Currant black. Useful properties of berries. This amazing blackcurrant

Blackcurrant berries have a pronounced aroma ("currant"), from which they got their name. Throughout the world, blackcurrant is considered the most beneficial berry for the beauty and health of the body. It retains its valuable qualities in any form: dried, frozen, boiled. The most useful are fresh ripe berries (in unripe or overripe, the amount of vitamin C is 2 times less).

Benefit

Blackcurrant must be included in the diet menu. It has a large amount of dietary fiber and vitamin C that can burn fat. The diuretic effect of berries will help remove excess fluid from the tissues. The necessary chemical elements in the composition of the currant will not allow the body to weaken, as is often the case with strict mono-diets.

The benefits of blackcurrant berries are due to its generous composition.

It contains a significant amount of:

• ascorbic acid (daily rate in 25 fresh berries or 50 g of jam):
• phytoncides, anthocyanins, essential oils and tannins, thanks to which it has an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect;
• antioxidants that fight premature aging of the body;
• vitamins of group B, which contribute to the removal of radioactive substances from tissues, toxins that normalize the functioning of the nervous system;
• potassium, which regulates the water balance in the body, normalizes the heart rhythm;
• iron, necessary to prevent anemia;
• copper involved in the formation of hemoglobin;
• manganese, which ensures normal growth and formation of bones, connective tissue, which improves the functioning of the immune system.

Blackcurrant is useful in the following cases:

• during beriberi, viral and colds;
• for the treatment of gastritis with low acidity;
• for the prevention of atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, heart problems;
• during the treatment of diphtheria, dysentery, Staphylococcus aureus for a multiple increase in the action of antibacterial substances;
• during the recovery period of the body after operations and protracted illnesses;
• to reduce pressure;
• as a natural diuretic;
• for the prevention of diabetes mellitus, oncological diseases;
• during the treatment of tuberculosis, diseases of the upper respiratory tract, cough;
• with diseases of the kidneys, liver (except for hepatitis);
• with impaired vision, including in the elderly;
• to improve mood, activate the brain, prevent depression;
• with a large mental load, weakening of intellectual abilities;
• in order to eliminate bleeding gums;
• to keep the skin youthful.

Not only berries are useful, but also currant leaves. They can be brewed to obtain a tea that has a tonic, tonic, diaphoretic, cleansing, anti-inflammatory properties.

Blackcurrant affects the appearance not only from the inside, but also from the outside. From it you can prepare whitening, toning, drying lotions and masks for the skin, as well as strengthening vitamin hair products. It is useful to rub the pulp of berries into the nail to prevent its fragility and delamination.

Harm

Blackcurrant should not be consumed in large quantities.

Excessive passion for berries can cause severe allergic reactions, especially in children, as well as exacerbate gastric diseases.

Blackcurrant has the ability to increase blood clotting, which can be dangerous if you are prone to thrombosis.

The berry contains a minimum amount of saturated fat and carbohydrates. With the right technology for growing black currants, nitrates and other harmful substances do not accumulate in it. For the ripening of currants, genetic modification is not used.

calories

The calorie content of 100 g of blackcurrant is 44 kcal, which is 2.13% of the recommended rate per day. The energy value of berries in home weight units:

Contraindications

A moderate amount of berries is not contraindicated during pregnancy. Expectant mothers prone to allergies, suffering from heartburn, constipation should use blackcurrant with caution. Passion for berries in the last weeks of pregnancy can cause currant intolerance in a child in the future.

Blackcurrant is contraindicated for newborns up to 7 months. A child’s acquaintance with a berry should begin with a fruit drink or compote diluted with water. In the absence of allergic reactions in the baby, you can give him a small amount of blackcurrant puree. You can not feed the child whole berries, as they are easy to choke on.

Black currant is contraindicated for:

• risk of heart attack or stroke;
• gastritis with high acidity of gastric juice;
• ulcers;
• hepatitis;
• increased blood clotting;
• allergies to this berry.

The nutritional value

Vitamins and minerals

The most useful is blackcurrant from local gardens. When purchasing fresh berries, you need to make sure that they are whole, wrinkled, with a characteristic aroma. The package with frozen blackcurrant should not contain foreign matter, sticky lumps, which may indicate re-freezing.

Currant is one of the most common horticultural crops among those grown in Russia. The first information about this plant dates back to the beginning of the 11th century. Then the currant was grown in monastic gardens in Rus', and only after that it became widespread in European countries.

Useful berry currant. Its varieties

Currant is a perennial shrub plant that belongs to the gooseberry family. Its height is 1-2 meters. The size of the berries depends on the variety and variety of the plant. Currant, depending on the type, has a pleasant taste from sour to sweet and sour, which allows it to be widely used in cooking. Due to the fact that the beneficial properties of the berry are preserved even under the influence of high temperature, it can be safely subjected to heat treatment without worrying that there will be no vitamins left in it at all.

There are three types of currants: black, red and white. Each of them has its own varieties, differing in the characteristics of planting and growing, the size of shrubs and the time of harvest. All varieties of currants have one thing in common: it is very useful.

Blackcurrant: vitamin composition

Among the three types of currant, the black berry is the most beneficial for the body. Its fruits have a special aroma and pleasant taste, which allows them to be used for making desserts and confectionery. What is useful blackcurrant for a person? First of all, it is a real storehouse of vitamins. That is why it is widely used in medicine for the prevention and treatment of many diseases.

