If you've been wondering about what black currant contributes to the development of the human health then this article is for you. This article is a piece that gives details guide on what black currant is, it's nutritional value, health benefits and also how it is prepared.
What Is Black Currant
Black currant is a woody shrub that belongs to Grossulariaceae family and is harvested for it's tangy berri. Black Currant scientific name is known as Ribes Nigrum and is mainly planted and harvested in Central Europe and some Northern part of Asia, North America and New Zealand in places which has damp fertile soil. Black Currant is usually cultivated for both commercial and domestic purposes.
Black Currant is very rich in vitamin C and contains compounds like antioxidants, phytochemicals and so on. Black Currant can be consumed raw, cooked, used to prepare juice beverages, alcohol beverage, medicinal supplement and preparation of dyes.
Blackcurrant grows up to 4.9ft by 4.9ft tall and have flowers up to 3 inches long which are arranged in strings. The flowers have yellowish glands which are furry calyx in nature.
Health Benefits Of Black Currant
In this heading we are going to be looking identifiable on some of best health benefits that black currant has or contributes to the human body.
1. Contains Anti-inflammatory Properties
The leaves of black currant contains anthocyanins, polyphenols which are natural antioxidants. A research conducted by "journal medicinal food" in their 2013 release confirmed that the extract from black currant berries are rich in antioxidants that contains enough anti-inflammatory properties which helps in neutralizing inflammation that comes as a result of exposure to smokes and toxins.
Black currant seed oil also contains Anti-inflammatory properties which helps in enhancing the immune systems by reducing the production of prostaglandins PGE2. Prostaglandins are chemicals that aids the contraction and relaxation of blood vessels and muscles. Prostaglandins are usually released whenever there is an injury or infection in the body, excess release of this hormone-like chemical usually leads to inflammation and stops the immune system from proper functioning. Black currant seed oil is taken as we grow older to reduce the level of prostaglandin release and prevent inflammation thereby making the immune system function well.
2. Contains Anti-viral Properties
A published study research from "Frontiers of Microbiology" states that the extract gotten from black currant leaf is beneficial to fight against influenza A virus which is also known as flu virus. The published research also deduces that the leaf extract obtained from black currant could help in prevention of propagating flu virus during it's initial stages (usually two hours after infection).
3. Rich In Vitamin C
Black currant and black currant tea are very rich in vitamin C. About one cup of fresh black currant when dried becomes one spoon and the spoon of black currant is used to prepare up to two cups of black currant tea. That teaspoon of black currant contains up to 50mg of vitamin C which has antioxidants compounds. Vitamin C helps in metabolizing protein and forms collagen, it can also be used cure sore throats and soothe flu symptoms.
4. Anti Cancer Benefits
The skin of black currants berries contains a good amount of anthocyanins. This anthocyanins have been reportedly beneficial and contains anti cancer benefits due to proliferation of liver cancer cells. Black Currant extract can be used to treat and prevent cancer in humans.
5. Improves Sights
Black Currant contains a good amount of Vitamin A which improves eye sight and prevents eye retina damage which is the reason behind eye vision loss. Vitamin A is also a source of antioxidants that helps in shielding the eyes from damaging free radicals.
6. Urinary Tract Health
When bacterial is found in the urinary tract it makes the body prone to infections. Regular consumption of black currant would wash away the bacteria and prevent the further growth of the bacteria with it's antibacterial traits. This can happen because black currant contains anthocyanins and tannin which are antibacterial compounds.
7. Smoothens The Skin
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties in black currant seed oil is used to cure symptoms of psoriasis as reported by National Psoriasis Foundation. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder. Some symptoms of Psoriasis includes patches on the skin which burns, itches and stings, red skin and raised scales. Black Currant oil is usually applied to stop the growth and escalation of Psoriasis patches, red, scaly and itchy skin.
Tho not scientifically confirmed, black currant seed oil has been used to treat skin disorders such as eczema.
8. Lowers Bad Cholesterol
Bad cholesterol (LDLs) usually causes plaque upsurge in the arteries and also bring about cardiac disease. Studies have confirmed that the frequent use of black currant seed oil will lower cholesterol level and reduce blood fats which are known as triglycerides.
9. Reduces Blood Pressure
A research conducted by french scientist have confirmed that the bouts of GLA properties in black currant seed oil can help in reducing blood pressure in the body when included in diet together with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These compounds are usually found in cold water fish like mackerel, cod liver, herring, tuna, halibut and salmon.
Aside from reducing blood pressure the GLA present in black currant seed oil can help in resisting damage from the cardiac cells and slows down the platelets that clumps in the arteries. Whenever the platelets in blood coagulate or clump together it usually increases risk of heart attack or various cardiac disease.
10. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Research has confirmed that rheumatoid arthritis patients can use black currant seed oil orally to reduce joint tenderness.
How To Prepare Black Currant Tea
- Black currant can be used in several ways but are mostly used to prepare tea. The tea is usually very tasty when prepared with sugar of refrigerated as iced tea.
- To prepare the tea with black currant leaves, firstly add one or two tea spoons of black currant chopped leaves to a 200ml of boiling water and allow to soak for five go ten minutes.
- To prepare the tea with dried berries of black currant, simply add a spoon of the dried berries to a 200ml of water and heat it to boil.
- Once the water starts boiling, turn of the gas and let the black currant suffuse for about twenty five to thirty minutes.
Conclusion
Black Currant is shrub that contains lots of benefits to the human health ranging from vitamin A contents, Vitamin C, Antioxidants, GLA and so on. Black Currant when consumed as tea or applied orally to the body is helpful and beneficial.
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