Currant Nutrition Benefits
Blackcurrants have been used to affect human health since at least the Middle Ages in Europe and have a long history in Russia and North America as well. Native American tribes used various parts of the blackcurrant plant to treat swellings as well as kidney, uterine and stomach ailments. There is record of German apothecaries administering cordials for lung conditions and recommending wild blackcurrants for use in treating bladder stones and liver disorders. Interestingly, there is at least one scientific study that suggests substantiation for this use.
In the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, European physicians intuitively recognized the benefits of blackcurrants’ high vitamin C content in preventing scurvy and as a useful tonic. During this period, blackcurrant was also indicated for various infections, including urinary tract infections, inflammation and intestinal ailments. Research surrounding the high anthocyanin content and specific polysaccharide composition of blackcurrant is now turning up evidence that may support some of these traditional uses.
An exciting new study shows great promise in the value of the predominate antioxidant in Black Currants, anthocyanin, to prevent liver cancer one of the most common cancers in the world. One of the leading Black Currant researchers in the United States, Dr. Anupam Bishayee, Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine & Pharmacy, has been studying the connection between liver cancer and Black Currant anthocyanins and has just published his finding thus far. The complete study can be read at ‘Black Currants and Liver Cancer’.
Because of the variety of vitamins and minerals, and the potent phtyochemical and antioxidant power, in Black Currants, they boast a fair amount of potential health benefits. As researchers continue to study these dark purple wonders, the compounds that they contain, and their effects on our health, there will likely be many more exciting benefits uncovered. Click here to learn more about how Black Currants and the research on its benefits for protecitng against Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, vision disorders, urinary track infections, and kidney stones. Click here to learn about Phytonutrients, Antioxidants, Anthocyanins and Quercitin, the natural compounds contained in Black Currants and their benefits to your health. Also, Black Currants are a great source of Vitamin C and Potassium.
Since most Americans don’t know what real currants are, we here at CropPharms have made it our mission to not only teach Americans what Currants are but also what they aren't. Click here to learn about what a Zante Raisin is and why it has often been confused in this country with the real Zante Currant.
And what are Omega-3s and why do you need them? Omega-3s are essential fatty acids, these nutrients regulate the body's production of cholesterol, and strengthen cell walls, fortifying them against the invasion of viruses and bacteria. They are essential nutrients for the development of the brain and retina, and in infant development. They improve immune functions, they alleviate arthritis symptoms and inflammation, and they lower the risk for cardiovascular disease. Omega-3 fatty oils can also prevent or delay the development of cancer and related tumors and may improve bone growth. Click here to learn more about Omega-3s.