
What is black currant good for?
With emerging evidence showing that the black currant possesses antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral properties and may be useful in slowing cancer growth, enhancing immunity and even preventing eye disease, this sour berry should be a must-try on everyone’s list.
What does blackcurrant taste like?
When it is fresh, it tastes like a raspberry and passion fruit. But its taste is more earthy. Dried blackcurrant tastes like sweet grapes and or like raisins. One of the most notable features of blackcurrant is its juicy texture.
Can black currant oil help with weight loss?
The study showed that taking 600mg of black currant extract for 7 days helped female participants burn an average of 27% more fat while exercising! Dr Sam Shepherd, who conducted the research, told that this kind of increase in fat oxidation usually happens after 3-4 weeks of regular endurance training.
Why is blackcurrant banned in the US?
However, the US Department of Agriculture banned blackcurrants in 1911 because their proliferation threatened pine trees in America, and thus the whole timber industry. Scientists discovered that...

What are black currants good for?
In addition to vitamin C, blackcurrants have plenty of antioxidants and anthocyanins. These can help strength your immune system, soothe sore throats, and ease flu symptoms. Blackcurrant leaves also have a range of properties, including: antimicrobial.
What are the side effects of black currant?
The GLA in black currant seeds can sometimes cause side effects, such as: Headache. Diarrhea. Gas and belching....Be careful about combining black currant with herbs and supplements that can slow blood clotting, such as:Angelica.Clove.Ginger.Panax ginseng.
Is black currant good for weight loss?
Blackcurrant extract may provide fat burning boost during exercise, study finds. A blackcurrant extract could increase the amount of fat burned during exercise, says UK researchers as they present findings that point to a longer intake of this extract as more beneficial.
Are black currants a Superfood?
Why You Should Be Eating Blackcurrants, a Tangy and Nutritious Superfood. Are you familiar with the blackcurrant? Tiny, with a sweet/tart taste, these delightful, dark berries are overflowing with nutrients and antioxidants.
Is blackcurrant good for arthritis?
Blackcurrant seed oil is a nutritional supplement. It's rich in both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are important for maintaining joints' cell structure and function, and can fight joint inflammation.
Is black currant good for hair growth?
Black Currant Oil Provides a Healthy Dose of Antioxidants Antioxidants play a crucial role in the treatment of hair loss and the prevention of thinning and follicle damage.
Are blackcurrants high in sugar?
Blackcurrants are often consumed with added sugar because of their natural sourness, which may be a cause of concern for health-conscious consumers. However, it seems that sugar consumed with blackcurrants is not as unhealthy as sugar consumed without berries.
How much black currant should I take?
For a group of eye disorders that can lead to vision loss (glaucoma): 50 mg of black currant anthocyanins has been taken daily for up to 24 months. For high levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia): Up to 3.6 grams of black currant seed oil has been taken daily for up to 6 weeks.
Are currants healthier than raisins?
Currants and raisins are very similar in nutritional value. They closely match in carbohydrate count, protein, fiber, sugar, potassium and vitamins C and K. A one-ounce serving of raisins has 95 calories compared to the 79 calories in the same size serving of currants.
Does black currant have iron?
These vitamins are essential in the sense that human body requires them from external sources to replenish and required for metabolism. They also carry right amounts of mineral iron. 100 g currant berries provide about 20% of daily recommended levels.
Are blueberries and blackcurrants the same?
Both blueberries and black currants are small, dark-colored berries that grow in dense clusters on the branches of their bushes. The similarities end there, however -- the two types of plants are quite different in both their growth preferences and the flavor of their berries.
Are currants medicinal?
Native Americans have used currants for medicinal purposes for centuries, and scientific studies are now finding that they do indeed contain compounds that can prevent serious health conditions, and improve ailments that one is already suffering from.
What are black currants?
Black currants are high in antioxidants, including vitamin C. Along with the anthocyanins in black currants, these antioxidants can help to give your immune system a boost, allowing your body to fight infection and viruses more effectively. Black currants are rich in an omega-6 fatty acid called gamma-linoleic acid.
What is the nutritional value of black currants?
Nutrition. Black currants are high in vitamin C , containing about 85% of your daily recommended value in a single serving . Vitamin C plays a vital role in the health and functioning of your immune system. Other vitamins and minerals in the fruit include:
What is the best way to reduce inflammation in the body?
Black currants are rich in an omega-6 fatty acid called gamma-linoleic acid. This compound can help to reduce inflammation, as well as improve symptoms of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Some studies also showed that gamma-linoleic acid helped to lessen joint pain and stiffness for people with arthritis.
Why were black currants banned?