Blackcurrant contains more vitamin C than any other berry. Eating 20 berries of this plant daily provides the body with a daily dose of this vitamin. This is an excellent support for immunity in the cold season.

Blackcurrant berries contain B vitamins, vitamin A and PP, folic acid, tannins, potassium, iron, and essential oils. Folic acid in their composition provides protection against toxic substances entering the body from the external environment: radiation, lead and mercury compounds. contained in blackcurrant, have an anti-inflammatory and healing effect on the intestinal walls, and essential oils give it an unusual aroma.

What are the benefits of red currant?

This berry is rich in nutritional composition. More vitamin A than in other types, contains red currants. How useful is the berry for the body?

Improving vision, stable heart function, increasing hemoglobin, proper functioning of the endocrine system, improving digestion - all this is possible thanks to red currants. The vitamin composition of the fruits of the plant is similar to others. Compared with black and white berries, it has a more sour taste. Therefore, in its pure form, it is rarely eaten. But from it amazing fruit drinks and refreshing drinks are obtained, perfectly quenching thirst and energizing the body with vitamins.

White currant: what is useful for the body?

This type of plant was bred from the red currant. The white berry grows on tassels in the same way, the fruits are small, their average size does not exceed 6 mm. Why it is useful Most of all it contains pectin substances, which are responsible for the stable and coordinated work of the digestive organs. The state of the heart and blood vessels largely depends on the amount of potassium and iron, which are contained in the fruits of this plant in sufficient volume.

Vitamin A, which is responsible for the state of the immune system and visual acuity, also contains white currants. How useful is it for the body? In addition to the fact that white currant is a natural antioxidant, the berry contains a large amount of vitamin E. Thanks to it, the skin retains its youth, as the aging process in the body slows down. The main advantage of white currant is that when it is used, the manifestation of allergic reactions is excluded. And it also contains a lot of iodine, which is so necessary for children to develop their mental abilities.

What are the benefits of currant leaves?

Vitamins and substances useful for the body are found not only in currant fruits, but also in leaves. They are usually used in dried form for the preparation of infusions, decoctions and teas. Thanks to the essential oils in the composition of blackcurrant leaves, drinks from them are rich and fragrant. They are recommended to drink for the prevention of various diseases and a quick recovery. What are the benefits of blackcurrant leaves?

In addition to microelements such as copper, sulfur, manganese, magnesium, the leaves of this plant are rich in phytoncides. These biologically active substances are known for inhibiting the growth and development of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. If, along with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs, take decoctions and infusions from blackcurrant leaves, then recovery will come faster.

What are the benefits of white? They contain ascorbic acid, which helps the body to more effectively resist the disease and fight malaise during the period of colds.

What is useful currant for pregnant women?

During the period of expectation of a baby, a woman's body is especially in dire need of vitamins and minerals. Therefore, gynecologists strongly recommend eating the berries of this plant in any form. How useful is currant for the body of a pregnant woman?

Firstly, currant helps to remove excess fluid from the body. The leaves and berries of the plant must be eaten to prevent swelling.

Secondly, currant provides immunity protection and ensures a quick recovery. Fresh berries, drinks, fruit drinks and teas are good to take during colds as a preventive measure. This is especially important for pregnant women, because any viral infection carries the risk of complications for both the expectant mother and the child.

Thirdly, during pregnancy, women often experience constipation. Red and black currant berries, which have a laxative effect, will help to gently and delicately solve this problem.

What are the benefits of currant leaves for pregnant women? To get substances useful for the body, expectant mothers do not have to eat currants in their pure form. Since vitamins are not only contained in the fruits of this plant, it is recommended to replace ordinary teas with drinks made from currant leaves.

Do children need to eat currants?

The first acquaintance with blackcurrant in a baby usually occurs through breast milk. Including the berries of this plant in her diet, the mother not only enriches the milk, but also checks the child for the likelihood of an allergy. If no negative reactions are observed in the baby, then complementary foods from currant juice or juice and fruit puree can be introduced immediately after the apple.

How useful is white currant for a child? Unlike black and red berries, it is not an allergen. In addition, it contains iodine, which is so important for children for mental development. The rest of the vitamins necessary for the child are contained in any currant, no matter what kind it belongs to.

Delicious eye medicine

Vitamin A, which is found in white, red and black currants, in addition to being an excellent antioxidant, is responsible for visual acuity. To a greater extent than vitamin A, anthocyanins are responsible for the prevention of myopia. These are dark purple coloring pigments found in black currants that give the skin its color.

How useful is blackcurrant for a person and especially for his vision? It has been proven that anthocyanins nourish the retina, which allows you to see well not only during the day, but also at night. Blackcurrant is effective in preventing age-related eye changes in the older generation. Delicious medicine in the form of berries allows the eyes of schoolchildren to rest from a hard day of school and the computer. And although there is more vitamin vision in red currants, it is anthocyanins that make the prevention of eye diseases really effective.

Useful blackcurrant jam

From currant berries, you can prepare a simple preparation for the winter. You can make jam from black berries or grind them with sugar so that you can eat them in their pure form. The second option is preferable, according to which currants are processed. How useful is such a preparation?

