Blackcurrant is a superfood for youth. Health benefits and harms

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Black currant is our superfood

Black currant is a storehouse of vitamins. This is a superfood that slows down aging, thanks to the antioxidant anthocyanin contained in the berries. Its high content in fresh berries helps improve blood circulation and heart function.

You need to include superfoods in your diet not for pleasure, but for the sake of healing the body. And it is best to choose berries, vegetables and fruits that grow in your region, because the body has already adapted to them.

In Russia, the most common varieties are black, red and white currants. But there are many more varieties of currants. There are currants with yellow, purple, orange, green and even golden fruits. All of them differ in taste, nutritional value, content of vitamins and nutrients.

100 g of black currant contains only 60-70 kcal, and it is well suited for those who are on a diet.

Many poems have been written about currants, and here is one of them:

Berry composition

Red currant berries contain a large amount of various vitamins, as well as organic acids, to which they actually owe their pleasant taste. The berries contain large amounts of vitamin C and vitamin A, several types of beneficial acids, as well as minerals. In addition, the berries contain beta-carotene, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the body. Red currants, when consumed regularly, can even act as a preventive measure against cancer, as they contain antioxidants that resist cancer cells.

Unlike black currants, red currants contain several times less ascorbic acid. But it contains a much higher concentration of iron, which is necessary for creating new blood cells and supporting blood vessels, as well as potassium, on which the normal functioning of the heart and the fight against edema depend. It contains the same amount of iodine as persimmon or feijoa.

As for the calorie content of berries, it is only 39 kcal per 100 g. However, it rises significantly in dried berries: up to 283 kcal.
In addition, dried berries contain a large amount of carbohydrates, so they are not recommended for people who are watching their diet or losing weight. Chemical composition of red currant (per 100 g)

Red currant can be considered a real record holder for the amount of iodine it contains, which it contains about 5 mg per 100 g. This makes it a real leader in the concentration of iodine in plants familiar to us; moreover, in terms of the amount of iodine it is not inferior to feijoa, which is considered a real record holder among all the plants in the world.

Vitamin A contained in red currants helps for:

• strong bones;
• good vision;
• strong hair;
• elastic young skin;
• increasing immunity;
• growth of new cells;
• as a rejuvenating agent.

Berries are also valued as a means of combating radiation and removing it from the body. This became possible thanks to the pectin they contain, which has high anti-radiation efficiency.

Red currants are no less widely used in cosmetology: these berries can cleanse the skin of the face, tighten pores, tighten the oval of the face, and give the skin a young and healthy appearance.

Blackcurrant: health benefits and harms

Black currant has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-radiation, and immunomodulatory properties.

Fresh berries contain more vitamin C than lemons and oranges. And vitamin C improves the elasticity of cell membranes, which has a positive effect on the general condition of a person. It is enough to consume only 20 g of berries per day to meet the daily requirement for ascorbic acid.

Currant berries contain such a useful substance as MAOIs - monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which are responsible for cell regeneration and removal of harmful compounds from the body. In addition, it is necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system.

Regular consumption of black currant berries reduces the risk of diabetes and cancer.

Do currants have any contraindications?

Currants are not recommended for people:

• Prone to thrombosis;
• In case of individual intolerance;
• Allergies to it.

Useful properties of currants

It is not for nothing that currant fruits are considered a treasure trove of useful elements - the berries contain substances recommended for use in many diseases; their effects are not inferior to potent pharmaceuticals.

Among the useful features:

• increase the body's defenses;
• fight inflammatory processes;
• decreased body temperature with fever, high temperature;
• removal of harmful substances;
• elimination of fungal infections;
• replenishment of blood loss, improvement of blood flow through the vessels;
• eliminates digestive tract disorders.

Fruits will help improve the functioning of all organs and systems of the body and have a positive effect on overall health. Positive results can only be achieved with regular use. The peculiarity of berries is that their beneficial properties manifest themselves in any form - after freezing, canning and drying.

For treatment, you can use red or black currants - the difference in the content of useful elements is small.

Where is it used?

The concentration of vitamin C in currant buds and leaves is even higher than in the berries. There is also a lot of it in flowers and buds. Therefore, in folk medicine, it is the leaves and inflorescences that are often used.

