Health benefits of blackcurrants

I was speaking to a marathon runner recently who mentioned the great benefits of blackcurrants before a race. She eats them approximately 4 hours before the race and swears by the power they add to her energy levels. Although there is no scientific proof for this particular person we do hear great stories like these regularly  and the power of the humble blackcurrant never cease to amaze us at Blackcurrants NZ Inc.

It is commonly known that eating a lot of fruit and vegetables definitely puts your health into the colourful spectrum of positive well-being, allowing your body to receive the nutrients that it may be lacking. We feel blackcurrants are one of the super foods as not only are they delicious and juicy but also because they are filled with an array of antioxidants, one of them being anthocyanins. These antioxidants are what give our juicy blackcurrants their purple colour and their delicious taste. General rule being the darker the colour, the more it will be filled with happy antioxidants.

Blackcurrants are also very rich in vitamin C, containing more than three times as much as an orange! Vitamin C is an essential nutrient required for the body’s normal functions and the antioxidant polyphenols in blackcurrants particularly anthocyanins which help in maintaining cardiovascular health, aging and brain health, urinary tract health and healthy vision. 100 g of fresh blackcurrants provide more than 300% of daily-recommended intake values of vitamin C.

Blackcurrants are also rich in vitamin A. Vitamin A is also required for maintaining integrity of mucus membranes and skin, and essential for healthy eye-sight. Furthermore, consumption of natural fruits rich in flavonoid anti-oxidants helps to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.

Fresh blackcurrants are also rich in many essential vitamins such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) and thiamin (vitamin B-1). These vitamins are essential in the sense that body requires them from external sources to replenish and required for metabolism.

They also contain good amounts of mineral iron. 100 g currant berries provide about 20% of daily recommended levels. Iron is an important co-factor for guided cellular metabolism. It is also required for red blood cell production in the bone marrow.

Favourite common dishes that people like to add blackcurrants too include, morning cereals, fresh juices, a delicious array of deserts for the sweet tooth, home-made jams and healthy smoothies for people on the go.

Blackcurrants can also complement salads and even condense down into a sweet alcoholic liquor enjoyed with your family and friends.With all this in mind, one could definable conclude that these marvelous little berries are one of the blessings the fruit world has granted us.

Have a Berry Beautiful Day!