About Blackcurrant
Blackcurrant, with the scientific name Ribes nigrum, is a species of Ribes native to central and northern Europe, and northern Asia. It is widely cultivated commercially and domestically as a temperate fruit crop for its abundant berries. It is less well known in the United States where it has been subject to restrictions as a disease vector for most of the 20th century.
Ribes nigrum, the blackcurrant, is a medium sized shrub, growing to 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) x 1.5 metres (4.9 ft). The leaves are alternate, simple, 3–5 cm long and broad, and palmate with five lobes, with a serrated margin. When not in fruit, all parts of the plant are strongly aromatic, with the familiar blackcurrant fragrance. The flowers are 4–6 mm diameter, with five reddish-green to brownish petals; they are produced in racemes 5–10 cm long.
In midsummer the green fruit ripens to an edible berry up to 1 cm in diameter, very dark purple in colour, almost black, with a glossy skin and a persistent calyx at the apex, and containing several seeds dense in nutrients (notably Vitamin C). An established bush can produce up to 5 kilograms (11 pounds) of fruit.
Plants from Northern Asia are sometimes distinguished as a separate variety, Ribes nigrum var. sibiricum, or even as a distinct species Ribes cyathiforme.
Advantage of Blackcurrant
When most people think of a purple fruit, blueberries and blackberries come to mind. Few envision
the deep purple berries - so distinctive in taste - that arise from the blackcurrant shrub. Blackcurrants were once popular in this country until they were banned by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the early 1900s due to their association with a disease that killed white pine trees. Since the ban has been lifted, blackcurrant berries have again risen in popularity and are being enjoyed for their juice or used to make distinctive tasting jams. More people are starting to recommend them for their unique health properties too. What are the health benefits of blackcurrant?
It's Super Rich in Vitamin C
Blackcurrants are a better source of vitamin C than citrus fruits. Just one cup of blackcurrant berries has the vitamin C equivalent of three or four small oranges. Scientists in the U.K. are now trying to boost the vitamin C content of blackcurrant juice even more to improve the quality of the juice and make it even more appealing to the public. Vitamin C is important for good immune function, wound healing, prevention of heart disease, and for reducing the signs of skin aging. Most people don't eat enough fruits and vegetables to get adequate amounts of vitamin C, but a single cup of blackcurrants has more than a day's worth.
Blackcurrants are a better source of vitamin C than citrus fruits. Just one cup of blackcurrant berries has the vitamin C equivalent of three or four small oranges. Scientists in the U.K. are now trying to boost the vitamin C content of blackcurrant juice even more to improve the quality of the juice and make it even more appealing to the public. Vitamin C is important for good immune function, wound healing, prevention of heart disease, and for reducing the signs of skin aging. Most people don't eat enough fruits and vegetables to get adequate amounts of vitamin C, but a single cup of blackcurrants has more than a day's worth.
It's Rich in GLA
GLA is an essential fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory effects. It's not commonly found in the typical American diet, but is believed to protect against a variety of diseases ranging from skin problems to pre-menstrual syndrome because of its anti-inflammatory properties. GLA is the same fatty acid found in evening primrose and borage oil. As noted on the American Cancer Society website, GLA slows down the growth of cancer cells in the laboratory, although few studies have been done to determine its effect on cancer in the human body. Blackcurrant is one of the few good sources of this rare essential fatty acid.
GLA is an essential fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory effects. It's not commonly found in the typical American diet, but is believed to protect against a variety of diseases ranging from skin problems to pre-menstrual syndrome because of its anti-inflammatory properties. GLA is the same fatty acid found in evening primrose and borage oil. As noted on the American Cancer Society website, GLA slows down the growth of cancer cells in the laboratory, although few studies have been done to determine its effect on cancer in the human body. Blackcurrant is one of the few good sources of this rare essential fatty acid.
It's an Antioxidant Powerhouse
Ever wonder where blackcurrants get their deep purple color? It comes from the high level of anthocyanins contained within the fruit. Anthocyanins are the same strong antioxidants that catapulted the wild blueberry to fame. These anthocyanins have strong anti-inflammatory properties and are being studied for a potential role in preventing Alzheimer's disease and for preserving overall memory and brain health. The anthocyanins found in blackcurrant are also thought to protect against heart disease.
Ever wonder where blackcurrants get their deep purple color? It comes from the high level of anthocyanins contained within the fruit. Anthocyanins are the same strong antioxidants that catapulted the wild blueberry to fame. These anthocyanins have strong anti-inflammatory properties and are being studied for a potential role in preventing Alzheimer's disease and for preserving overall memory and brain health. The anthocyanins found in blackcurrant are also thought to protect against heart disease.
Blackcurrant Juice
During World War II, black currants were part of a team of British war heroes that saved the day in the form of vitamin-C. The sweet, deep-purple berry was also administered as syrup to English children as a scurvy preventative. Since this time, the benefits of black currants have expanded to include protection against immunity deficiencies, cancer and heart disease. To reap the many benefits of this fruit, blend 1 cup black currants with 8 oz. of water for a sweet and nutritious juice.
Iron
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, iron is a main component of many proteins and
enzymes that promote positive health in human physiology. One of the main tasks of iron is to protect against fatigue and immunity deficiencies by transporting oxygen to cells. Iron absorption is significantly higher in meat than plant sources or iron-enriched foods such as cereals or oatmeal. According to Nutrition Data, 1 cup of natural black currant juice will offer 10 percent of the daily value for iron.According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, iron is a main component of many proteins and
Vitamin-C
Cell damage and regeneration is the main task on the to-do list of Vitamin-C. According to the National Institutes of Health, without this antioxidant "skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels" could not be made. Vitamin-C blocks a majority of the free radicals found in toxic chemicals and pollutants associated with aging, cancer, heart disease and inflammation. 1 cup of natural black currant juice offers 338 percent of the suggested daily value for vitamin-C.
Cell damage and regeneration is the main task on the to-do list of Vitamin-C. According to the National Institutes of Health, without this antioxidant "skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels" could not be made. Vitamin-C blocks a majority of the free radicals found in toxic chemicals and pollutants associated with aging, cancer, heart disease and inflammation. 1 cup of natural black currant juice offers 338 percent of the suggested daily value for vitamin-C.
Potassium
This essential mineral conducts the electricity in skeletal and muscle contractions that affect the heart, skeletal and digestive systems. Potassium aids in the functionality of all cells, tissues and organs in the body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. While certain diseases and anti-inflammatory and heart medications have been found to cause potassium imbalances, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low salt accommodates most. One cup of natural black currant juice offers 10 percent of the suggested daily value for potassium.
This essential mineral conducts the electricity in skeletal and muscle contractions that affect the heart, skeletal and digestive systems. Potassium aids in the functionality of all cells, tissues and organs in the body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. While certain diseases and anti-inflammatory and heart medications have been found to cause potassium imbalances, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low salt accommodates most. One cup of natural black currant juice offers 10 percent of the suggested daily value for potassium.
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