Blackcurrant is used to treat colds, diseases of the respiratory tract, joints, urinary system, and headaches.

Decoctions are prepared from the branches and roots of black currant, which are used for bath procedures for diathesis, rheumatism, and skin diseases.

For arthritis, rheumatism, osteochondrosis, urolithiasis, and prostatitis, tea leaves made from currant flowers and buds collected in early spring help. Pour 2 teaspoons of raw material into 300 ml of boiling water, close the lid and let it brew for about half an hour. You need to drink during the day. The course of treatment should last 1.5-3 months, but every 3 weeks a week break should be taken.

For colds, high blood pressure, and swelling, a decoction of dry berries will help. 3 tbsp. l. pour half a liter of boiling water over the berries, let sit for 5 minutes on low heat and then let it brew for an hour. Drink 4-5 times a day. If you need to bring down a high temperature, you can immediately drink a glass of broth.

For cystitis, pyelonephritis, and urolithiasis, you can prepare an infusion of dry leaves. 6 tbsp. l. pour one liter of boiling water over the leaves and leave for an hour in a hermetically sealed container. Take 200 ml 5 times a day, adding 1 tsp to the infusion. honey

In pharmacology, medicines based on black currant are produced, which are used to treat colds, diseases of the cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal tract, atherosclerosis, periodontal disease, vitamin deficiency, and asthenia.

Asthenia - chronic fatigue syndrome - a painful condition manifested by increased fatigue with mood swings, weakening of self-control, restlessness, and sleep disturbance.

Source Wikipedia

The effect of berries on blood pressure

How does the berry affect pressure surges and when is it recommended to take it - for hypertension or hypotension? A characteristic feature of currants is their high content of vitamins, among which P and C come first.

This combination of useful substances allows you to:

• to clean blood vessels;
• remove harmful elements from the blood;
• reduce tension in blood vessels;
• fight atherosclerosis.

Thanks to this action, blood pressure quickly decreases, so this fruit is recommended for people with hypertension.

Regular use of the drug permanently normalizes blood pressure in the vessels and prevents further increases in blood pressure.

At the same time, by lowering blood pressure, this fruit can prevent the development of anemia, which causes hypotension. If you have poor blood circulation, it would also be a good idea to take currant-based remedies - treatment with a tasty medicine will prevent the death of small capillaries.

Black currant increases or decreases blood pressure

Black currant lowers blood pressure, improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system, and acts as a vasodilator.

Berries can be dried and frozen, without losing their beneficial properties. Leaves should be dried in a well-ventilated area.

Young currant leaves can be used to make dietary salads to lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Currant recipes for high blood pressure

1. To increase immunity, reduce blood pressure, prevent hypertension and atherosclerosis, you can prepare a paste. To do this, grind half a kilogram of berries with 5 tbsp. l. honey 1 tsp. Dilute the mixture with 50 ml of warm water, stir well and drink immediately. Take 3 times a day. The mixture can be added to green and black tea
2. You can prepare a decoction. 2 tbsp. l. dry berries and 1 tbsp. l. Pour a glass of boiling water over the crushed leaves, keep it on low heat for 10 minutes, then let it brew for an hour. You need to drink it 4 times. The decoction can also be made from berries alone. You will need 3 tbsp per glass of water. l.
3. Tea. It invigorates, reduces blood pressure, and gives strength. For half a liter of boiling water you will need 5 tbsp. l. dry crushed leaves. Leave for 15 minutes and drink in the morning and afternoon instead of tea
4. Blackcurrant juice is useful for high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, anemia, and metabolic disorders. Drink half a glass 1-2 times a day for a month. It is enough to conduct the course once a year
5. Alcohol tincture. To prepare it, you need to take 400 g of berries, 250 g of sugar or 150 g of honey, and a glass of water. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. Cool the syrup and add 0.5 liters of vodka. Mix everything and put it in a cool, dark place for a month. Every 2 days the tincture must be shaken. You need to take 50 ml of the prepared tincture every day. The tincture should be consumed in the initial stages of hypertension, to improve digestion and strengthen the immune system. The course is 3 weeks, then you need to take a 2-week break.