Berries that are not exposed to high temperatures retain as many vitamins as those plucked in the summer, so grated is better for humans. The recipe for the preparation is simple. Blackcurrant berries are passed through a meat grinder. Then they are covered with sugar in a ratio of 1: 1. Then the whole mixture is placed in a water bath and heated to a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees until the sugar dissolves.

It should be remembered that berries of all types of currants and harvested in any form are useful. Eating them daily will make your immune system strong and avoid colds in the cold season.

Dec-20-2016

What is black currant?

What is blackcurrant, useful properties and contraindications, what are the medicinal properties of blackcurrant, all this is of great interest to those who lead a healthy lifestyle, monitor their health, and are interested in folk methods of treatment, including with the help of medicinal plants.

So we will try to answer these questions in the following article.

Black currant got its name from the word "currant", which in Old Russian meant "strong smell" and indeed of all types of currant it is black currant that has the most pronounced aroma of fruits, leaves and even branches and buds.

The currant bush, belonging to the Gooseberry family, can reach a height of 2 m. Blackcurrant usually blooms in May, June, and the berries ripen in July, August. Currant bushes are planted in prepared soil in the fall. Currant bears fruit after planting for 2-3 years. Currants are divided into early, mid-season and late-ripening varieties.

Black currant fruits are large, round, fragrant black berries, although sometimes their shades can be dark red, purple or even brown. You need to collect fully ripened fruits, however, already two weeks after the berries are fully ripe, the loss of vitamin C in them can reach 70%.

In cooking, blackcurrant is used in a variety of ways, compotes, jelly and jam, jams, jellies, a variety of desserts, wine, sauces are made from it, added to pastries and used in marinades for meat and fish.

Compound:

The amount of useful substances, vitamins and minerals in blackcurrant is higher than in many other berries. Therefore, it is considered a product of a healthy and balanced diet, which helps to increase immunity, improve and strengthen the body and is useful for various diseases.

Vitamins in blackcurrant:

• There is so much vitamin C in berries that it is second only to rose hips, but gooseberries, strawberries, apples, cherries, strawberries and all citrus fruits will give odds. And many other berries look very modest compared to currants. In every 100 gr. berries contain 5 - 6 daily norms to maintain people's health.
• According to the content of vitamin P, currant fruits are also among the champions. Judge for yourself: in every 100 gr. currants are almost 10 daily norms for a person. And this vitamin is useful in that it strengthens the walls of blood vessels, helps blood formation, and positively affects the bile secretion function in the liver. In addition, it normalizes blood pressure, and even helps the body absorb vitamin C better!
• In terms of the amount of vitamin E, the plant is inferior to the same dog rose, and even sea buckthorn with chokeberry. There are also vitamins from group B in the berries, a lot of carotene.
• In addition, the berry can be safely ranked among the leaders in the content of natural natural minerals: these are magnesium, phosphorus, iron, calcium. The high potassium content also makes the berry stand out among many others.
• Add here tannins, pectins, for which the berry is also ranked among the champions, and deservedly so. There are useful essential oils in currant fruits, organic acids that play a leading role in metabolic processes and digestion, malic, salicylic, tartaric and citric acids.
• Plus phenols, anthocyanins (it's because of them that the berry has such a color), which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

In addition to vitamin C, blackcurrant leaves contain phytoncides, magnesium, manganese, silver, copper, lead, sulfur, and essential oil.

The benefits and harms of blackcurrant:

Black currant is an excellent means of preventing problems with the cardiovascular system, Alzheimer's disease and the appearance of malignant neoplasms. The ability of black currant to prevent the development of diabetes, vision problems and prevent the weakening of intellectual abilities in the elderly has been revealed.

Useful blackcurrant in diseases of the kidneys, liver and respiratory tract. This berry is especially indicated for progressive atherosclerosis.

For the full functioning of the body, both vitamin C and anthocyanidins are important, which are contained in black currant and have pronounced antioxidant properties, thanks to which the berry has a disinfectant and anti-inflammatory effect and is used in the treatment of sore throats.

Possessing a good restorative effect, blackcurrant juice is useful when the body is weakened and after surgery.

A decoction of berries helps with hypertension, anemia, gastritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, bleeding gums. If you suffer from a strong cough, then take a mixture of blackcurrant juice, honey and sugar. Being a strong antiseptic, blackcurrant will help to cope with a sore throat if you gargle with its juice diluted with water.

It is important that in the process of home-made preparations, blackcurrant retains all the useful properties, as well as when frozen.

Blackcurrant is also used to strengthen nails, for this purpose it is rubbed into the skin around the nail and into the nail itself. Currant helps to get rid of age spots, freckles and make the skin lighter.

Harm:

Blackcurrant is contraindicated with increased acidity of the stomach, gastric and duodenal ulcers, with hyperacid gastritis. Although fresh berries and blackcurrant juice are allowed for liver problems, they should not be taken with hepatitis.

Blackcurrant juice is not useful after suffering heart attacks and strokes, as well as at the risk of developing thrombosis.

100% black currant juice can cause an allergic reaction, especially in children, although in reasonable doses it increases hemoglobin in the blood.

Some experts believe that it is better to refuse the use of currant juice for medicinal purposes during pregnancy.

Is blackcurrant good for women?

Blackcurrant is useful for menopause problems, as it activates the weak peripheral circulation, and also eliminates cholesterol, toxins and waste products from the blood.

Blackcurrant is an excellent product for women due to its ability to treat symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, menopause, breast tenderness and painful periods.

