The numerous benefits of blackcurrants are gaining the attention of many researchers. These berries are a rich source of antioxidants. They also possess anti-diabetic, anticancer, and antispasmodic properties.
Research also states that these berries can combat many viral infections and boosts memory. There is an array of benefits they offer for the eyes and skin too. In the article below, you will find out how blackcurrants help in managing acute and chronic conditions as well. Before you go deep into the science behind the benefits, what is blackcurrant? Scroll down to find out!
Know Your Ingredient: BlackcurrantKnow Your Ingredient: Blackcurrant
What Is It?
An aromatic, purple-black, edible berry-like fruit that tastes sweet.
What Are Its Benefits?
May help lower blood cholesterol levels, boost kidney health, aid digestion, and improve skin health.
Who Can Consume It?
Blackcurrants are considered safe to consume by everyone in normal quantities except those with bleeding disorders.
How Often?
You can have a small portion of this fruit every day.
Caution
Since there is not much research on the side effects of blackcurrant, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid the fruit.
Blackcurrants: In brief
Blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum L.) are small, black, berry-like fruits native to central Europe and northern Asia. Today, they are cultivated in parts of the world with a temperate climate (1).
The fruits are rich in vitamin C, organic acids, and essential oils besides the other micro and macronutrients. Hence, they taste acidic but sweet. Moreover, they have phenolic compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties (1).
The leaves of blackcurrants contain unique quercetin derivatives. These active molecules also contribute to the anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antiseptic effects (1).
Traditional medicine uses its extracts to manage a variety of disorders, including cancer. Today, there is a volume of clinical studies that show positive effects of blackcurrants on heart, brain, and kidney diseases (1), (2).
Fun Fact
Blackcurrants were once nicknamed “quinsy berry,” as they were used to treat quinsy, an inflammatory condition of the tonsils.
In the following sections, you’d find the evidence supporting the benefits of these fruits. You’d also get to know how to eat them and about their safety.
Scroll down and enjoy reading!
What Are The Benefits Of Blackcurrants?
Blackcurrants can protect your digestive, circulatory, nervous, and excretory systems. These fruits have been extensively studied for their properties that support cancer prevention.
Inflammation may cause heart, liver, and kidney diseases. It may also induce arthritis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and neurodegenerative disordersi XDiseases that are caused due to damage to the cells of the nervous system and affect specific body functionalities. (Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, etc.). Including foods rich in anti-inflammatory compounds in your diet can prevent/reduce the severity of this phenomenon.
Anthocyanins are a class of polyphenols predominantly found in blackcurrants. Blackcurrant extracts suppress the activation of pro-inflammatory components in your immune system (3).
These molecules target specialized cells like macrophages. This prevents several inflammatory disorders from worsening (4).
These berries are abundant in flavonoids. These phytochemicals have been shown to cause smooth muscle relaxation. Blackcurrant extracts could relax contractions in the GI tract, according to animal studies (5).
Studies confirm the antispasmodic activity of these fruits. Quercetin, myricetin, and other flavonoids inhibit spasms in the stomach and intestines. Also, blackcurrant leaves have been used in folk medicine to treat diarrhea (6).
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of blackcurrants prevent chronic kidney disorders. They protect your excretory system from inflammation and infections. The extracts also inhibit the formation of kidney stones (7).
Blackcurrant juice/tea makes your urine more alkaline (increases its pH). It also promotes the excretion of excess citric acid and oxalic acid from your body. If not, these two acids can react to form kidney stones when left to pile up (8).
A hundred grams of black currants has about 4.3mg of oxalate. That makes these fruits safe for individuals with kidney disorders and bladder stones (9).
High levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol elevate the risk of cardiovascular, liver, and other metabolic disorders. Research shows that diets rich in anthocyanins cause a decrease in total cholesterol and LDL levels. They also increase serum HDL (good) cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health (10).
Animal studies with blackcurrant extracts are supporting evidence to this effect. Subjects treated with this extract showed significantly lower cholesterol levels than the untreated/control ones (11).
Moreover, blackcurrant juices are abundant in antioxidants. These juices prevent the oxidation of lipids in your body (12). This way, they can prevent/delay the onset of obesity and chronic conditions like atherosclerosisi XNarrowing of the artery walls due to the deposition of fats and other substances, which can lead to heart attack or stroke. and Alzheimer’s.