Properties of black and red currants

Berries of black currant varieties, both with one-time use and with long-term use, can lower blood pressure by 10–15 units, that is, reduce blood pressure in the vessels . The mineral composition of black berries (Fe - iron, Zn - zinc, K - potassium, Mn - manganese) affects small capillaries, restoring their function.

Red-fruited currant varieties also affect blood capillaries. They are strengthened due to the content of ascorbic acid, vitamins A and E, as well as B vitamins in the fruits. Thanks to their influence, the capillaries become elastic, which helps withstand high blood pressure. Doctors often recommend eating both black and red currants for high blood pressure (hypertension). The berries have properties that can slow down the clumping of platelets in blood vessels.

If there are no contraindications to the consumption of red or black currants, the fruits of the plant can be safely included in the menu for hypertensive patients. Healthy berries do not increase blood pressure.

The benefits of currants

Currant culture has a number of beneficial properties that have a beneficial effect on a person’s overall well-being.

• These include the ability of red currants:
• strengthen immunity;
• increase appetite in children;
• improve body tone in case of anemia;
• support the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• improve blood composition;
• improve digestion;
• fight chronic constipation;
• remove toxins when losing weight;
• remove harmful substances from the body;
• eliminate the feeling of nausea, especially in pregnant women;
• improve metabolic processes in diabetes mellitus.

• Chokeberry is capable of:
• improve the well-being of hypertensive patients;
• serve as an anti-inflammatory agent;
• cleanse the venous and arterial main vessels from cholesterol plaques;
• remove toxins, uric acid salts;
• normalize blood pressure;
• prevent the death of small capillaries;
• prevent the development of atherosclerosis;
• improve the patient’s condition with gastritis with low acidity;
• restore strength after illness;
• keep the whole body in good shape;
• relieve swelling.

Did you know? Currant plantings can be found in all parts of the world. Except Antarctica and Australia.

Contraindications

People with gastric ulcers, hepatitis, thrombophlebitis, or increased stomach acidity are not recommended to consume currant fruits . Young children may develop allergies if they eat black berries in large quantities. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, currants are consumed after consultation with a doctor.

Black currant for type 2 diabetes

Fructose, which is part of currants, does not provoke surges in blood glucose. Although currant berries stabilize blood sugar levels, they should be eaten in their pure form without added sugar and no more than 150 g per day.

You can make compote, juice, decoctions, and jam from currants without adding sugar.

To prepare jam for diabetics, you need to take 1 kg of berries, prepare a syrup - dissolve 600 g of sweetener in 1 liter of water, put on fire and bring to a boil. Then add the berries and, stirring, cook for about 10 minutes.

Use in cooking

A huge number of dishes are prepared from red currants, primarily desserts, jam or jelly. It is very good to use berries to create drinks: alcoholic and non-alcoholic, including compotes, juices, fruit drinks, kvass or syrups. Some daring cooks even add them to salads or soups.

Red currants during a diet

Red currant stimulates the secretion of sweat, along with which many salts are eliminated. If you monitor the level of salt in the body, you can use it as a support during sports activities and proper nutrition.

Thanks to red currants, the swelling that sometimes plagues women on a diet will subside; the plant will help remove excess salts and water, as well as cleanse the body of toxins. It is best to consume it as part of protein diets, since it is in this case that it is best absorbed, in turn, improving protein absorption.

This way, you will get a nutritious and healthy diet, while most of the food will be absorbed. In addition, during a diet or if you are fasting, you can use the leaves instead of your usual tea. Red currant leaves will help restore, saturate the body and give an influx of strength, which is so necessary for women on a diet. Of course, it will not give an immediate stimulating effect, but it will strengthen your immune system and make you healthier.

Blackcurrant during pregnancy

Black currant is good for everyone, including pregnant women. Gynecologists recommend it for the prevention of edema, for colds, for lowering blood pressure, and for cleansing the intestines.

When consuming currants during pregnancy, one should not forget that it should not be consumed by people prone to constipation, with increased acidity of gastric juice, with increased blood clotting, thrombophlebitis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, or with allergies to it.

How does blackcurrant affect high blood pressure?

Currants have long been known for their vasodilating properties. As a result of its use, low blood pressure rises to normal, and high blood pressure decreases. Therefore, it is impossible to say for sure whether it lowers or increases blood pressure.

