The health benefits and contraindications of black currants

Many people are interested in the health benefits and contraindications of blackcurrant. This berry contains a large number of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, providing the body with valuable nutrients. Currant fruits and leaves can be used to make a variety of healthy drinks that are used to treat various ailments. However, this product does have certain contraindications and side effects.

What are currants rich in?

Garden currants are considered a very healthy berry. They contain valuable substances and microelements. Many varieties and hybrids have been developed. In Russia, you can find wild currants, which are also beneficial for the body. wild currant is considered less sweet.

Nutritional value

100 grams of blackcurrants contain 1 gram of protein, 7.3 grams of carbohydrates, and 0.4 grams of fat. The berries have 63 kilocalories.

Vitamins

The product contains numerous vitamins. The berries contain the following substances:

1. Vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system. Most of the vitamin is preserved even when frozen. Combined with vitamin P, this product helps prevent the development of atherosclerosis.
2. Vitamin A improves metabolic processes, strengthens the immune system, and stimulates healing processes. It has antioxidant properties and helps prevent malignant tumors.
3. Vitamin E stimulates tissue regeneration, ensures the absorption of vitamin A, and helps prevent blood clots. This component helps strengthen the immune system and is involved in hormone production.
4. Vitamin K helps improve blood clotting. This is especially important for people who have undergone surgery.
5. B vitamins – normalize the functions of the nervous system and support proper immune function.

Minerals

The product contains valuable minerals. This berry contains the following components:

1. Sodium is required to maintain acid-base balance and normal functioning of the nervous system and muscle contraction.
2. Potassium – normalizes blood pressure and heart rhythm.
3. Calcium and phosphorus are necessary for normal joint function.
4. Iron and magnesium – promote the production of red blood cells and help prevent anemia.

How to choose a fresh and high-quality product

When buying blackcurrants at the market, keep in mind that the fruits should be whole, without dents or foreign marks. It's important that the currants have a pleasant aroma, not a musty one.

When choosing frozen currants at the store, make sure there are no stuck-together pieces in the package. These pieces indicate that the currants have been defrosted and frozen repeatedly.

When purchasing dried fruit, there are also certain characteristics to consider. All berries should be uniform and free of foreign matter.

Beneficial properties of the plant

Blackcurrant is incredibly beneficial for humans. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions:

• cope with vitamin deficiency;
• eliminate gastritis and gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer;
• dilate blood vessels;
• relieve inflammation;
• achieve a diuretic effect - due to this, currants cope with swelling in kidney pathologies and stimulate urine output in cystitis;
• cope with high temperature;
• reduce blood sugar levels in diabetes;
• strengthen the immune system;
• cope with hypertension.

For women and men

Blackcurrants help improve women's health. They are often recommended during pregnancy to prevent anemia. However, it's recommended not to consume more than half a cup of currants per day.

The product also helps normalize blood pressure and combat diarrhea. Currants are excellent for treating viral infections, thanks to their high vitamin C content.

The plant also benefits the skin:

• has a whitening effect and reduces the oiliness of the epithelium;
• tightens flabby skin and tones it;
• stops the aging process;
• saturates the skin of the hands with useful substances and promotes the restoration of the nail plates.

The berry is also beneficial for men. It helps increase potency. This product helps maintain sexual activity for a long time.

For children

This product is a must-have in a child's diet. Currants can be eaten fresh or added to porridge. However, the berry should only be given to children over 1 year old.

For elderly people

As we age, various health conditions arise. People may experience high blood pressure, excess cholesterol, and heart problems. Eating blackcurrants can help combat most of these issues.

This is due to the unique composition of the berries:

• sodium – normalizes the functions of the nervous system and maintains normal acid-base balance;
• calcium and fluoride – stop the destruction of cartilage, reduce the likelihood of developing joint pathologies;
• Potassium – restores blood pressure parameters and normalizes heart rhythm.

Therapeutic effect on the body

Currants are often used in folk medicine. In some cases, they can even replace medications.

For immunity

The combination of vitamin C and antioxidants in the fruit helps strengthen the immune system and protect the body from viral infections. Thanks to their anthocyanin content, currants slow the development of malignant tumors. The healing properties of the berries help suppress the activity of herpes infections.

For skin and hair

Blackcurrants contain a large amount of vitamin C, which is necessary for collagen synthesis. This substance is responsible for maintaining the firmness and elasticity of the epithelium. The fruit reduces the symptoms of psoriasis and stops the development of skin spots. Blackcurrants help relieve dry skin and itching.

The berry is also beneficial for hair. It contains gamma-linolenic acid, which helps stop hair loss and promotes growth. The plant eliminates dry skin and helps combat hair breakage.

For the reproductive system

The berry contains many flavonoids. These substances help reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction. The product also contains anthocyanins, which are beneficial for men's health.

For the kidneys and bladder

Currants are a natural antibiotic that protects the body from urinary tract infections. The berry has an antibacterial effect and helps fight pathogens in the urinary tract. They are also beneficial for the liver.

For the gastrointestinal tract

Currants increase the number of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines and support proper digestive function. The berry helps relieve constipation and prevent inflammatory bowel disease. This effect is achieved through tannins and antioxidants.

For the eyes

Blackcurrants can help treat eye problems. They contain vitamins A and C, which help relieve dry eyes. These substances help adapt to darkness, normalize blood circulation, slow vision loss, and eliminate signs of fatigue.

Currants also contain antioxidants that support visual health and help prevent the development of cataracts. The berry helps reduce intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma.

