Blackcurrant

28 Aug.,2023

 

Health Benefits of Blackcurrant

These dark berries has been traditionally used to treat a wide range of illnesess, and, thanks to modern science investigations, major blackcurrant health benefits have been discovered, such as:

  • Boosting brain functions. Blackcurrant consumption has been associated with improved brain functions, including motor skills and memory.

  • Preventing cardiovascular diseases. Blackcurrant promotes blood flaw, which helps prevent the build up of plaque in the arteries and reduce blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular events, such as stroke and heart attack.

Additionally, blackcurrant is also useful for:

  • Lowering inflammation. The powerful antioxidant action of these berries has been shown effective for the relief of inflammatory diseases, such arthritis.

  • Treating hormonal imbalances. Blackcurrant has proven to be useful in treating menopause symptoms and relieving Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).

How It Works

Blackcurrant berries are rich in phenolic acids - mainly anthocyanins - that can protect the body from inflammation of heart disease, infections, and neurological disorders.

The blackcurrant 's seed oil contains gamma-linolenic acid, a type of omega 6-fatty acid that helps stimulate essential growth in the body, maintain bone health, and promote cardiovascular health. On the other hand, tocopherols and phytosterols also play an important role in the anti-inflammatory and cardiopropective actions of blackcurrant.

Like in most berry fruits, the neuroprotective and nootropic effects of blackcurrant are related to the combined action of powerful phytochemicals, such as anthocyanin, caffeic acid, catechin, quercetin, kaempferol and tannins1.

Moreover, studies suggest that blackcurrant anthocyanins2,3 can act as phytoestrogens, helping relieve premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and regulating hormonal imbalances during menopause.

Not only are anthocyanins antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, but they are also the compounds responsible for the berries' deep hue.

Brain boosting properties are also present in herbs like blackberry, ginkgo, and saffron, whereas aspen, ashwagandha, and turmeric provide similar anti-inflammatory benefits.

Blackcurrant Side Effects

Blackcurrant is likely safe when consumed as a food, or when either the berry or seed oil is used as medicine. The berry might slow blood clotting and can lower blood pressure, although very large dosages are needed for this.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid consuming blackcurrant in medicinal amounts, since there is limited research on the effects it could have.

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