Currants are endowed with an antispasmodic effect, which has a significant effect on blood pressure. However, it is impossible to completely replace taking antihypertensive medications with berries.

Chokeberry is indicated for consumption in the following situations:

• stage 1 hypertension;
• edema, as a diuretic;
• constant headaches;
• as a prevention of atherosclerosis and hypertension.

Despite the ability of berries to lower blood pressure, they will not replace drug treatment. However, with small jumps (up to 140 mm Hg), they eat a handful of fruits, which will improve their well-being.

At what age can you give black currants to a child?

What mother doesn’t want to pamper her child with delicious and also incredibly healthy blackcurrants in the summer? You can give your child 1-2 berries to try for the first time at 8 months, and then only to those who are bottle-fed. For those who are breastfed, berries can be given only after 10 months.

You should give the berries in the morning and monitor the body’s reaction throughout the day. With normal tolerance, the amount of berries can be gradually increased to 40 g per day, and after a year - up to 100 g.

Children who are allergic to any foods should not be given currants.

Side effects

When treating hypertension with currants, side effects rarely occur, but careful monitoring of the general condition of the body is recommended throughout the course.

If such negative effects occur, you should immediately stop taking the drug:

• transient nausea, which may result in vomiting;
• violation of bowel movements;
• gases in the stomach, unpleasant heartburn;
• flatulence.

Side effects are not particularly harmful and go away as soon as you stop taking currants. To avoid such symptoms, it is recommended to follow the requirements and recommendations of alternative medicine and the doctor, who must agree to treatment for blood pressure with currants.

Homemade blackcurrant recipes

There are a large number of blackcurrant recipes. I bring to your attention the most popular ones.

Wine

Homemade blackcurrant wine has a pleasant taste.

To prepare it, you need to sort through the collected berries, clean them of debris and leaves. They cannot be washed, because on the surface of the berries there are natural yeasts that trigger the natural fermentation process. And this gives the wine an extraordinary taste and smell. After the berries are peeled, they need to be mashed using a blender or meat grinder.

To prepare wine you will need:

• 5 kg of berries;
• 7 liters of water;
• 3 kg sugar.

You can take fewer components, then their quantity must be reduced in proportion to the weight of the berries.

Dissolve half the sugar in warm water and add mashed berries to the resulting syrup. The container for wine should be spacious, have a wide neck and sufficient volume so that during fermentation the wine does not overflow. Leave ⅓ of the container empty.

It is undesirable to use metal or plastic dishes, because wine very quickly takes on odors, which you cannot get rid of later.

To prevent dust from entering, cover the container with gauze and place in a warm, dark place to ferment. When the first signs of fermentation appear - a characteristic smell, gas bubbles - carefully strain the wort or drain it with a thin tube to remove sediment. There should be room for foam in the dish.

Squeeze out the remaining muzga after straining. Dissolve the remaining sugar in this liquid and pour into a fermentation bottle.

Place a rubber glove over the neck of the bottle. Using a needle, make a small hole in one finger to allow carbon dioxide to escape so that the wort does not sour. Place the bottle in a warm, dark place for a month, regularly checking to see if the wort is over-acidified.

When the sugar is converted into alcohol, the wine will taste sour. Then you will need to add more sugar.

At the end of fermentation, the wine must be filtered and stored in a cool place for a couple of months. You can determine that the fermentation process has ended by lowering the glove, the wine will become light, and sediment will appear at the bottom. At the end of this time, the wine is ready and can be bottled. This wine can be stored for about a year.

Sauce for meat

Goes well with chicken or pork.

To prepare it you will need:

• A glass of blackcurrant;
• 2 tbsp. l. tomato paste and sugar;
• 3 cloves of garlic;
• Salt and black pepper - to taste.

Beat the berries and garlic in a blender, add salt, pepper, sugar and beat again. To avoid pieces of berries, you can rub the resulting mixture through a sieve. Place in the refrigerator to thicken.

Jam “Five Minute”

A quick way to prepare it:

Dissolve 1 kg of sugar in a glass of water and bring to a boil. After this, pour the berries into it and wait until the jam boils. After boiling again, cook for another 5 minutes, stirring continuously. The jam is ready, remove it from the heat. Cool and put into jars.