For the brain and nerves

Blackcurrants contain magnesium. This element has a beneficial effect on the quality and duration of sleep, helping to cope with insomnia and severe anxiety. Consuming blackcurrants restores nerve cells, helps prevent Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, and helps prevent dementia.

For the heart and blood vessels

The high content of potassium and gamma-linolenic acid in the fruit helps lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots from forming on the walls of blood vessels.

Consuming this product normalizes cholesterol levels in the body. It has a beneficial effect on circulation and reduces the risk of heart and vascular disease.

Currants contain a large amount of anthocyanins. These substances give the berries their dark color and help prevent heart and arterial disease.

For joints

Blackcurrants contain gamma-linolenic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid. This substance reduces inflammation associated with joint conditions. The fruits help relieve pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and help restore joint mobility.

Rules of use

Black currant is a healthy product that can be consumed in different forms.

In what form should it be consumed?

The easiest option is to eat fresh currants. They are considered most beneficial during ripening. Just 14 days after harvest, the amount of vitamin C in the fruit decreases by 70%. It is considered less beneficial frozen currantsHowever, the value of the product with this type of processing decreases slightly.

Dried currants are considered a good alternative to fresh berries. They are often used in compotes or baked goods.

Daily intake

When consuming currants, it's important to remember moderation. Otherwise, there's a risk of severe health problems. The recommended daily intake for healthy individuals is 20-30 berries.

Black currant during breastfeeding and pregnancy

Currants contain folic acid. This nutrient is very important during pregnancy, as it ensures proper fetal development.

The vitamins and minerals contained in the berry strengthen the immune system and relieve anemia and swelling. However, currants should be consumed with caution during pregnancy and lactation. The berry can cause allergies. During pregnancy, you can eat 150 grams of the fruit.

Nuances of use in diathesis

Using blackcurrant for diathesis helps relieve the symptoms of the disease. For this purpose, formulations based on the dried leaves of the plant are used. These are used to prepare therapeutic baths. To achieve the desired effect, a 10-minute bath is sufficient. The course of therapy should include 10 sessions.

Folk recipes with berries and other parts of the plant

In folk medicine, blackcurrants are often used to combat viral infections. They also improve heart health and strengthen the immune system. Berries-based remedies help cleanse the liver. The fruits and leaves of the plant are used to prepare medicinal mixtures.

Black currant with sugar

This recipe is used to strengthen the immune system. Currants do not require heat treatment, which helps preserve the berries' beneficial properties. The remedy is used to treat weakened immunity, vitamin deficiencies, and viral infections. In the elderly, it is used to treat atherosclerosis and normalize blood pressure.

To prepare this beneficial mixture, mash the berries through a sieve or grind them in a meat grinder. Then mix with sugar in a 1:2 ratio. For improved health, consume 3 tablespoons of the mixture daily.

Blackcurrant juice

This product successfully treats metabolic disorders, vitamin deficiencies, anemia, and liver pathologies. However, certain guidelines for use must be followed:

1. To achieve an expectorant effect, take half a glass of juice with 1 large spoon of honey orally.
2. To restore heart rhythm, take 1 glass of juice.
3. To relieve inflammation and sore throat, gargle with the juice, mixing equal parts of the juice with water.

This drink is not suitable for children under 1 year of age. For older children, it should be mixed with water. If you have stomach problems, please consider the list of contraindications.

Fruit tincture

This remedy increases hemoglobin levels, making it suitable for anemia. It combats fatigue and vitamin deficiency. It can be used to boost immune function. The tincture relieves coughing fits and eliminates hoarseness. For this purpose, you can take one glass of the mixture three times daily.

Infusion of currant leaves

This remedy is used for pyelonephritis or bladder problems. Its effectiveness is due to its diuretic properties. To prepare the infusion, crush currant leaves. Mix 6 tablespoons of the mixture with 1 liter of boiling water and let it steep for 1 hour. Strain and drink one glass 6 times daily.

For the treatment of gout, a less concentrated infusion should be used. To do this, add one tablespoon of the infusion to a glass of water. Take half a glass five times a day.

Berry tea

To prepare this beneficial remedy, you can use a small spoon of black or green tea, a couple of spoons of currants, and sugar or honey. First, chop the currants, then steep them with the tea, adding 500 milliliters of boiling water. Add honey only after the liquid has cooled.

Fruit decoction

Place 2 tablespoons of dried berries in a small container. Once the mixture boils, simmer for 10 minutes. Let it steep for 30 minutes and strain. Take 25 milliliters of the mixture 4 times daily.

A decoction of currant buds, leaves and twigs

This remedy is added to baths or used as compresses for skin and eye conditions. To do this, take 50 grams of the mixture and add 1 liter of boiling water. Simmer for 10 minutes and strain.

Berries in the beauty industry

Blackcurrant is widely used in cosmetology. It's included in creams, scrubs, masks, and shampoos. To improve the condition of your hair, rub a few drops of blackcurrant oil into your roots.

To eliminate skin imperfections, compresses are made using a decoction of the plant's leaves. To make the skin more elastic, rub it with frozen cubes. To do this, mix 100 milliliters of currant juice with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Possible harm and contraindications

Currants are harmful to people prone to blood clots. They should not be consumed after a stroke or heart attack. Currants are also contraindicated in the following situations:

• gastritis and ulcers;
• hypertension;
• Taking medications containing enalapril.

The product influences the synthesis of gastric juice and can improve digestive health. However, the berry is not recommended for those with gastritis and high acidity.

Blackcurrant is a beneficial product that can significantly improve the condition of many ailments and strengthen the body. However, it does have certain contraindications that should be considered before consuming the berries.