What is useful blackcurrant for children?

Is it possible for children to have blackcurrant? Blackcurrant berries are the strongest allergen, so you should not offer them to a child under one year old. It is good to give blackcurrant to children in the form of juice. But not in its pure form, but after diluting it with boiled water in a ratio of 1: 1. Taking currant juice increases hemoglobin, so it is useful for those children who suffer from anemia. And, in addition, it will increase immunity, help the body cope with a cold faster. It is advisable to offer whole berries to a child when he is able to chew food well. If the baby has a tendency to allergies, then postpone this acquaintance to a later date.

For children, currants are useful for their high content of vitamin C. In this property, not a single berry can be compared with it. The composition of the currant contains potassium, iron, folic acid, B vitamins, provitamin A. Children with food allergies are recommended to limit the use of currants, and doctors advise children with increased excretion of oxalate salts in the urine to exclude this berry from the diet altogether.

How useful is this berry for the elderly?

As a source of vitamin C in the diet of the elderly, blackcurrant is very useful, which contains up to 85% water, 0.9% ash, 1% protein, 8% carbohydrates, 3% fiber, 2.3% organic acids (citric, malic , tartaric, amber, salicylic, phosphoric), 0.5% pectin, 0.4% tannins, flavonoids, vitamins K, E, B, B2, PP and carotene. Microelements include potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron. The berries of red and white currants are significantly superior to black ones in terms of beta-carotene, but contain significantly less vitamin C and flavonoids.

It is known that black currant berries are widely used as a tonic for the cardiovascular system, they are useful for colds, some infectious diseases, gastritis, stomach ulcers. An aqueous infusion of a currant leaf helps to eliminate uric and oxalic acids from the body; A decoction of the leaves is drunk for skin diseases, diseases of the bladder, kidney stones.

For the purpose of long-term storage, the berries are separated from the stalks and dried in attics, in Russian ovens or dryers at a temperature not exceeding 60-65 0C. The drying process is considered complete if the berries stop sticking together and crumble easily. Currant leaves are dried in the shade after picking the berries. Dried berries can be used to prepare vitamin drinks.

To remove mercury, lead, cobalt, tin from the body, bind and remove radioactive elements, a decoction of dried blackcurrant fruits is recommended. With hypertension and atherosclerosis, hemorrhagic diathesis, anemia and exhaustion, it is also useful to take an infusion of blackcurrant leaves, and for vomiting, constipation, hemorrhoids, to relieve cough, an infusion of blackcurrant fruits is shown as a diuretic.

Medicinal properties:

Due to the high content of vitamins and various medicinal properties, it has a wide range of applications in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. For treatment in folk medicine, both berries, fresh, dried and frozen, and currant leaves are used.

Is it possible to eat blackcurrant with diabetes?

Due to its properties, black currant helps to increase the overall immunity of the human body, its healing and strengthening, it is also useful for all kinds of diseases, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

With diabetes, currant fruits, due to their high content of pectin and the predominance of fructose in them, are allowed to be eaten in any form: fresh, dry and frozen. Decoctions and infusions of leaves, buds and fruits have a tonic, anti-inflammatory, vitamin, diuretic and diaphoretic effect.

They also activate the activity of the gastrointestinal tract and improve metabolism, which is very important in the treatment of various complications of diabetes.

But keep in mind that excessive consumption of currants can be harmful. Be sure to consult your doctor!

How to treat a cold with blackcurrant?

To prepare the infusion, a spoonful of blackcurrant berries is poured with a glass of boiling water, wrapped in a towel and insisted for about half an hour. You can drink such a drink with honey.

Eating currants with a cold is useful both in its natural form and in the form of jam, fruit drinks, compotes, etc. Only you need to do this before going to bed or immediately after taking a tasty medicine, lie down for forty minutes and relax. If you take such a medicine "on the go", between cases, do not expect a positive effect.

With a cold cough, a drink made from fresh blackcurrant juice and honey will help to cope. Fever, which often accompanies various acute respiratory viral infections, will help remove the infusion of currant berries.

It is prepared from 20 g of berries and a glass of water, boiled for 10 minutes, and then insisted for about an hour. Give the infusion to the patient in a tablespoon three times a day.

And currants and rose hips in equal amounts (2 tablespoons per 300 ml of boiling water) will increase the overall tone, relieve weakness and lethargy that overcome during illness.

However, it is worth considering that such drugs, like any other, have limitations in use and contraindications.

What are the benefits of blackcurrant leaves?

What are the benefits of blackcurrant leaves? The leaves contain more ascorbic acid than the berries themselves, so for medical purposes they are used as an antiseptic, disinfectant and tonic. Diuretic, cleansing and antirheumatic properties of decoctions from currant leaves are known.

Currant leaves are used in the treatment of gastritis, gout, cardiovascular diseases, dermatitis, diathesis. Doctors note the beneficial effect of currant leaves on blood vessels and hematopoiesis, it is believed that they relieve anemia and atherosclerosis of blood vessels.

During the period of colds and infectious diseases, you need to remember the phytoncides contained in the leaves - they are indispensable helpers in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, tonsillitis, whooping cough and bronchitis.

The leaves of the plant can harm the body with individual intolerance or with increased acidity. Currant tea is a proven folk remedy, but with prolonged use of decoctions, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

An interesting video about blackcurrant from the program "Live Healthy!":

What is useful blackcurrant seed oil?

