Currant – properties, application, varieties of currants [WE EXPLAIN]

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When it comes to currants, many people only have black currants in their eyes. It is from them that home-made preserves, jams, juices and syrups are mainly prepared. However, apart from black currants, there are also red and white ones. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals necessary for the proper functioning of the body. They are also widely used in the kitchen. How are the individual varieties of currants different? What valuable ingredients do they contain? How do they affect the human body?

Black currant – properties

Blackcurrant is a shrub that grows in damp and darkened areas, especially in central and northern Europe and Asia. The fruits of the black currant are small, black and round – they are ideal for the production of supplements and herbal preparations. In addition to fruit, its seeds (which are used to obtain oil) and leaves (herbal medicine) are also useful.

Blackcurrant, like all blueberries, is a valuable wealth of vitamin C and anthocyanins, which belong to the flavonoid family. Thanks to this, the black currant possesses antioxidant propertieshelps in fighting free radicals, prevents premature aging and the development of tumors. In fact, black currants contain four times as much vitamin C as oranges and twice as much antioxidants as blueberries. The benefits of vitamin C are numerous. The body uses vitamin C to metabolize protein and create collagen, which is essential for skin care and anti-aging.

Vitamin C is very useful for improvement blood microcirculationand, therefore, counteracts capillary fragility, varicose veins, venous insufficiency, hemorrhoids, water retention and cellulite. In addition, it improves vision and prevents its deterioration and the formation of defects such as myopia. Blackcurrant fruits also contain B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6), vitamin E. and minerals such as:

1. potassium,
2. Phosphor,
3. calcium,
4. magnesium,
5.  sodium,
6. iron,
7. manganese,
8. zinc.

Black currant also has properties diuretic, anti-inflammatory, astringent and antiallergic.

In order to get the most out of the health benefits of currants, it is worth reaching for 3,3% Blackcurrant Vinegar available at a favorable price on Medonet Market.

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Black currant oil – properties

Blackcurrant oil is produced using a low heat (cold pressed) technique. To create the oil, seeds or nuts are ground into a paste. This paste is then mixed to thicken the oils. Pressure is then applied to the paste, which ultimately forces the oil to be extracted.

Oil obtained from black currant seeds is mainly used in cosmetics. It is rich in vitamin E and essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It also reduces LDL cholesterol and raises HDL cholesterol. It also exhibits properties anti-inflammatory. Women use black currant essential oil to treat symptoms menopause, premenstrual syndrome, painful periods and breast tenderness.

Black currant leaves – properties

Blackcurrant leaves also have a number of health benefits. It is characterized by, among others, properties:

1. antimicrobial,
2. anti-inflammatory
3. antiviral,
4. antitoxic,
5. antiseptic,
6. anti-cancer.

The dried blackcurrant leaf is used in treatment arthritis, gout, diarrhea, colic, hepatitis and other liver problems, seizures and disorders causing swelling (inflammation) of the mouth and throat. Dried blackcurrant leaf is also used in treatment cough, colds and whooping cough, treat bladder stones, and as a cleansing tea.

Some people apply blackcurrant leaf directly to their skin to heal wounds and insect bites.

Black currant – pain in muscles and joints

Black currant has a direct effect on an inflammatory reaction of the body. Black currant seed oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a type of omega-6 fatty acid that helps reduce inflammation in the body. High GLA and anthocyanin content can help reduce pain and stiffness in muscles and joints. The conducted research shows that supplements containing GLA were so effective that patients with rheumatoid arthritis were able to reduce the dosage of painkillers.

Black currant – treatment of psoriasis

Blackcurrant seed oil is effective in the treatment of skin diseases. It is especially recommended for people struggling with psoriasis, as it soothes its symptoms. When taken orally, black currant seed oil can slow the growth and development of psoriasis patches. It can also be applied directly to dry, itchy or burning skin.

See who you eat at particular risk of psoriasis

Black currant and the organ of sight

Blackcurrant due to the fact that it is rich in vitamin C, GLA and linoleic acid may help overcome dry eye syndrome. Additionally, clinical studies have shown that black currants improve eye functions, including:

1. the ability of the eyes to adapt to the dark,
2. blood flow to the eyeball,
3. slows the progression of visual field deterioration in people with glaucoma,
4. symptoms of visual fatigue.

Black currant – side effects

Both blackcurrant fruit and blackcurrant seed oil, when eaten safely they do not cause any side effects (unless you are allergic to blackcurrant). However, supplements can cause some side effects such as soft stools, mild diarrhea, and excessive gas.

Blackcurrant supplements are not recommended for people who have problems with blood clottingas they can slow them down.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should talk to their doctor before taking any supplements that contain blackcurrant extract.

