This week it’s blackcurrant health benefits from Kat’s Kitchen. It’s summer so the berries continue!
Blackcurrants are also known as cassis and are native to temperate parts of central and northern Europe and northern Asia. It looks like a small purple-black grape although it is not a grape! It can taste a bit like a raspberry but has a much more earthly flavour. Dried blackcurrants are sweet and have a raisin-like quality. The leaves are rich in Vitamin C and are great in herbal teas. In addition to the health benefits below, the leaves provide a host of health benefits including improved night vision. stimulates the appetite and digestion and can treat bladder stones and urinary tract infections.
Blackberries have a high concentration of anthocyanins, antioxidants and Vitamin C. Their tartness often means they are mixed with other fruits, especially in jams and juices.
Below are some reasons to include blackcurrants in your diet:
Blackcurrant Health Benefits
- Vitamin C, antioxidants and anthocyanins strengthen the immune system, help soothe sore throats and can ease flu symptoms. This is because they have a range of properties including microbial, antiviral, antiseptic and anticancer
- Blackcurrants seed oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which is a type of omega 6 fatty acid that has been said to ease inflammation in the body. It can help reduce joint or muscle pain, stiffness and soreness.
- Blackcurrant juice is high in potassium which with the GLA can help lower blood pressure and helps cells resist heart damage and slows down platelet clumping in blood vessels which can cause clots.