When taken orally, it helps to reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood, improves liver function, alleviates the painful manifestations of premenstrual syndrome, and improves immunity. Acting at the cellular level, the oil protects the body from cancer, arthritis, and premature aging. It also helps to fight viral diseases, hormonal disorders, inflammatory processes in organs and tissues.

External use of the drug helps to cope with many skin diseases, stimulates cell regeneration, normalizes the sweat glands, relieves allergic manifestations. Also, the oil restores the water balance of the skin, strengthens the protective barrier, increases its elasticity, promotes cell renewal and rejuvenation.

Before using the oil inside, it is best to consult a doctor, as there are a number of contraindications for its use.

Blackcurrant oil helps to moisturize and improve skin elasticity Application Blackcurrant oil is widely used both in medicine and in cosmetology in the treatment of many diseases. As a rule, these are skin diseases associated with hormonal imbalance, arthritis, and oncology.

Summer brings us not only warm and clear weather, but also many different fruits and berries. In each garden there are a lot of all sorts of fruit bushes and trees, but not a single summer resident or gardener will forget to plant blackcurrants on his plot. She begins to sing in early July, so you should definitely have time to enjoy her and stock up for the winter season, as she is a storehouse of many vitamins.

This berry is used not only for the preparation of desserts, compotes, sauces and jams, but also for medical purposes. Many do not even suspect that both berries and its leaves and twigs are valuable in currants.

Currants were first discovered in the 15th century in Spain. Then she appeared in Central and Northern Europe, Kamchatka and Siberia. This berry does not like hot weather at all, therefore it mainly grows in temperate and even cool climates. Blackcurrant was first used for medicinal purposes, and much later in cooking. The popular Ribena juice was made from it, which invigorates and refreshes the body, and medicinal tea from twigs and leaves instantly relieved a person of colds.

The composition and calorie content of blackcurrant

This berry is distinguished from others by a large amount of vitamins and useful minerals. Doctors recommend using it as often as possible, because it includes:

Trace elements - potassium, manganese, iron, phosphorus, copper, calcium, sodium, chlorine, sulfur and others.

Vitamins - A, C, B1, B2, B6, B9, K, P, E, D.

Ascorbic, citric, malic, phosphoric, oxalic acids.

Tannins.

Essential oils.

Phytoncides.

Blackcurrant contains the largest amount of vitamin C, even more than lemon. There are 400 mg of vitamin C per 100 g. The calorie content is quite low - only 63 kcal per 100 g of the product.

The chemical composition is also pleasing, because 100 grams of berries contain a small amount of fat - 0.4 grams, proteins - 1 grams, carbohydrates - 7 grams.

Currants are also loved and appreciated for their sweet and sour taste and divine aroma. Even after heat treatment, it retains most of the nutrients.

The benefits of blackcurrant berries

Since ancient times, this product has been respected for its medicinal properties that it brought to the human body.

Blackcurrant berries improve brain activity and memory function.

Thanks to the large amount of vitamin C included in the composition, this product helps in the fight against colds and viral diseases. Improves the functioning of the immune system and strengthens the body.

It plays an important role for the heart and blood vessels. It has cleansing properties, dilates blood vessels, improves blood clotting, and also strengthens the cardiovascular system.

People suffering from a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus must always have these berries in the refrigerator. Since they contain a high content of vitamin C, they will quickly lower blood sugar. It is also recommended to eat for the prevention of this disease.

Blackcurrant helps lower high blood pressure. A small handful of berries after a while will bring your health back to normal.

When your vision begins to deteriorate, include this wonderful sweet and sour product in your diet.

Blackcurrant also benefits the digestive system. With indigestion, diarrhea, gastritis, the fruits of this plant will simply not be replaceable.

To restore the body after surgery, this product will be very useful, because it contains a large amount of many vitamins and minerals.

With a breakdown, bad mood and depression, currant berries will quickly invigorate your body and fill it with vital energy, and the nervous system will return to normal.

If your gums begin to bleed, then there is simply no better remedy for relieving inflammation than blackcurrant.

Children and adults in the fight against vitamin deficiency and raising hemoglobin, doctors recommend eating this product.

During pregnancy, women often experience swelling, so doctors recommend that they eat jam, drink juice or blackcurrant compote.

For the treatment of cough and tuberculosis, the berries of this plant were eaten in ancient times.

The benefits of blackcurrant leaves

Both berries and leaves with twigs benefit our body.

Experts have found that there is more vitamin C in leaves than in berries, so they have antiseptic and bactericidal effects, as well as an anti-inflammatory agent.

In the fight against anemia, decoctions of blackcurrant leaves will definitely help you, and teas will cure colds and viral diseases in autumn and winter. In the spring, such a drink will fill your body with vitamins and nutrients.

Baths with a decoction of the leaves and branches of this plant will bring benefits. They will save you from many diseases of the skin: diathesis, sweating and rash.

To strengthen the hair and their radiance, a weak decoction of blackcurrant is also made. After shampooing, rinse your hair with warm decoction and rinse again with clean water.

Not many people know that blackcurrant leaves are also used in cooking for canning various vegetables. They give them a crispy taste and wonderful aroma. It should be remembered that it is necessary to choose fresh and young leaves.

