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Blackcurrant is a popular fruit that is used in cakes, sweets, as an ingredient in juices or as an independent snack. Excellent taste, however, is not all that undoubtedly tempts and surprises. This fruit is an excellent source of nutritional and health values. Systematic consumption of blackcurrant can have an excellent effect on the functioning of the human body.
Health properties of blackcurrant
Black currant It is not without reason that it is considered to be an extremely healthy fruit and rich in vitamins. Already in folk natural medicine currant properties valued in diseases such as angina, respiratory infections, rheumatism and arthritis. Whereas blackcurrant juice has properties accelerating the treatment of migraine, gastrointestinal disorders, and also affects the overall regeneration of the body. Also today, as part of phytotherapy, attention is paid to the legitimacy of consumption blackcurrant in anemia, periodontal disease, cataracts, blood clotting problems, as well as tooth and hair loss. Health-promoting currant properties it also has a decoction of its leaves – it improves the excretion of toxins from the body.
Blackcurrant and antioxidants
W skladzie blackcurrant flavonoids should be distinguished, the action of which consists in limiting the production of toxic compounds that affect the development of cancer. Their task is also to slow down the aging process. Flavonoids also affect the reduction of cholesterol in the blood, inhibit the development of atherosclerosis and regulate blood pressure. Of key importance among the flavonoids contained in blackcurrant have:
- anthocyanins — are antibacterial substances, beneficial in combating stomach problems,
- rutin – accelerates absorption vitamin C in blackcurrant and improves the condition of the endothelium of blood vessels; it reduces the risk of bleeding and varicose veins,
- quercetin – cleanses the urinary tract and has anti-allergic properties.
Phenolic acids are important antioxidants in blackcurrant. They have an anti-infarction, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic role, and also slow down the growth of some bacteria and fungi. The interesting thing is that it is health-promoting properties of blackcurrant are so appreciated, proven and widely known that the fruit has been placed on the ORAC list. This is a special group of food products that contain an extremely high amount of plant antioxidants with a beneficial effect on humans. Higher antioxidant potential is attributed only to black chokeberry, blueberry and cranberry.
Where is the most vitamin C?
It may come as a surprise, but black currant it’s one of those forest fruits that he has the most vitamin C. For every 100 g, there is about 181 mg of pure vitamin C, which is 4 times more than in the case of, for example, oranges. The most vitamin C among forest fruits, it has only rose hips – 500 mg in 100 g.
Cholesterol and blackcurrant
Antioxidants are not the only substances contained in properties of blackcurrant regulating blood sugar and triglyceride levels. Black currant It also contains soluble fiber – pectin. They counteract hypercholesterolemia (increased plasma cholesterol) and hyperglycaemia (increased blood glucose levels). This effect of pectins is due to their ability to slow down the body’s absorption of certain fats and sugars.