While they once grew in the US, they were banned in the early 1910s after they were discovered to host a fungus that killed white pine trees. The ban stayed on the books in most states for years, and the berry remains uncommon in the U.S. Black currants have a strong flavor that many say is an acquired taste.
What are the benefits of black currants?
Some of the health benefits of black currants include: Immune Health.
Do black currants help digestion?
Digestive Health. Black currants contain soluble and insoluble fiber, both of which are vital for healthy digestion. While soluble fiber slows digestion so your gut can absorb more nutrients, insoluble fiber keeps things moving through the digestive system.
Does vitamin C help with glaucoma?
The antioxidant increases blood flow in the eyes and may help to slow the progression of glaucoma. Gamma-linoleic acid, linoleic acid (found in vitamin C), and other antioxidants may also help to improve dry eye and symptoms of eye fatigue. Continued. Reduced Risk of Heart Disease.
How do anthocyanins help the immune system?
Although the only way to become immune to a specific flu virus is through developing antibodies, anthocyanins are thought to have anti-viral benefits by supporting your body’s natural immune response to influenza. In this way, anthocyanins may be a powerful ally in decreasing flu symptoms.
What are black currants?
Black currants are unique in that they contain two types of fiber: 1 Soluble fiber. Inside our bodies, soluble fiber turns into a gel-substance that helps slow down digestion sufficiently for our bodies to absorb more nutrients from the food we eat. It also helps lower cholesterol in the body, which is enormously important for cardiovascular health. 2 Insoluble fiber. We need insoluble fiber in order to keep the digestive system flowing with healthy bowel movements. Because insoluble fiber helps move undigested food through your intestinal tract, it can help reduce the buildup of toxins and reduce the risk of intestinal cancer.
What is gamma linolenic acid?
Each essential fatty acid is used in a different way by your body, and gamma-linolenic acid is uniquely helpful in fighting against inflammation. This is because your body converts GLA into an inflammation-reducing substance called DGLA.
What are the benefits of flavonoids?
Well, studies have shown that a subgroup of polyphenols called flavonoids may be able to reduce blood clots and bad cholesterol that clog arteries . These flavonoids support healthy blood vessels and improve blood flow which contributes to overall cardiovascular health.
What are the benefits of black currants?
Check out 8 amazing health benefits of black currant: 1. Anthocyanins: Powerful Natural for Vision Health and More. Black currants are almost as pretty as they are powerful, with a deep, rich, reddish or purplish-black color. Interestingly, the compound that creates that color, called anthocyanin, is also responsible for some ...
Where do black currants grow?
Known also as the cassis berry, black currants are black, purple, or red berries that grow throughout Europe, North America, New Zealand, and Asia. These small-yet-mighty berries have been used medicinally since the Middle Ages due to their incredible properties.
Why is soluble fiber important?
It also helps lower cholesterol in the body , which is enormously important for cardiovascular health . Insoluble fiber.
What to do with black currants?
There are many different ways to use black currant in cooking, such as the following: 1 Jams 2 Jellies 3 Desserts with the mashed or cooked berries 4 Black currant wine 5 Black currant tea or tincture 6 Black currant essential oil derived from the seeds
What are the nutrients in berries?
Nutritional Facts. Nutritionally speaking, these small berries are a rich source of vitamin C, packing more than 3 times the amount of ascorbic acid you need into less than a one-cup serving. These berries also boast high levels of B vitamins, such as thiamin and pantothenic acid.
What are the health benefits of black currants?
The many health benefits associated with black currants include lowering cholesterol, relieving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and easing insomnia, among others. Protect the immune system with its high level of vitamin C. Lower cholesterol, which can lower the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.
How to improve joint health?
Improve joint health and reduce inflammation [4] Boost skin appearance and prevent dry skin. Improve vision and slow the development of macular degeneration. Lower the risk of many types of cancer [5] [6] [7] Optimize the digestive system and eliminate symptoms of constipation.
Do berries have flavonoids?
This is in addition to the range of antioxidants, including anthocyanins and flavonoids, which provide even more health benefits. These berries also contain measurable levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, making them quite unique among fruits. [3]
Can black currants cause headaches?
Despite the many health benefits of these common berries, there are a number of side effects associated with consuming too much. Due to the presence of gamma-linolenic acid, some people report diarrhea or headaches after consuming too many black currant berries.
Is black currant good for you?
Black currant is a delicious and popular type of berry that packs a nutritious punch and can provide a number of health benefits if you add it to your diet.
What is a black currant?
The currant is a member of the Ribes genus, which includes black currants, red raspberries and white or black raspberries. Blackcurrants have been used for centuries in folk medicine throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia. It is commonly used to treat coughs, cold and flu symptoms and arthritis. It is also used for heart health, digestive ...