Black currant. Recipes

Infusion of berries . Prepare one glass of ripe dried blackcurrant and 200 g of boiling water. Pour everything into a small container and fill it with hot water, wrap it up and set aside in a warm place for two to three hours. Then we filter it and take inside half a cup in the morning and at night. Such an infusion fights colds, flu, coughs, and also reduces fever.

Blackcurrant juice with honey . This simple recipe will bring benefits for the treatment of cough and tuberculosis. It will require blackcurrant juice and liquid honey. Mix these two ingredients in a 3:1 ratio. Mix well and consume one tablespoon three times a day.

Infusion of leaves and branches of black currant. 6-7 tablespoons of finely chopped leaves and a couple of sprigs of currant pour one liter of hot water. Roll tightly and leave for an hour in a warm place. Then you need to strain the infusion, and eat five times a day, 200 mg. It helps to cure cystitis, pyelonephritis and other kidney diseases.

Contraindications for use

Despite the great benefits of blackcurrant for the human body, there are some contraindications for use.

If you are allergic to the berries of this plant.

Do not eat large amounts of this product if you have signs of poor blood clotting. Thrombophlebitis can worsen and troubles will instantly arise.

During inflammation of the duodenum, an exacerbated ulcer, blackcurrant should be eaten with caution and in small doses.

Children at a young age need to be given only a few berries a day, as an allergic reaction can be caused.

At home, and then they prepare delicious and healthy desserts, jams. Traditional medicine has long and effectively used this plant to treat various ailments. Blackcurrant is a fruit-bearing shrub that produces juicy, sweet and fragrant fruits. The size and shape of the fruits of this plant depends on the variety, of which there are more than 200 today.

Composition and calories

Currant is useful for ARVI and acute respiratory infections and for strengthening immunity. If you eat just a few berries a day, you can protect your body from various infections and stay in good shape. Blackcurrant is a low-calorie product and for this reason it is often included in various diets.

There are only 44 kcal per 100 g of fruit.

Currants are especially distinguished as a medicinal plant due to the high concentration of vitamin C, Potassium, Cobalt, Copper and Molybdenum:

• Vitamin C promotes the absorption of iron, its deficiency leads to problems with the hematopoietic system. The berry is saturated with vitamin C for 65% of the total composition of its constituent nutrients;
• Potassium an important element for the cardiovascular system. He participates in the processes of conducting nerve impulses;
• Cobalt participates in the formation of enzymes for the metabolism of fatty acids and folic acid;
• Copper important for the hematopoietic system and the process of assimilation of proteins and carbohydrates. It is an important participant in the process of delivering oxygen to the tissues of the body;
• Molybdenum accelerates the action of ascorbic acid, removes uric acid from the body, speeds up metabolism.

Below is the chemical composition per 100 g of fruit.

Vitamins:

• Beta Carotene - 0.1 mg;
• PP - 0.4 mg;
• C - 200 mg;
• A - 17 mcg;
• E - 0.7 mg;
• B4 - 7.6 mg;
• B1 - 0.03 mg;
• B2 - 0.04 mg;
• B5 - 0.4 mg;
• B6 -0.13 mg;
• B9 - 5 mcg.

Trace elements:

• Copper - 130 mcg;
• Boron - 55 mcg;
• Iodine - 1 mcg;
• Cobalt - 4 mcg;
• Fluorine - 17 mcg;
• Iron - 1.54 mg;
• Manganese - 0.18 mg;
• Selenium - 0.6 mcg;
• Zinc - 0.13 mg.

Macronutrients:

• Sodium - 32 mg;
• Phosphorus - 17 mcg;
• Magnesium - 31 mg;
• Calcium - 36 mg;
• Potassium - 350 mg;
• Sulfur - 2 mg;
• Chlorine - 14 mg.

• Sugar, fructose, glucose;
• Starches and dextrins;
• pectins;
• Tannins;
• Fittoncides;;
• Essential oils;
• Fatty acids (Omega-3,-6) and organic.

The benefits of blackcurrant

Perhaps of all the berries known to us, blackcurrant is the most useful. This is due to the high concentration of ascorbic acid and the general chemical composition. It is important to say that the beneficial properties are characteristic not only of berries, but also of leaves. They contain magnesium, manganese, sulfur, copper, silver and vitamin C in high concentration. Both currant leaves and branches are used in the treatment of various ailments. They are able to destroy the dysentery bacillus, help with joint diseases, and are very effective in ARVI and acute respiratory infections. The fruits of this plant are consumed raw, compotes and jams are cooked from them. Many make infusions, decoctions and fruit drinks.

It consists of the following:

• Increases and strengthens the immune system;
• It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties;
• It has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and the hematopoietic system;
• It is the prevention of diseases of the visual organs;
• Cleanses the urinary system and liver;
• Improves the work of the digestive tract.

men it is recommended to include blackcurrant in the diet, as its biochemical properties improve blood circulation and reduce, strengthen capillaries and vascular walls, which helps to avoid the risk of atherosclerosis. In addition, the fruits of black currant have a beneficial effect on potency, helping in the fight against premature ejaculation. Increases libido. Men are prone to earlier deterioration of vision and the development of diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts. The unique composition of blackcurrant, which includes high concentrations of provitamin A, and a number of other vitamins that strengthen the optic nerve, helps stop the destructive processes of the organs of vision.

