Blackcurrant is a nutrient-rich fruit that has some health benefits.
The health benefits of black currants include improving digestion, lowering cholesterol levels, boosting the immune system, and increasing circulation.
Additionally, black currant is known to improve vision and relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
History of blackcurrant
- Black currants have been growing wild since ancient Greece. In Russia, there are several versions of the origin of this name.
- According to one of them, the word "current" is a converted version of "currant", denoting a strong smell. According to another, the name came from the word "nugget".
- This is due to the fact that the shrub grew in inappropriate places for this at first glance, where it was not specially planted. The berries were small. Later, breeders bred varieties with large fruits.
- Blackcurrant is a shrub whose height is about one and a half meters. The plant is perennial and begins to bear fruit from mid-summer. Currant berries are black and about one centimeter in size.
Composition of blackcurrant
- 100 g of blackcurrant contains 44 kcal.
- Proteins 1 g.
- Fats 0.4 g.
- Carbohydrates 7.3 g.
The benefits of blackcurrant for the human body
Blackcurrant berries have a number of positive qualities that have a beneficial effect on the human body.
1. Blackcurrant is rich in vitamin C, which is necessary for the body to resist viral diseases. The product contains ascorbic acid, which helps to activate the body's immune forces.
Vitamin C accelerates the process of tissue regeneration and affects the synthesis of a number of hormones. In addition, this vitamin is involved in the synthesis of collagen, which is necessary for cell growth.
2. The use of currant berries indirectly affects the improvement of microcirculation in the area of the organs of vision.
3. Blackcurrant fruits contain iron, which is necessary for the body to prevent anemia. Iron is involved in the production of hemoglobin.
A low level of this indicator indicates a deficiency of the element. The condition is accompanied by symptoms such as a feeling of weakness, frequent dizziness, and headaches, sleep disturbance, hair loss.
4. The use of blackcurrant helps to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and prevent diseases from the cardiovascular system. Coumarin thins the blood, preventing the formation of blood clots.
Vitamin P increases the elasticity of blood vessels, protecting them from fragility and preventing the development of atherosclerosis.
5. Proanthocyanidins contained in current fruits are indicated for use by people suffering from diseases of the urinary system.
6. Pectin, found in berries, has a beneficial effect on the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. Pectin also helps to eliminate toxins and heavy metal ions such as cobalt, lead, mercury, and strontium from the body.
In this regard, currants are indicated for use in case of poisoning and intoxication of the body.
7. Vitamin E helps in maintaining the beauty and youthfulness of the skin and helps to restore cell membranes.
8. blackcurrants, which are rich in vitamin A, play an important role in the formation of immunity and maintaining the health of the organs of vision.
9. B vitamins contribute to the normalization of the nervous system and improve memory.
10. Potassium contained in blackcurrant helps to avoid skin flaking, muscle weakness, and increased fatigue.
The result of a lack of an element is long-healing wounds from minor and minor injuries, the immune system is weakened, and it becomes susceptible to viral and infectious diseases.
The lack of an element is often detected as a result of a violation of the basics of proper nutrition. The reason for the shortage can also be the intake of diuretics and laxatives, as well as intestinal diseases, which are accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea.
11. Blackcurrant berries contain calcium, which is involved in the implementation of many processes in the body. A significant part of the element is in the bone tissue.
The lack of a mineral leads to serious diseases. Brittle hair and nails, and the fragility of bones are only the first signs of deficiency.
Frequent fractures may indicate the development of osteoporosis. This disease requires medical treatment. Calcium plays an important role in the child's body.
A deficiency of this element in children can lead to a violation of posture, dental diseases, and visual impairment.
12. In terms of their therapeutic properties, blackcurrant leaves are not inferior to their fruits. They are also rich in phytoncides, essential, and tannins. Currant leaves have antipyretic, disinfectant, tonic, and diuretic properties. Tea from young blackcurrant leaves helps to relieve anxiety and psycho-emotional stress.
The harm of blackcurrant to the human body
The use of berries is prohibited for people with a number of diseases:
- Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver.
- Hepatosis - non-inflammatory liver disease, accompanied by a violation of metabolic processes.
- Low blood clotting.
- Diseases of the digestive tract.
- Allergic reaction.
The berries contain acid that can cause irritation of the intestinal mucosa. This can lead to undesirable consequences in diseases such as gastritis, pancreatitis, and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.
For the same reasons, it is not recommended to consume blackcurrant fruits on an empty stomach, even in the absence of contraindications.
Storing blackcurrants
Fresh blackcurrant berries can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. There is no need to pre-wash them, so the fruits will quickly deteriorate.
On the contrary, if the collected or purchased berries are damp, they should be dried before being placed in the refrigerator. In the freezer, blackcurrants are stored for several months.
It should be noted that the beneficial properties of berries are preserved when frozen.
The use of blackcurrant in cooking
Black currant, rich in vitamins and useful substances for the body, is used in cooking for preparing various dishes.
Milkshake with blackcurrant
Ingredients:
- Milk 500 ml.
- Creamy ice cream 100 g.
- Black currant 100 g.
Cooking method:
- Wash blackcurrants under running water, removing twigs.
- Grind the berries in a blender, and add milk and ice cream.
Cake with blackcurrant
Ingredients:
- Flour 200 g.
- Sugar 50 g.
- Chicken egg 4 pcs.
- Butter 100 g.
- Cottage cheese 300 g.
- Sour cream 100 g.
- Blackcurrant 200 g.
Cooking method:
- The flour must be sifted, then rubbed with butter into crumbs. Add sugar and one egg to the mixture, knead the dough, which must be wrapped in cling film, and put in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- For the filling, beat cottage cheese, sour cream, and three eggs in a blender. Add sugar to taste.
- The dough must be rolled out and laid out in a form covered with parchment.
- Pour everything with curd mass, and put pre-washed and dried blackcurrant berries on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees for 45-50 minutes.
We hope you enjoyed learning about all the health benefits of black currant. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them below. And be sure to check back often for more informative articles like this one.