Blackcurrant has anthocyanins like cyanidin 3-rutinoside, delphinidin 3-glucoside, and peonidin 3-rutinoside. When consumed in fair amounts, these phytochemicals improve insulin sensitivity, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes (13).
Carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes (like α-Glucosidase and pancreatic α-amylase) are the targets of anthocyanins. They block the activity of these enzymes. As a result, the rapid breakdown of carbohydrates is slowed down. Ultimately, anthocyanins can prevent sudden spikes in your blood sugar/glucose levels (14).
The black currant anthocyanins improve the functions of your eyes/vision. These molecules increase the blood flow in the optical nerves and eyes. Regular consumption of such foods and supplements may decelerate the loss of vision or related symptoms in patients with glaucomai XEye disease caused due to progressive damage to the optic nerve and increasing pressure on the eyeball, leading to loss of vision. (15).
Anthocyanins may have positive effects on chronic eye ailments. These include diabetic retinopathyi XImpairment or loss of vision caused due to the damage of retinal blood vessels in diabetic patients. , retinal vein occlusioni XA condition that can cause sudden or permanent loss of vision due to clot formation in the veins that carry blood back from the retina. , and retinal artery occlusion (15).
These active molecules are absorbed and transferred beyond the blood-retina barrier when taken orally. They reach various parts of the ocular tissues and preserve their function. Thus, blackcurrants or their extracts can slow down the effects of aging and disease on eyes (15).
Like vitamin C, black currant extract inhibits lipid peroxidation in your body. Experimental studies report about 65% inhibition, thanks to its antioxidant capacity. This activity is most beneficial in protecting your central nervous system (CNS) and improving brain function. (16), (17).
In the absence of this effect, free radicals accumulate in your system. Free radicals are known to trigger neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s diseases (18).
Usually, the accumulation of free radicals leads to inflammation of the brain cells (neurons). Blackcurrants reduce neuroinflammation because they contain anti-inflammatory molecules. A cumulative effect of these properties causes improved memory, learning, and cognitive abilities (18).
Alcohol abuse causes permanent changes in the structure and function of liver cells. The proteins and phospholipids get structurally modified. This may have a direct effect on the liver’s functionality (19).
Another problem that stems from alcohol abuse is the formation of free radicals/reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS can react with phospholipids in the liver cell membranes and trigger inflammation (19).
Adding polyphenol-rich foods like blackcurrants to your diet can pause/stop such detrimental effects. Blackcurrants protect the structural lipids and proteins from the attack by ROS (19).
In several animal studies, the skins of these berries show anti-proliferative effects on cancerous liver cells (20).
Various skin diseases arise due to inflammation, infections, or aging. They leave you with dry skin, lesions, itching, redness, scabs, etc. Atopic dermatitis is an example of a serious skin condition seen in children and adults (21).
Your skin would need intense repairing and conditioning in such cases. Clinical studies discovered a specific polysaccharide in blackcurrants that exerts anti-inflammatory effects. This molecule controls the production of inflammatory compounds by your immune system (21).
Blackcurrant seeds contain good amounts of fatty acids, like linolenic acid. Their oil suppresses the inflammation mediators in your skin. So, blackcurrants and the seed oil can nourish and nurse your skin to health without any side effects (21), (22).
Recent studies have reported potent antiviral properties in the leaves of wild blackcurrants. Their extracts can particularly eliminate Influenza A viruses (IAV) that cause highly contagious human diseases. The typical symptoms of IAV infections are fever, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, and nasal inflammation (23).
The leaf extracts prevent the entry and internalization of these viruses at the molecular/genetic level. The essential oil of these leaves also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Active compounds like caryophyllene, sabinene, terpinolene, ocimene were identified in this oil. Escherichia coli, Streptococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes are a few microbes susceptible to blackcurrant seed oil treatment (24).
Trivia
It is equally important to know the nutrients responsible for these mind-blowing benefits. A powerful phytonutritional composition is the answer.
Jump to the next section for more information!