For women the use of blackcurrant fruits is no less important. Almost 80% of the female population is faced with, due to physiological characteristics. This plant has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, it helps to eliminate various inflammations and cleanse the kidneys of infections. With menstrual pain, it helps to relieve pain and improves reproductive function. It is recommended to use currant fruits during menopause. The plant helps speed up metabolism, eliminates pathological fatigue and relieves the “hot flashes” associated with menopause.

children blackcurrant fruits are simply necessary. It strengthens the immune system and helps to avoid various colds. The plant improves the functioning of the digestive tract and increases appetite. It is a stimulator of growth and normal development of the baby. Prevents the development of anemia. The fruits of the plant help to get rid of oral infections that children often suffer from. In addition to these beneficial properties, the plant is a natural enterosorbent, helping to remove heavy metals and radionuclides from the body.

Pediatricians recommend introducing blackcurrants into the baby's diet in the form of non-concentrated fruit drinks starting from 6-7 months of age. The drink is administered in an amount of 20-30 ml and, if allergic reactions do not occur, then by the year the child can consume 80-100 ml of such a vitamin drink.

Use in traditional medicine

In folk medicine, various herbal preparations, which include blackcurrant, are very popular. For these purposes, the leaves and branches of the plant are mainly used. Healing fees have diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Leaves infused with white wine have a tonic and tonic effect.

Blackcurrant fruits, in various forms, are used by alternative medicine specialists to treat kidney and urinary tract diseases, liver and gallbladder diseases, various colds and gastrointestinal problems.

Decoction of berries

A decoction of blackcurrant berries is an immunostimulant. It is drunk to improve metabolic processes, with beriberi and colds. The drink will perfectly replace any tea, as it is very aromatic and has a pleasant taste. In winter, when there is a deficiency of vitamins, a decoction of the fruits of this plant is able to supply the body with all the required elements for normal functioning. Tones and restores strength.

For the preparation of a decoction, both fresh and frozen berries are used. There are many ways to prepare a decoction. For "hot" decoction of currant berries we need: pour 2 tbsp. berries with a glass of boiling water. Then bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. Leave for 30-40 minutes and strain. Consume 1⁄4 cup 3-4 times daily.

For “cold” decoction of blackcurrant berries we need: grind in a blender 2 tbsp. berries and mix with 2 tbsp. honey. Then pour 250 ml of water or tea. You can use both warm and cold half a cup 2-3 times a day.

Leaf decoction

Decoctions of the leaves, both fresh and dried, are effective in the treatment of urinary tract. By flushing the urinary system, purines and uric acid are quickly removed. A leaf decoction is recommended as an anesthetic and washing agent for cystitis, nephritis and pyelonephritis. A decoction of the leaves, like a decoction of berries, is drunk for diseases of the cardiovascular system, the hematopoietic system and joint diseases. No less effective for digestive problems and diseases of the upper respiratory tract. You can use a leaf decoction and externally, in the form of compresses for dermatitis.

In order to cook "Washing" diuretic decoction of currant leaves, you need to take 6 tablespoons of crushed raw materials and pour 1 liter of boiling water. It is recommended to insist in a thermos for at least an hour. The decoction is consumed 1 cup 5-6 times a day.

For the treatment of joint diseases, a decoction of the leaves prepared as follows: 1 tbsp. crushed raw materials pour 250 ml of boiling water. Insist 1.5-2 hours and filter. Drink half a cup 4-5 times a day. Recommended to be consumed warm.

Infusion of berries

An infusion of currant berries is a more concentrated remedy than a decoction and is recommended for use with weak immunity, vitamin deficiency and colds of various etymologies. It has an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic effect, lowers the temperature and helps with a strong cough.

Classic cooking method infusion of berries is the following recipe: 2 tbsp. dry blackcurrant berries are poured with a glass of boiling water and infused in a thermos for 1.5-2 hours. Use three times a day for 1 tbsp. in a warm state.

For immune-strengthening infusion of blackcurrant and rose hips follows: 25 g of dried berries pour 250 ml of boiling water. Insist in a thermos for 1.5-2 hours. Take half a glass 2 times a day.

Berry infusion can be used externally to eliminate acne and dermatoses. Apply with a cotton swab dipped in infusion to the affected areas.

Alcohol tincture

Alcoholic tinctures on blackcurrant are very popular among the people. Gourmets note that more fragrant, with a subtle sweet and sour taste, tinctures cannot be found. But, in addition to their aromatic and taste qualities, currant tinctures bring great benefits to the body. It turns out a warming, vitamin drink that remarkably regulates the metabolism in the body, strengthens and dilates blood vessels, which prevents thrombosis, and also helps to cope with a cold.

For the preparation of tinctures, fresh and frozen fruits of the plant are suitable. You can use jam. The alcohol base can be absolutely any.

Classic currant tincture on vodka prepared as follows:

1. Mash half a kilogram of fresh ripe currant berries to a state of gruel;
2. Add 10 currant fresh leaves to the resulting mass and pour 1.5 liters of vodka;
3. Pour the resulting mixture into a jar and insist under the lid for 1-1.5 months;
4. Strain the fermented drink and bottle it, tightly corking it;
5. Use no more than 50 grams per day for 2 weeks to achieve a therapeutic effect.