Currant, banana and apple smoothie

This is a delicious and healthy dessert.

To prepare it you will need:

• 100 g berries;
• 2 bananas;
• 1 apple;
• Half a liter of kefir or yogurt;
• 2 tbsp. l. honey or sugar;
• Fresh mint.

Peel and core the apple and cut into pieces. Also peel and cut the bananas into pieces. Blend the apples in a blender, then add the currants and continue blending. If the mixture is thick, add a little water. Once smooth, add bananas and beat.

Dilute the resulting puree with yogurt or kefir and mix. Now add honey or sugar according to your taste and beat until fluffy. The finished smoothie can be decorated with mint or berries.

Mousse

To prepare it you will need:

• 1 cup currants;
• 2 tbsp. l. honey;
• 1 banana.

Beat all ingredients in a blender until foamy. After this, put it in the refrigerator for 2 hours to thicken.

Face masks

Blackcurrant face masks are very popular because they provide the skin with the beneficial properties it needs to keep it healthy.

Beneficial elements contained in black currant:

• Helps smooth out fine wrinkles;
• Nourish, moisturize the skin and maintain its tone.
• Relieve inflammation and prevent acne;
• Lighten pigment spots.

As a result, the skin rejuvenates and becomes elastic.

I offer several of the most popular mask recipes.

Anti-wrinkle

To prepare the mask, you need to take black currant berries, honey and butter in equal proportions. Mix everything thoroughly and apply to the face and décolleté for 15 minutes. After this, rinse with warm water.

For oily skin

Such masks eliminate oily shine and tone the skin.

1. Take berry puree and liquid honey in equal proportions, mix and apply to the face for 10-15 minutes. After this, rinse with warm water
2. 1.5 tsp. Mix crushed berries with the same amount of sour cream or kefir, apply to the skin for 15 minutes, then wash off.

For dry skin

Mask

To prepare the mask, take 1 tablespoon of honey, berries, sour cream or cream. Mix everything thoroughly and apply to a clean face for 25 minutes. Remove the remnants of the mask with damp cotton swabs. After this, you can apply a moisturizer for greater effect.

Tonic

To prepare it, take 4 parts blackcurrant juice, 4 parts mineral water, 1 part olive oil. Mix everything and store in the refrigerator. Shake before use.

Black currant oil for hair

Blackcurrant oil is good for hair. It is obtained from berry cake, which contains berry skins, seeds, and remaining pulp. You can buy it at a pharmacy or specialty store.

To obtain greater benefits, it is better to use the oil in its pure form.

To get rid of dandruff, you need to heat it to 40 degrees and apply it to the scalp, rubbing it in with massaging movements. You need to wrap your head with film and a towel on top of it. After an hour, wash off the oil with warm water.

The procedure must be performed 2 times a week for a month.

Oil can be added to shampoos, masks, balms, conditioners. For 100 ml, two to three tablespoons of oil are enough.

Use for prevention

For preventive purposes, the fruits of currant plants are consumed fresh during the harvest season and used to prepare berry tea in the winter. Rational use of decoctions, teas and infusions will have a positive effect on the general condition of a person with high blood pressure.

Currant fruits can be consumed year-round, saturating the body with vitamins, valuable minerals and organic compounds. Natural remedies can adequately influence the general condition of the body of hypertensive patients and gently regulate blood pressure.

What does it mean to eat black currants in a dream?

The dream about black currants has many interpretations, but most of them are positive.

1. If you dreamed that you were eating black currants, this means that your body is weakened. Be careful, take care of your gastrointestinal tract, do not overload your stomach with junk food
2. If the berry has fallen from the bush and is lying on the ground, you are experiencing emotional burnout, you need to take a break or change your field of activity.
3. Scattered berries on the floor - for a visit of guests and a big feast
4. Unripe berry - possible quarrel with spouse
5. Large berries - to financial stability
6. Lots of berries - promotion
7. Frozen berries - to an unexpected meeting with an old friend.

Reviews from real people

What do people say about blackcurrants? Here are some reviews:

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In fact, there are a lot of reviews and they are all positive.