Black currants, this innocuous-looking little berry is actually a petite powerhouse, gaining in popularity due its rich composition of anti-oxidants, flavonoids, vitamin’s & mineral’s
Wellness
Infusing one’s diet with black currants is fast becoming the daily norm for health-conscious men and women as both a smart preventative measure and a welcome treatment for the following conditions and diseases:
Auto-immune Disorders Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is touted as a terrific homeopathic anti-inflammatory agent especially effective in helping reduce the symptoms of auto-immune disorders such as lupus, eczema and psoriasis.
Powerful Antioxidant Black currants contain anthocyanins, which are compounds naturally found in berries. They are very potent antioxidants and are responsible for the color of blackcurrants. Around 300 different types of anthocyanins have been discovered.
Inflammation and Arthritis Anthocyanins inhibit the enzymes Cyclo-oxygenase 1 and 2, and reduce inflammation and the effects of arthritis in the body. The effect is similar to aspirin or ibuprofen, so many middle-aged and old people are choosing the healthier blackcurrant juice over these drugs. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a debilitating illness GLA has been hailed as a way to reduce uncomfortable joint inflammation.
Promising Anti-cancer properties The flavonoids and the high amount of vitamin C inherent in black currants award some protection against cell-damaging free radicals.A substance found in the juice This substance has been proven to be very toxic against tumour cells.
Heart Health GLA can help achieve cardiovascular heath by decreasing bad cholesterol levels and increasing good ones. Some studies have shown that black currant supplements can even strengthen the blood vessels and stabilise blood flow.
Immune System Black currants are a wonderful natural immune system booster, known for their antiviral, anti fungal, antibacterial and antimutagenic capabilities.
Fatigue Including black currant’s in your diet, especially in the morning, can boost your energy level for the remainder of the day. Fatigue-related vision impairment is also improved by this amazing little berry.
Brain function The oil is a source of gamma-linoleic acid, GLA, which is an omega-6 fatty acid.
Stomach Ulcers & inflammation Researchers determined that oil extracts from black currant seeds were able to block the Helicobacter pylori bacterium from sticking to the surface of the intestinal tract which stops this bacterial which is responsible for stomach inflammation and conditions such as stomach ulcers.
Influenza A and B A study published in “Acta Virologica” showed that the oil extract did not directly inactivate influenza viruses A or B, but it did stop new cells from being infected, and already infected cells from releasing the virus to healthy cells and continuing to spread the virus.
Cholesterol A study compared differences between black currant seed oil and fish oil when it came to cholesterol. What it determined was that serum levels of LDL cholesterol were lower in patients receiving black currant seed oil than in those receiving fish oil supplements.Another study showed that supplementation with black currant oil capsules proved effective in lowering total cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as increasing HDL cholesterol levels.
PMS/Menopause Many women have found regular intake of the berry to be helpful in reducing and relieving some of the symptoms of menopause, remedying breast tenderness associated with PMS, assuaging painful menstrual cramps and regulating hormone fluxes.
Weight loss
Low Calories Black currants are low in calories, as each cup of the berries provides 71 calories. About 4 percent of the daily suggested intake of 2,000 calories.
Beauty
Healthy Hair & Healthy Skin GLA is the champ here once again, combating brittleness, splitting and thinning hair and stimulating healthy hair re-growth.
It is a treatment for scalp folliculitis and a remedy for dandruff.
Skin moisture GLA also maintains proper skin moisture and overall skin health.
Healthy Nails That same fantastic acid will help prevent weak, brittle nails and restore healthy re-growth of nails less prone to breakage and with better overall texture.
Varicose Veins Black currants may also have the wondrous means of increasing micro circulation, reducing the size of enlarged veins and thus lessening pressure and discomfort.
Cooking
Besides simply popping the berries au naturel, black currants can be incorporated in a wide variety of easy and delicious recipes including summer salads, tarts, cacao & cashew dairy free cheesecake, coconut water and black currant sorbet, finish glazes and sauces made from reduced bone broths for your favourite healthy proteins, particularly suited to game birds.
Add them to a Summer Berry Pudding using rye bread instead of white bread.
Juice them for a power packed as they are tart little burst’s of flavour beverage mixed with a sweeter fruit that will increase your brain health.
You can also tear up two leaves of the plant and boil it in water for a lovely afternoon tea.
Dried Black currants are fantastic added to your favourite buckwheat stuffing, flavoured red rice dishes or barley and black currant salad.
Black Currant Oil Black currant oil is pressed from the black currant seeds of berries abundant on the black currant shrub. In addition, black currant seed oil contains both alpha and gamma-linoleic essential fatty acids which our bodies are in capable of producing, another reason to begin including them into your diet daily.
“Black currant is a fruit that promotes long life in human beings.”
~ Abbe P. Bailly de Montaran in 1712
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