How long does blackcurrant tea help with muscle growth?
Consuming blackcurrant tea (2 cups/day) for three months could increase muscle growth and muscle mass by 15% in older men. Another study found that consuming blackcurrant tea (2 cups/day) for three months decreased the risk of muscle loss in older women by 20%.
How long does blackcurrant tea last?
Another study published in Archives of the Nutrition and Metabolism found that consuming blackcurrant tea (2 cups/day) for two months could reduce bone loss in healthy elderly people.
Does blackcurrant tea increase LDL?
In another study on postmenopausal women, researchers found that consuming blackcurrant tea (2 cups/day) was associated with an increase in antioxidant activity and a decrease in oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels.
Does blackcurrant tea help with heart disease?
After one year, those who consumed blackcurrant tea had significantly lower rates of coronary heart disease (CHD) compared to the control group.
Is blackcurrant good for you?
It is also used for heart health, digestive system and liver problems. Blackcurrants are found in tea form, which could be made by steeping these fruits in hot water or in a pot of herbal tea. Numerous studies have concluded that the blackcurrant, black tea and its polyphenol content are beneficial for overall health.
Is black currant tea good for your liver?
Black currants may be beneficial for liver health as well. In one study, researchers divided a group of healthy volunteers into two groups and gave half of them black currant tea. After three months, there were significant decreases in the levels of oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and total cholesterol, ...
Why is it important to eat blackcurrants?
Eating blackcurrants on a regular basis can help in doing the same. This is because blackcurrants are a good source of a number of antioxidants like Vitamin C that fights with the free radicals of our body, stabilizes them and thus prevents them from causing oxidative damage to our eyes.
How much vitamin C is in blackcurrant?
One cup of blackcurrant provides around 338 percent of the daily vitamin C requirements. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that fights with the free radicals of our body, stabilizes them and thus prevents them from causing oxidative damage to our body cells ( including the immune system).
Why is blackcurrant good for you?
This benefit of blackcurrant is mainly due to the presence of vitamin C in it. One cup of blackcurrant provides around 338 percent of the daily vitamin C requirements.
Why is blackcurrant antibacterial?
This antibacterial nature of blackcurrant is mainly due to the presence of chemical compounds like tannin and anthocyanin in them . These compounds hinder the growth of bacteria within the urinary tract and thus reduces the infection risk.
What is the purpose of a saline solution?
In addition to this, they are also a rich source of antioxidants that prevents the inner walls of our arteries from oxidative damage and also minimizes the formation of toxic substances on the interior walls of blood vessels.
Where is blackcurrant native to?
It belongs to Grossulariaceae family and is native to temperate parts of central and northern Europe and northern Asia. Blackcurrant is a good source of a number of nutrients like vitamins,minerals, antioxidants, flavonoids, Omega-3 fatty acids, ...
Does blackcurrant cause oxidative damage?
While on the other hand, antioxidants present in blackcurrant fights with the free radicals of our body stabilizes them and thus prevents them from causing oxidative damage to our brain ( and the body) cells.
Why do people use black currant oil?
Many people use black currant oil for its high vitamin and antioxidant content, which can have a variety of great health benefits.
What is black currant oil good for?
Use of black currant oil provides many benefits and some of the important ones include: Relieves arthritis pain. Strengthens immunity. Reduces the severity of menstruation symptoms. Lowers blood pressure. Skincare. Haircare. Helps treat acne.
How to reduce acne?
Acne. Topically applying this omega-3-rich oil to the face is one of the best ways to reduce the inflammation of acne. Be sure to dilute the oil in a carrier oil, and then dab the oil onto the inflamed patches of the skin. This can speed healing and eliminate any underlying bacterial infections. [9]
Why is seed oil yellow?
It is often used as a medicinal oil, rather than as a culinary ingredient, primarily because it can be expensive, and the excessive intake of the oil can have negative side effects.
Does black currant oil help with blood pressure?
Heart Health. Black currant oil is rich in potassium and GLA, which helps in reducing blood pressure, thereby promoting heart health. The GLA present in this oil helps lower platelet clumping in the blood vessels and also prevents cell damage in the heart. It also helps in improving the heart blood flow and reduces overall peripheral resistance. [6]
Does gamma linolenic acid help with wrinkles?
Gamma-linolenic acid is well known to reduce inflammation in the skin, while also minimizing the signs of aging, thanks to its antioxidant quality. This can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and blemishes. [3]
Does black currant oil have any side effects?
Black Currant Oil Side Effects. As mentioned, there are some side effects especially associated with excess consumption of this oil, including the following: These side effects are primarily experienced by people who consume more than the recommended amount, but in some cases, this can occur.
