Which currant is healthier for humans, black or red? Review and differences

Which currant is healthier, black or red? This question concerns many berry lovers. Each type has medicinal properties, and the plants are used in folk medicine, making healing decoctions and tinctures. Currants boost the body's defenses and are beneficial for both children and the elderly. To get the most out of them, you should familiarize yourself with the information below.

Chemical composition and nutritional value of currants

Below is the chemical composition and nutritional value of red and black currants.

Red

100g of red currants contain 43 kcal, including 0.6g of proteins, 0.2g of fat, 7.7g of carbohydrates, 3.4g of dietary fiber, and 85g of water. They contain no cholesterol or alcohol. The fat, protein, and carbohydrate ratio is 1:0.3:12.8. The fruits are rich in iron, potassium, vitamins A, C, and E, succinic and malic acids, pectin, nitrogenous substances, and selenium.

Black

Blackcurrants contain 44 kcal per 100 grams, including 7.3 mg carbohydrates, 4.8 mg dietary fiber, 0.4 g fat, 1 mg protein, and 0.9 mg ash. They are cholesterol- and alcohol-free. They contain 2% of the daily recommended intake of protein, 1% fat, and 5% carbohydrates. Blackcurrants are rich in citric and malic acids, sugars, flavonoids, pectins, tannins, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, calcium, and potassium.

Are there any significant differences?

There are several differences between black and red currants in their composition and their uses in alternative medicine. Below are specific facts about the differences between the two.

Where is there more vitamin C?

Vitamin C is present in all varieties of the crop, but black currants contain more of this substance, even more than lemons.Currants are widely used medicinally for colds. The highest concentration of vitamin C in currants occurs during the ripening period. When the crop is not harvested on time, these beneficial substances disappear.

The benefits and harms of berry crops

Currants, regardless of variety, help boost and strengthen the body's immune system. Their main beneficial properties include:

• increase in the level of hemoglobin in blood plasma;
• prevention of cancer;
• normalization of hormonal levels;
• general tonic effect;
• stimulates digestion, helps fight constipation;
• sucrose and fructose do not harm diabetics;
• Currant is an effective diuretic for children and adults;
• improving the body's ability to absorb protein.

Eating blackcurrant, fresh or in jam, helps restore the body. It reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke, strengthens the heart muscle, removes toxins, and treats stomach problems.

Blackcurrants contain little sugar and their consumption does not cause diabetes.

The berries also have a positive effect on the condition of nails and hair. Blackcurrants are widely used in cosmetology to restore skin's moisture balance and reduce wrinkles.

Which currant is the most beneficial?

Blackcurrants are considered more beneficial. They contain more nutrients than red or white berries and are more easily absorbed by the body. The therapeutic effect occurs more quickly. To prevent colds, it is advisable to consume the crop in equal proportions throughout the summer. This will significantly strengthen the immune system.

Use in folk medicine

In alternative medicine, blackcurrants are used for all sorts of ailments. The berry is effective for preventative purposes and helps manage toxicosis during the perinatal period. The main thing is to avoid allergies.

Red-fruited berries

Red currants have numerous beneficial properties for children. Drinking their juice can help reduce fever in children. The same effect is seen in adults. Red currants are commonly used for respiratory conditions. The fruit contains a wealth of antioxidants that can fight cancer cells.

Red currants help relieve nausea and stimulate appetite. These berries are often recommended for the elderly; they prevent atherosclerosis and boost energy.

Black chokeberries

Eating blackcurrants helps relieve gastrointestinal diseases and is effective against atherosclerosis and edema. A sufficient amount of pectin and fiber makes the berry an effective remedy for constipation, colds, and flu. Currants are virtually allergen-free, making them safe for people prone to allergic reactions.

Using buds, leaves, and twigs

Currant leaves contain many vitamins, including manganese, tannins, salts, and copper. Drinking tea made from the leaves helps achieve a diuretic effect, relieve colds, improve mental well-being, and normalize digestion. The drink accelerates recovery after surgery and promotes collagen formation.

Decoctions are also made from the leaves, branches, and buds to create poultices. These are applied to the skin to treat ailments. To ensure the leaves, branches, and buds can be used throughout the year, they should be plucked and dried. Only the green leaves are used.