Blackcurrant juice

Freshly squeezed juice from currant berries enjoys general recognition among folk healers. It is useful for people suffering from heart diseases associated with rhythm disturbances and anemia, since vitamin C contained in the fruits of the plant plays an important role in the supply of oxygen to all tissues of the organs and in the processes of the circulatory system. It helps well in the complex treatment of liver diseases (except for hepatitis), and with various problems of the digestive system.

If you mix freshly squeezed currant juice in a ratio of 1: 2 with honey, you get an excellent expectorant. The same remedy is the prevention of hypertension.

If there is no juicer, there is easy way to make currant juice. For this you should:

1. 1 kg of berries pour 0.5 liters of water and boil, stirring for 5 minutes;
2. Crush the berries and squeeze the resulting juice into a separate container;
3. Pour the cake again with 250 ml of water and also boil for 5 minutes;
4. Squeeze and add liquid to the previously obtained juice (cake is no longer required, it can be disposed of);
5. Strain the juice thoroughly and boil to remove the foam;
6. Pour hot juice into prepared sterilized jars and close with lids.

Jam

Fragrant blackcurrant jam will delight all members of the family. It is not only tasty, but also a healthy delicacy. Heat treatment of berries does not deprive them of their healing properties. Jam is an excellent enterosorbent. It has anti-inflammatory and diuretic effect. Its use is especially common in colds.

Jam is also beneficial for intestinal infections, destroying the pathogenic microflora caused by fungi. In the complex treatment of various diseases with the use of antimicrobials and antibiotics, it enhances their effect.

Easy to make currant jam according to the five-minute recipe. To do this, you will need: prepare a syrup from 1 kg of sugar and 350 ml of water. Pour 1 kg of berries into the resulting syrup and boil for 5 minutes, stirring. Hot poured into sterilized jars and rolled up.

Can cook "cold" jam. To do this, pass 1 kg of berries through a meat grinder and add 2 kg of sugar. Mix well, cover with gauze and leave for a day, stirring occasionally. Arrange in sterilized jars and sprinkle about 2 cm of sugar on top. This jam can be stored in the refrigerator, there is no need to roll it up.

Blackcurrant during pregnancy

During the perinatal period, women need to receive a sufficient amount of all vitamins and minerals, both to maintain their health and for the normal development of the baby. Blackcurrant perfectly replaces a whole complex of synthetic vitamin preparations due to its chemical composition.

The benefits of blackcurrant for pregnant women:

• Helps in the fight against colds;
• Normalizes the level of hemoglobin;
• Regulates blood pressure and lowers the level of "bad" cholesterol;
• Relieves swelling by flushing the urinary system;
• Strengthens immunity;
• Helps with diarrhea;
• Relieves depression and fatigue;
• Relieves nausea;
• Strengthens hair, gums, teeth and nail plates.

• Individual intolerance to one of the components of the berry, or allergic reactions of any etymology, since the fruits of the plant can enhance them;
• thrombophilia;
• Increased acidity and acute chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Constipation.

As for the lactation period, doctors do not recommend eating blackcurrant until the baby is 6 months old. It can cause food allergies in him. After this time, if breastfeeding continues, then the mother can try a few berries and observe the reaction of the child. If everything is in order, then you can carefully include both mother and baby in the diet in the form of a non-concentrated fruit drink.

Application in cosmetology

Blackcurrant oil extract is widely used in traditional and alternative cosmetology. Oil is obtained from the pomace of berries. It is used in the production of various creams, masks, shampoos, as well as in aromatherapy and perfumery. Currant oil goes well with other flavors, especially floral-sweet ones.

To strengthen nails, you can make baths with the addition of currant leaves.

In cosmetology, an extract from the leaves and currant juice are also used. Creams based on them are suitable for the care of dry and problem skin. Effectively restore, nourish and moisturize the skin. They activate the regenerative properties of the dermis and help with various dermatitis, as well as with acne problems.

Blackcurrant fruits have a refreshing, anti-inflammatory, rejuvenating and whitening effect. Therefore, on their basis, cosmetics are often produced that help against premature aging for the age group from 35 years.

Currant-based masks are useful in the fight against age spots, improve complexion, vitaminize and smooth the skin.

Many domestic manufacturers of natural cosmetics (Natura Siberica, AquaFruit, SmoRodina, Folk Cosmetics No. 1) use currant fruit extract in their products.

If it is not possible to purchase currant-based cosmetics, then you can make them at home. To prepare nourishing mask for aging and withering skin required: mix 1 tbsp. l. honey with 3 tbsp. currant puree and 50 grams of fat cottage cheese. The mask is applied in a thin layer for 10-15 minutes.

In order to cook currant mask, it will take 5 g of dry brewer's yeast to grind and mix with 5 g of white clay. Dilute the resulting mixture with 10 ml of freshly squeezed currant juice. The mask is applied in a thin layer for 10 minutes.

Contraindications

Any medicinal plant can bring not only benefits, but also harm. Blackcurrant fruits have a number of contraindications. It is not recommended to use the berry:

• With allergic reactions of any etymology;
• In acute chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and high acidity;
• In the presence of structural and functional kidney diseases caused by metabolic disorders;
• With thrombophilia;
• With a pre-infarction or pre-stroke condition.

It is strictly forbidden to use currant fruits and currant-containing preparations for hepatitis, since acute forms may be accompanied by esophageal varicose veins (esophageal varices). When dieting, you can not eat anything sour, incl. and currants, as they are high in vitamin C, which can cause internal bleeding.