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In addition, you will find many products based on fruits, seeds and leaves of blackcurrant in the herbal store. For example, blackcurrant drops and tincture are ideal for combating diseases such as hypertension, high cholesterol, allergies, and circulation problems.

It also works great as an addition to cakes – both raw, to decorate, for example, tarts or tracks, and as a jam added to the cream mass.

Red currant contains a very large amount vitamin C. and vitamin A in the form of carotene. Vitamin A is, like vitamin C, a very powerful antioxidant. Its deficiency in the body affects, among other things, visual impairment, general fatigue and greater susceptibility to infections.

Eating red currants causes strengthening the immune system, prevents the onset of many diseases, especially respiratory system (sore throat, tonsillitis) and flu and colds. Red currants also have an antibacterial effect, they also help to heal wounds on the skin faster. Like all red fruits and vegetables, red currants contain lycopene, a carotenoid that reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Red currants contain a large amount of vitamin B, especially vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and vitamin B3 (niacin). Vitamin B5 is involved in the production of iron and is responsible for the proper functioning nervous and immune systems. It was found that eating foods containing this vitamin reduces the effects of stress, reduces cholesterol levels, and reduces the occurrence of migraine headaches. In turn, niacin helps maintain skin health and improves circulation. Its deficiency can cause disorders of the nervous system, depression, insomnia, anxiety and irritability.

Red currants are a good source of vitamin K, which works to retain calcium in the bone matrix. Adequate intake of vitamin K can also reduce urinary calcium excretion. One cup of red currants contains 15 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin K.

Red currant and its juice have antipyretic properties (reducing fever). Currant juice is recommended as preventive protection against winter ailments. It is also a powerful diuretic and is effective in cleansing the urinary tract. It is recommended in the case of general organism weakness. It has laxative properties and improves the appetite. Red currants are also rich in minerals: calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium and manganese.

At Medonet Market you will find Szczepanówka Redcurrant Syrup, which is perfect as an addition to tea or diluted in water as a tasty drink.

Red currant and iron

Red currants are a rich source of iron which is essential for the formation of red blood cells (about 40 – 45% of the total blood composition). Red blood cells are extremely important because they carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Iron deficiency can cause numerous negative consequences in the body, especially anemia or anemia.

Read more about iron deficiency – what the consequences could be

Red currant helps with constipation

Red currant contains a fairly large amount of fiber. It is an essential part of a balanced diet that influences regular bowel movements by absorbing water in the lower gastrointestinal tract. It helps to increase the volume of the large intestine and activates bowel movements, thus preventing constipation.

Do you suffer from constipation? Check what are the proven ways to fight them: Constipation – proven ways

Red currant – glycemic index

Red currant have a lower glycemic index than most other foods. This is because the sugar in these fruits is slowly absorbed into the blood and thus prevents blood sugar spikes, sugar cravings and mood swings.

White currant – a sweet alternative

White currant it is much sweeter from black and red currants. It also contains valuable vitamins and minerals, including:

1. Vitamin A,
2. vitamin C,
3. Vitamin E,
4. vitamin B (B1, B2, B9),
5. Phosphor,
6. potassium,
7. magnesium,
8. sodium,
9. iron.

White currants affect the prevention of stroke, heart attack, and atherosclerosis. As with the other varieties have a positive effect on the immune system, preventing infections. They also affect the proper functioning of the nervous system, protect against the harmful effects of tobacco smoke, show diuretic properties and enhance potency. They can be eaten both as fresh fruit, dried and as an infusion obtained from their leaves.

White currant leaves hold antibacterial properties. Some people chew them to get a fresh breath and to cleanse the mouth of bacteria inhabiting it. The infusion of the leaves shows cholagogic and mild laxative properties, it is administered with kidney diseases, the deposition of uric and oxalic acid crystals in the joints, rheumatism, high blood pressure, to lower blood glucose levels.

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Interesting facts about currants

Blackcurrant was entered on the ORAC list, which contains food products with a significant amount of plant antioxidants. Blackcurrant ranks third among berries on this list – only chokeberry and cranberry are ahead of it.

Blackcurrant leaves are perfect for insect bites and difficult-to-heal wounds – compresses and infusion of them will alleviate discomfort and accelerate the healing process. It is enough to crush blackcurrant leaves and put them on the sick place – they will work as the best balm. They contain flavonoids, as well as bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and fungicidal substances. The tannins in blackcurrant leaves also work well in food poisoning because they inhibit the growth of bacteria in the digestive tract.

For a long time, black currants have been called the “forbidden fruit” in the United States. Farmers believed that the tart blueberries, native to Europe and Asia, helped spread the pine-killing fungus.

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