Black currant is small shrub of about 5 feet in height, and it belongs to Grossulariaceae. Black currant is native to Siberia and Europe. The berries are grown where there are severe winters and humid summers. They are of approximately 1cm in diameter and have dark purple glossy skin.

Black currant is a rich source of flavonoid known as anthocyanins that aids as anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory and anticancer. They have a high amount of vitamin C, which makes your immunity stronger. It is full of essential vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin B1, B5, B6 that is good for metabolism. They are also a source of minerals such as iron, calcium, manganese, copper, and phosphorus.

Black currant has enormous antioxidant properties. It has 7950 Trolox as per 100g that is highest for any fruits after cranberries, elderberries, and chokeberries. Cloudberry and lemon water also consist of antioxidants.

Black currant is delicious and can be eaten fresh or as dried snacks. It gives a rejuvenating and refreshing taste in fruit cocktails. These berries are widely used in flavoured drinks and to make the filling of pies and muffins and ice-cream.

Herein are the 10 Health Benefits of Blackcurrant:

1. Antioxidant:

Consumption of black currant can combat against neurological disease, inflammation, and cancer because of its significantly high antioxidant properties. The cause of early signs of ageing and cancer cell growth are damaged cells and free radicals. The antioxidant balances the free radicals and slow down or stop the damage.

2. Improved digestive system:

In day to day diet plan, fiber plays a crucial role and black currant has a lot of fiber content. It is useful to make the bowel movement smooth and easy and gives relief in constipation. Fibre rich food is associated to remove the cholesterol from blood vessels and arteries.

Here is the health benefits of black Currant:

3. Low glycemic index:

Low glycemic index food slowly absorbs into the bloodstream that regulates the blood sugar level. Food high in glycemic indexes like white bread, rice, cakes, and cookies breaks down quickly and make insulin and blood sugar spike that leads to dropping of blood sugar level. Blackcurrant has a low glycemic index which balances the blood sugar and prevents type 2 diabetes. Rolled oats and honey also consist of low glycemic index.

4. Skin health and hair health:

Black current contains the vitamin C that is essential for producing and balancing collagen, a protein which is imperative for skin and hair health. It has vitamins A that moisturize the skin and nurtures the skin hair by increasing the sebum production and natural oil which skin produces.

5. Improved cardiovascular health:

It contains a nice amount of omega three that is considered to lower bad cholesterol and enhance good cholesterol. Blackcurrant also contains the flavonoids which improve the blood flow and clears the passage and provides the nutrient that decreases the risk of heart problems and promotes the cardiovascular system. Ginger is the best ingredient for the improvement of the Cardiovascular health.

6. Improved sleep:

In today’s hectic pace of life and erratic food habits sometimes make sleep evasive. Black currant contains the mineral magnesium that is responsible for improving the duration, quality and peaceful sleep time. It is also used to balance the metabolism which automatically combats the sleeping disorders and insomnia. You can use essential oils for sleep.

7. Improved bones and teeth:

Black currant contains calcium which is essential for bone health and teeth health. It strengthens the bones and teeth and prevents the diseases caused by calcium deficiency. It prevents osteoporosis. Ashwagandha and jujube fruit is the best source for teeth and bone health.

8. Protects from infections:

Black currant is an excellent source of vitamin C, which is a natural water soluble antioxidant. One bowl of black currant approximately has 350 percent of vitamin C of your daily requirement. Because of the high content of vitamin C, it protects the body and develops the resistance from all kind of infections.

9. Improved memory:

Black currant contains iron, which enhances the oxygen supply to the brain and increases the memorizing power. It combats against the free radicals which damages the brain and protects the brain and improves the brain health. Cherimoya is very beneficial for brain health.

10. Improved eye vision:

Blackcurrant consists of vitamin A that is good for eyes health. It also is a rich source of antioxidant which protects the eyes from all kind of damage. It protects the retina and enhances eye vision. To improve the eyesight you must have jackfruit and honeyberry.

Word of caution:

Black currant is considered for the thinning of blood, therefore before and after two weeks of undergoing surgery, one should avoid consuming.

How to store:

Fresh blackcurrant is found from the month July till October. Do not buy berries which are shriveled, incredibly soft, cuts or with juice leaking.  Always purchase a berry that is looking healthy, bright in colour and same in size. Before consuming black currant wash with cold water. When they are not to be used immediately, store in the refrigerator.