What is the best oil for a joint?
Providing high concentrations of vitamin C, black currant oil is great for sustaining joint health and amazing for anti-aging. Anthocyanins.
What color are black currants?
Known scientifically as ribes nigrum, when eaten whole, black currants leave a dark purple color on your tongue and are super-rich in vitamin C and a host of other nutrients. They are especially popular in Europe where they are used to make fruit juice, jelly, jam, and black currant flavored ice cream.
What is the best fruit to eat to prevent heart disease?
You may not have heard much about the humble black currant (and we'll go into detail why below), but this tiny tart berry is packed with incredible nutrients and antioxidants and can help prevent heart disease, control glaucoma, decrease inflammation, increase immunity and even potentially slow down cancer growth.
Is black currant oil a plant based oil?
The oil extracted from the seeds of the black currant is rich in antioxidants and high in omega-3 (ALA) and omega-6 fatty acids (GLA) Black currant oil is one of the primary plant-based sources of GLA; GLA is not naturally produced by the body so, therefore, has to be consumed.
Does black currant oil slow down the aging process?
Research shows that berries are high in antioxidants, and can actually slow down the aging process. The antioxidants in black currant oil can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, causing less wear and tear, and reflecting positively on the appearance of your skin.
Does black currant seed oil help with colds?
It's also rich in anthocyanins and antioxidants which help to build immunity and alleviate cold and flu symptoms. A study conducted on elderly participants showed that black currant seed oil had a moderate "immune-enhancing effect" on the subjects, mainly due to its "ability to reduce prostaglandin E 2 production.".
When did black currants get eradicated?
After the annihilation of millions of pine trees, black currant was finally eradicated by the US government in the 1920s.
Why do women take black currant seed oil?
Some women take black currant seed oil, or other sources of gamma-linolenic acid, to try to treat symptoms of: Menopause. Premenstrual syndrome. Painful periods. Breast tenderness. People also take black currant to try to boost immunity or to try to treat a wide range of problems that include: Peripheral artery disease.
Is black currant oil safe?
Black currant is also considered safe if you use the berry or seed oil appropriately as medicine. More information is needed to know whether its dried leaf is safe. Side effects. The GLA in black currant seeds can sometimes cause side effects, such as: Headache.
Does black currant help with menstruation?
People also apply it directly to the skin to try to help with wounds or insect bites. There is not enough evidence to prove that black currant helps with menstruation -related symptoms or these other health conditions. Optimal doses of black currant have not been set for any condition.
Can you take clopidogrel with phenothiazines?
In some people, this combination may raise the risk of seizure. Be sure to tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural.
Can black currants slow blood clotting?
Black currant may slow blood clotting. So avoid using it if you have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners. Also, stop taking black currant at least two weeks before surgery in order to: Reduce the risk of bleeding. Avoid interactions with anesthesia.
Does the FDA regulate supplements?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does regulate dietary supplements; however, it treats them like foods rather than medications. Unlike drug manufacturers, the makers of supplements don’t have to show their products are safe or effective before selling them on the market.
Health Benefits of black currant
The deep purple pigment in black currant is attributed to its high anthocyanin content.
How to use black currant
Black currants may be available in some grocery stores, as well as online.
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.

What Is Black Currant?
Nutritional Facts
- Nutritionally speaking, these small berries are a rich source of vitamin C, packing more than 3 times the amount of ascorbic acid you need into less than a one-cup serving. These berries also boast high levels of B vitamins, such as thiamin and pantothenic acid. A 100-gram serving only contains 63 calories, but a wealth of essential minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, and copper. This is in addition to the range of antioxidants, including anthoc…
Health Benefits
- The many health benefits associated with black currants include lowering cholesterol, relieving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and easing insomnia, among others. 1. Protect the immune system with its high level of vitamin C 2. Lower cholesterol, which can lower the risk of atherosclerosisand cardiovascular diseases 3. Improve joint health and re...
Uses
- There are many different ways to use black currant in cooking, such as the following: 1. Jams 2. Jellies 3. Desserts with the mashed or cooked berries 4. Black currant wine 5. Black currant teaor tincture 6. Black currant essential oilderived from the seeds These berries are also commonly juiced, and can further be made into various liqueurs that are popular in many cocktails. You can find supplements of blackcurrant in capsule and powder for…
Black Currant Side Effects
- Despite the many health benefits of these common berries, there are a number of side effects associated with consuming too much. 1. Due to the presence of gamma-linolenic acid, some people report diarrheaor headaches after consuming too many black currant berries. 2. Some people may also have problems with blood clotting, so if you have a bleeding disorder, it is best to consult your doctor or avoid consuming these berries. Finally, given th…