Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) is a woody shrub that belongs to family Grossulariaceae known for its delicious berries.
Blackcurrant is an excellent source of plant phytochemicals such as antioxidants, readily available flavonoids and tannins.
They are also very high in vitamin C, omega-3- and -6 fatty acids, minerals, trace elements and fibre.
Anthocyanins in blackcurrants increase the levels of Bifidobacterium, healthy bacteria commonly found in the gut.
Vitamin C is used by the body to make collagen, a vital structural material in skin, ligaments tendons, cartilages, bones, and teeth. Vitamin C can also boost body immune system and help to fight colds.
Rich in vitamin C
Blackcurrant contains significant amounts of vitamin C. Vitamin C is used by the body to make collagen, a vital structural material in skin, ligaments tendons, cartilages, bones, and teeth. Collagen is essential for skin elasticity and its deprivation results to wrinkles. Vitamin C also helps in absorption of iron from cereals, vegetables and fruits. Iron is required for formation of haemoglobin, a protein molecule in blood cells that helps to carry oxygen to all body cells and tissues. Its deficiency can result in anaemia. Several scientific studies have found that Vitamin C can boost body immune system and help to fight colds. (1)
Black currant is an excellent source of antioxidants and researchers have found out that dietary antioxidants play a momentous role in maintaining and improving eye health and vision, mainly in preventing cataract. Cataract is degenerative eye disorder mostly associated with old age. It’s due to the buildup of oxidised proteins in the eye lens, preventing entry of light. Studies have found blackcurrant antioxidants like Vitamin C and Anthocyanins can help to lower the risk of cataract.
Improve urinary tract health
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) is an infection mainly caused by Escherichia coli, an intestinal bacterium that attaches itself to the inner surfaces of the urinary tract. The bacteria causes inflammation to the affected area later the area becomes swollen and sensitive, causing pain in urinary tract and discomfort especially during urination. Regular taking of blackcurrant can help prevent this disorder. Just like cranberries and blueberries blackcurrant contain proanthocyanidins that prevent E Coli from attaching itself inner surface of the urinary tract.
Ageing and cognitive function
Blackcurrant antioxidant ability protects, regenerate nerve cells boosting body defensive system. Anthocyanins and procyanidins contained in blackcurrant protect the nerve cells from oxidative stress and renewing body defence system. Research suggests that blackcurrant juice plays a significant role in slowing down cognitive decline related to old age and conditions like dementia.
Blackcurrants are naturally rich and have readily available flavonoids. Researchers have discovered taking juices or wine rich in flavonoids helps to enhance the functionality of blood vessels. Flavonoids also reduce the stickiness of blood in human bodies. Thus lowering chances of small blood clots in the blood vessels which may cause injury to the vessel lining. Taking blackcurrant and orange juice reduces the risk of swelling with patients suffering from the peripheral arterial disease. (2).
Digestion and fighting cancer
Recent research demonstrates that blackcurrants promote the growth of ‘good’ bacterias in the gut and providing ‘anti-tumor’ effect to some cancers. Anthocyanins from blackcurrants increase the levels of Bifidobacterium, healthy bacteria commonly found in the gut and help to maintain proper function of digestive system and reducing the risk of gut inflammation. (3, 4)
Overcoming Erectile Dysfunction
According to new research, scientists from UK and US demonstrates flavonoid, a natural compound commonly found in vegetables and fruits can dramatically lower the risk of erectile dysfunction. Research reveals people who are physically active and regularly take a diet rich in flavonoids are less likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction. Blackcurrants are an excellent source of flavonoids and could reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction if taken regularly.
Blackcurrant also provides a good supply of Vitamin C and antioxidants, which hold a lot of health benefits like improved vision and cognitive function, prevention of cancer and UTIs, anti-inflammatory, lower risk of erectile dysfunction and blood pressure lowering properties.