Black Currant - Uses, Side Effects, and Nutritional Value

Blackcurrant, also known as black raisin, is a fruit that is grown in large quantities not only in the UK but also available in India and Pakistan and used in a variety of ways. Blackcurrant contains four times more vitamin C than malt, it also contains antioxidants.

Blackcurrant may also be used for medical purposes in the future. Compounds derived from it are being tested to see how they can be used to treat blood pressure and mental disorders.

Why is black current so beneficial for us?

Blackcurrant drink was given to children in Britain during World War II because of its high vitamin C content. Improving blood flow has other medical benefits as well. Evidence for anthocyanins has been growing over the past decade. It has been shown to be particularly effective for heart and mental health, and more recently for disorders such as Parkinson's. Mark Williams, Professor of Exercise Physiology at the University of Chichester, has written several papers on the benefits of blackcurrant, particularly its pure ingredients. He is a big fan of this fruit. There is more evidence of blackcurrant benefits than other berries. We wouldn't call it a superfood, but its benefits are unmatched by any other berry.

In collaboration with a Japanese university (Nippon Support University, Tokyo), we found that it can reduce inflammation in the blood vessels of the elderly. If someone has hardening of the arteries, it means that these arteries cannot 'contract' or dilate, and over time this has negative effects on blood pressure. In this collaborative study, older adults were given blackcurrant extract for seven days, and found that inflammation in their blood vessels decreased. The professor's research focused on famous sports figures such as mountain climbers. This has yielded encouraging results. Research has shown that blackcurrant powder aids muscle recovery after exercise. Further research has shown its benefits in moderately active adults.

Can black current improve sex life?

Professor Aidan Cassidy at Queen's University in Belfast has researched whether men can use blackcurrant to treat erectile dysfunction. He says that the problem of erectile dysfunction is caused by improper blood flow. Anthocyanins, a flavonoid found in blackcurrant (which gives the fruit its purple color), improve blood circulation. This makes the blood vessels flexible and open. A detailed 10-year study of more than 25,000 men found that those who ate anthocyanin-rich berries or blackcurrants three or more times a week were 19 percent less likely to develop erectile dysfunction.

Does blackcurrant remove body odor?

Another study also showed that blackcurrant extract can help improve body odor. If you're over 45, you're emitting a specific gas from your skin that people call 'old people's smell.' As the body ages, oxidative stress can produce gases that are released through the skin. Although the study was small, involving only 14 people over the age of 55, it found that consuming blackcurrant powder for seven days reduced gas by 25 percent. "I'd be very interested to see if you can get it with other berries, but it's very likely that it's due to the antioxidant effects (of blackcurrants) because of the oxidative stress," says Mark Williams. Such a smell is created.' On the other hand, Williams points out that blackcurrant extract can be expensive, so it's not the only solution for many people. Nor is it a wonder drug for other problems. "I think we still need to be careful with our claims that it's good for weight loss." It is not a pill that will solve all your problems. Williams also points out that much of the research is in the early stages and longer trials are needed. So beware of those who claim that this is a miracle cure.

How to use blackcurrants while cooking?

Chef Lupe Fuchs has developed many blackcurrant recipes in collaboration with the Blackcurrant Foundation, a UK organization. The blackcurrant harvest period in the UK is from July to August. It should be picked soon after it turns dark blue to black. Chef Lupi has a deep connection with this fruit. As a child, he regularly picked it and turned it into jam. It is commonly used to make breakfast and desserts such as smoothies and pancakes, tarts, and jam. Their tart taste is mixed with cream and curd, but they can also be used with meat. Blackcurrant can be frozen and used for several months.

Chef Lupi recommends that:

·       When blackcurrants are used in cakes or baking, they should be added just before baking so that they retain their shape and do not spoil.

·       Wear an apron while making them so your clothes don't get ruined.

·       Use honey instead of sugar to sweeten them.

·       Use them as a sauce with salads, vegetables, fish or meat.

 

 

 

 

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