Nutritional Profile Of Blackcurrants
NutrientUnit1 cup or 112 gProximates
Waterg91.8Energykcal71EnergykJ296Proteing1.57Total lipid (fat)g0.46Ashg0.96Carbohydrate, by differenceg17.23Minerals
Calcium, Camg62Iron, Femg1.72Magnesium, Mgmg27Phosphorus, Pmg66Potassium, Kmg361Sodium, Namg2Zinc, Znmg0.3Copper, Cumg0.096Manganese, Mnmg0.287Vitamins
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acidmg202.7Thiaminmg0.056Riboflavinmg0.056Niacinmg0.336Pantothenic acidmg0.446Vitamin B-6mg0.074Vitamin A, RAEµg13Vitamin A, IUIU258Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)mg1.12Others
Cyanidinmg70Petunidinmg4.3Delphinidinmg100.4Pelargonidinmg1.3Peonidinmg0.7(+)-Catechinmg0.8(-)-Epicatechinmg0.5Isorhamnetinmg0.1Kaempferolmg0.8Myricetinmg6.9Quercetinmg5Daidzeinmg0.01Genisteinmg0.07Total isoflavonesmg0.08The plant has a rich polyphenol reserve. Chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, and neochlorogenic acid are the predominant phenolic acids.
Anthocyanins include delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, petunidin-3-O-rutinoside.
Anthocyanins are the most useful components of black currants that are responsible for almost all the health benefits discussed above. However, the anthocyanin content is not the same in ripe and overripe berries. The highest concentration of anthocyanins is present in overripe berries. It may be up to 34.5% higher than ripe berries. The graph below shows the amount of anthocyanins present in black currants of different varieties.
Flavonoid derivatives of quercetin, myricetin, rutin, kaempferol, and aureusidin have also been identified.
The best way to utilize the properties of these bioactive molecules is to consume blackcurrants. Here are a few options you could choose from.
How To Have Blackcurrants
Blackcurrants taste the best when eaten fresh and raw.
You can also blend them into a milkshake or juice with other vegetables and fruits. They add in great color and texture.
Apart from these, blackcurrants are available in several forms in the market. Ice creams, puddings, and cakes are a few kid-friendly and tasty options.
Blackcurrant seed oil is a good option for topical treatment.
If you are not a fan of any of these natural options, you can try blackcurrant supplements in the form of capsules and lozenges.
Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer(s) to enjoy the benefits of this berry.
Quick Tip
Blackcurrants can also be enjoyed as jellies and jams. These are the best ways to preserve and enjoy this fruit throughout the year.
But how safe are blackcurrants? Other berries have been linked to certain adverse effects, so should you be careful with these too?
Find out more below.
Do Blackcurrants Trigger Side Effects?
No side effects of having blackcurrants have been reported to date. They are generally considered safe if taken in normal quantities.
However, there is insufficient information regarding the safety of these fruits for pregnant and nursing women.
We recommend that you consult your healthcare provider before making blackcurrant a part of your regular diet.
Discuss your medical history and find out if you should consume them. Frame an intake limit and strictly follow it to avoid unknown/undesirable side effects.
Infographic: Top 5 Reasons To Have Blackcurrants
Blackcurrants are a favorite topping to have in your desserts and salads. With a high concentration of potent antioxidants, this dark berry can help you boost your overall health. Check out the infographic below to learn more about the health benefits of incorporating blackcurrants into your diet.
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Dark and delicious, blackcurrants are packed with antioxidants. Not just the fruit, but also their leaves and seeds have therapeutic benefits. They have a rich nutritional profile comprising many phytonutrients like quercetin and myricetin. Blackcurrant promotes cognitive function promotes gut, eye, brain, kidney, and liver health. In addition, it has natural anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiaging properties for promoting skin health. You can enjoy blackcurrants in smoothies, milkshakes, or even raw. However, excessive consumption may cause negative effects. Since the safety standards have not been determined, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before consuming blackcurrants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do black currants last in the fridge?
If stored properly, black currants can last in the fridge for 1 – 2 weeks.
Is black currant a grape?
No, black currant is not a grape. The two are different fruits.
Do black currants taste like raisins?
No, black currants do not taste like raisins. Raisins taste sweet and juicy, whereas black currants have an intensely sweet and tangy taste.
Key Takeaways
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Madhu Sharma is a member of the National Executive Committee of IDA. She has been associated for almost three decades with Pediatric Nutrition at PGI while serving in the Gastroenterology Department (20 years) and then the Advanced Pediatric Center (10 yrs) at PGIMER, Chandigarh. She is former Senior Dietitian from PGIMER, Chandigarh, retired in 2012. Madhu has been closely... more
Swathi holds a master’s degree in biotechnology from Osmania University and has worked in places where actual science and research happen. She has four years of experience and a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University. Blending her love for writing with science, Swathi writes articles on health and wellness and simplifies complex topics for readers from... more
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