Health Benefits of Black Currant

Black currant, also known as karonda fruit, has recently attracted the attention of many researchers due to its nutritional benefits. These berries are delicious and are a rich source of antioxidants. The health benefits of black currant are diverse and have anticancer, antispasmodic properties, and anti-diabetic properties.

A few of the benefits of eating black currants are –

1. Reduces Cancer Growth

One of the primary benefits of having black currant is that it might have an effect on reducing cancer growth. Some research shows that the high anthocyanin content in black currant is responsible for it. For example, a study shows that black currant successfully halts the growth of liver cells. Additionally, studies from other sources show a similar effect on the stomach and oesophagal cancer cells and breast and endometrial cancer cells.

2. Keeps Kidney Healthy

Black currants have anti-inflammatory properties and, coupled with antioxidants, can protect against chronic kidney disorders. Also, it protects your execratory system from infections and inflammations. In addition, consuming black currant can make your urine more alkaline and allows the discharge of excess oxalic acid and citric acid from the body.

3. Ensure Stomach Health

Black currants are a rich source of flavonoids. This is a type of phytochemical that allows muscle relaxation. Also, these fruits can relax contractions in the GI tract. Besides this, a few studies have shown that black currants have antispasmodic properties, and flavonoids such as quercetin and myricetin help prevent stomach and intestinal spasms.

4. Proven to Have Anti-inflammatory Effects

Inflammations can cause kidney, heart, and liver diseases. Additionally, it might also induce neurodegenerative disorders, urinary tract infections, and arthritis. As black currants have anti-inflammatory properties, they might reduce the severity and can also prevent such phenomena. This fruit is rich in anthocyanins and suppresses the immune system's activation of pro-inflammatory components.

5. Have Antimicrobial Properties

A few recent studies have reported the presence of antiviral properties in the leaves of wild black currant. This can be particularly useful for treating Influenza A viruses and its symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and nasal inflammation. In addition, the essential oil from the leaves contains compounds like terpinolene, sabinene, caryophyllene, and ocimene, which have antibacterial and antifungal properties.

6. Lowers Cholesterol Level

There are also various benefits of dry black currant. For instance, it can help increase HDL cholesterol levels which are good for your health. Additionally, a few research found out that this fruit has anthocyanins which decrease LDL levels and total cholesterol in the body.

7. Treat Eye Disorders

The content of anthocyanins in black currants can help to keep the eye healthy. The anthocyanins molecules increase the blood flow in optical nerves and can help in good vision. Furthermore, regular consumption of this fruit can decelerate vision loss and comprehensively reduce allied symptoms.

Besides this, Anthocyanins are also believed to have a positive effect on the eyes too. Also, the active molecules go beyond the blood-retina barrier when consumed orally. Also, they reach various parts of ocular tissues to help them function properly.

8. Black Currant Benefits For Diabetes

Black currant contains delphinidin 3-glucoside, peonidin 3-rutinoside, and cyanidin 3-rutinoside, which may help improve insulin sensitivity. This fact particularly holds true for individuals with type 2 diabetes when consumed in required amounts.

9. Can Protect Your Brain

Black currants contain anti-inflammatory molecules that reduce neuroinflammation in the body. As a result of this, it improves cognitive and learning abilities. Also, it might help to keep memory healthy as well.

10. Nourishes and Repairs Skin

There are various skin diseases that arise due to inflammation, ageing and infections. In most cases, these skin problems make the skin dry, itchy, red, etc. One such example is Atopic dermatitis, which is seen in both adults and kids. However, studies have shown that the presence of polysaccharides in blackcurrants controls the inflammatory compounds and helps to keep skin problems at bay. Also, the seeds of black currants contain a considerable amount of fatty acids, such as linolenic acid, which subdues the inflammation mediators.

11. Keep Liver Healthy

The functionality of the liver might get affected by the regular consumption of alcoholic beverages. This can permanently change the liver's structure and cause detrimental effects, including triggering inflammation. So, to halt such detrimental effects consuming polyphenol-rich foods such as black currants is helpful. They protect the proteins and structural lipids of the liver to keep it healthy.

Black currants are best when consumed raw and fresh. However, you can also consume it dry or blend it to make a milkshake. Otherwise, you can also make pudding, or ice cream with it, which is a family-friendly option. For topical treatment, black currant seed is a good option.

If consumed in higher quantity, black currant may slow blood clotting. So, if you are consuming blood thinners or have bleeding disorders, it will be best to avoid blood thinners. Also, if you are going to undergo surgery, you can avoid black currant to avoid the risk of bleeding and interactions with anaesthesia.

Hence, some of the health benefits of black currant are related to its anti-inflammatory property. In addition, this fruit also contains strong antioxidant, antiviral and antibacterial properties that boost the overall well-being of an individual. Finally, if you do not like the taste of raw black currant, you can prepare dishes or take supplements to have its nutrition.

Although consuming black currant has no such side effects, you should not exceed the required amounts. Also, if you suffer from low blood pressure, it is better to avoid black currant. Moreover, individuals can have an allergic reaction to black currant because of the presence of salicylate.