Strengthened immune system, preventing aging, preventing inflammation, improving vision and certain chronic diseases are some of the health benefits of black currant juice.

Black currant juice was traditionally used for medicinal purposes and today, people have been using this for a number of health benefits by simply making it a part of their diet. In this article, we will be discussing about 11 health benefits of black currant juice which are as follow:

In this article:

Top 11 Health Benefits of Black Currant Juice
Are there Any Side Effects of Black Currant Juice?
What is the Daily Recommended Dosage for Black Currant Juice?

Top 11 Health Benefits of Black Currant Juice

Vision

Being a rich source of vitamin A, black currant juice helps prevent eye degeneration and disorders. In addition to this, it also helps to prevent low blood pressure, chronic dry eye and improves blood vessel circulation, which is all because of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) and linoleic acid that it consists. It is thus beneficial for the eyes in the following ways:

• It helps improve the eyes’ ability to adapt to the dark
• Blood flow to the eyes
• Symptoms of visual fatigue
• Slowed progression of visual field deterioration in people with glaucoma

Supplies Lots of Mineral Iron

Apart from being a rich source of vitamin, the juice consists of a significant amount of iron too. It plays an essential role in carrying out cellular metabolism and in the formation of bone marrow. According to the researchers, 100 grams of black currant berries provides one with almost 20% of the RDA of the essential mineral.

Lowers Inflammation

Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have found the black currant juice to be very beneficial. The anti-inflammatory benefits of GLA helps bring relief in the pain and symptoms of joint pain and sore muscles.

Cardiovascular Health

Containing plenty of omega-6 fatty acid named Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), it protects the cardiac cells from potential damage. By slowing down the clumping of platelets within blood vessels, it ensures that no clot is formed inside. And apart from that, it keeps the blood pressure levels down which is essential for avoiding fatal cardiovascular diseases.

Skin Health

Vitamin C is essential for creating collagen, which is a protein that renews skin cells and prevents aging. Black currant juice is a rich source of vitamin C. It is also beneficial for healthy immune system, absorption of minerals like iron and also helps in maintaining strong bones and cartilage.

Immune System

Black currant juice consists of four times the amount of vitamin C as oranges. In fact, its antioxidant content is twice as that of blueberries, in addition to containing high doses of vitamin E, vitamins B1, B6 and b5. The black currant leaves also have a number of properties, which are:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Anti-toxic
• Antiseptic
• Anticancer
• Antiviral

Diabetic Risk

People suffering from type 1 or type 2 diabetes are often suggested a supplement of black currant juice. The low glycaemic index prevents crashes by causing the sugar to be slowly absorbed into the bloodstream.

Blood Circulation

Black currant juice not only helps in improving the blood circulation but also helps in the recovery process after muscle damage. Also, it lowers the risk of developing a heart-disease by decreasing the plaque build-up in the cardiovascular system.

Vitamin Superstar

Black currant consists of many vitamins such as vitamins A, B-5, B-6, B-1, E.

Also, black currant consists of double the amounts of antioxidants as blueberries and four times the amount of vitamin C as oranges. Vitamin C is used by the body to metabolize protein and form collagen, essential for anti-aging and overall skin care.

Protects Against Cancer

One of the most effective remedies for treating cancer is the antioxidant-rich fruits of the plant. It is the antioxidant effects of the fruit that contribute to its anti-carcinogenic properties that help to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells. It is also believed that consumption of black currant juice on a frequent basis can help to avoid the further occurrence of cancer.

Oral Health

Black currant juice is one of the best options if you are looking forward to maintaining your oral health through diet. It averts a number of minor to major oral disorders by fighting against the plaque build-ups inside the mouth.

Are there Any Side Effects of Black Currant Juice?

Listed below are a few side effects of black currant juice:

Blood Clotting

Those who are taking medication for a bleeding disorder should avoid the consumption of black currant juice as it can slow down blood clotting. Also, if you have any scheduled surgery, avoid consuming it two weeks prior to the surgery.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women or even women who are breastfeeding should avoid its consumption.

What is the Daily Recommended Dosage for Black Currant Juice?

You can easily add black currant into your diet. You can find them in the following forms:

• Pills and capsules
• Oils
• Dried fruit
• Powder

Daily Recommendations Include

• One glass of fruit juice per day
• 5-10 millimetres of fruit syrup per day
• 1-2 teaspoons of leaves, 3-4 times a day
• Four 250 milligram capsules per day, twice a day.

Method to Prepare Black Currant Cordial

• Take a large saucepan with 300 ml water and put sugar in it.
• Add lemon zest and juice followed by blackcurrants.
• Simply cook the mixture until the blackcurrants begin to burst.
• Pout the mixture into a jar and then transfer the same into sterilised bottles.
• Keep it in the fridge for up to a month.
• Serve 25ml of cordial per 100ml water.

Conclusion

Although black currant juice serves a number of health benefits but women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding must not consume this without consulting their doctor.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22673662

http://www.nzblackcurrants.com/assets/images/Health-Benefits-review-updated-9-November-2012.pdf