Black currant, one of the healthiest fruit known to man. We all know that consuming fruits daily is a way of staying healthy and having black currant as a part of your diet is the right way to go.
Studies have shown that this small size dark purple (looking like black) fruit has a higher level of anti-oxidants especially one called anthocyanins, which is particularly responsible for its colour, even its vitamin C levels are higher than other fruits with these two high level components black currant may be beneficial for a healthy heart, eyes, ageing and prevents urinary tract infections.
Native to Asia and Northern Europe and have been used historically as a diuretic.
It was cultivated in Europe during the 17the century and have been touted for its medicinal benefits especially by many herbalists.
Black currant is an excellent source of powerful disease fighting anti-oxidants, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, sodium, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin and protein.
Black currant can be eaten raw, used in dishes or drank as a tea or juice, it can be boiled with sugar to make syrup and can be used to treat sore throat while unsweetened juice can be consumed to alleviate fever, this lovely berry belongs to the Grossalatiaceae family where bunches of this small glossy berry is grown along the stems.
Black currants are normally found in the popular Ribena juice, syrup, dietary supplements, sauces and is used to flavour a variety of dishes.
Consuming black currants or its many flavoured products can treat or prevent cancer, strengthen the immune system, aids digestion, improve the function of the vital organs like the kidney, protects the pancreas, treats or prevents arthritis, reduces inflammation.
Tea made with black currant is caffeine free and have been used for ages to treat asthma, diarrhea, allergies, protects the heart, controls blood sugar among others.
This berry is no doubt, the fruit to have!
