of a shrub that grows up to 1-2 meters high. Black currants are very sweet and sharp in taste. The anthocyanins present in the berries give them their rich and dark colors of red, blue and purple. They are native to central and northern Europe and northern Asia. Appreciated for their alimentary and therapeutic values, black currants contain an important complex of vitamins. They are also used in numerous food preparations, in the form of syrup, jelly, jam, fruit jelly, marmalade and liqueur. Read through the following lines to explore the nutritional value and health benefits of black currants.
Nutrition & Health Benefits of Eating Black Currants:
Nutrition & Health Benefits of Eating Black Currants:
- Black currants are known for their high content of vitamin C, GLA (Gamma-Linoleic Acid) and potassium. They contain twice the amount of potassium found in bananas, 4 times the vitamin C in oranges and twice the antioxidants in blueberries.
- They contain anthocyanins that help in fighting against cardiovascular disease, aging, joint inflammation, eyestrain, urinary infections, kidney stones and even cancer.
- The fruits are packed with anti-oxidant compounds that help in the prevention of dementia.
- The derivatives of black currants are formulated into treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.
- Black currants are used by herbalists to cure diarrhea, tonsillitis, whooping cough and gum disease.
- They are also used to flavor various medicines and throat lozenges.
- Drinking black currant juice is a healthy way to improve your antioxidant intake and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- The fruit intensifies weak peripheral circulation caused by menopause and cleans the blood of toxins, wastes and cholesterol.
- A diet rich in black currants proves to be helpful against rheumatism, arthritis and gout.
- Try this delicious fruit with avocado or tuna, for a sensational taste.
- Add a little black currant juice to some wine and sparkling water and create your own cocktail.
- Mix some black currant with natural yoghurt and add some crunched up ginger biscuits for a colorful and tasty dessert.
- Reduce the berries in a saucepan and add some sugar and a little water to form a versatile puree. Use this puree as a base for various summer puddings.
- Prepare black currant tea by boiling 2 teaspoons of black currant leaves in 250 ml of water.
- Black currant leaves are used in Russia, to improve the taste and color of vodka.
- They are also added to beer to make it more enjoyable.
- Black currants are used in making black currant jellies and jams, added to desserts, and form a part of various sauces and dippings.
