Benefits of Black Currant

Many health foods and drinks in the United Kingdom use these berries. Their tartness also lends itself to mixing with other fruits, especially in jams and juices.

Blackcurrants have a high concentration of: 

anthocyanins

polyphenolic substances

antioxidants

vitamin C

gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)

Improve vision

ResearchTrusted Source shows that GLA and linoleic acid, which are found in vitamin C, may be promising for treating dry eye. Thankfully, blackcurrants are packed with both of those. Clinical trials with blackcurrants found that these berries improve eye function, including:

the eyes’ ability to adapt to the dark

blood flow to the eyes

slowed progression of visual field deterioration in people with glaucoma

symptoms of visual fatigue

People who do computer work every day may benefit from blackcurrant supplements. One study found that 1 tablespoon of blackcurrant berries reduced visual fatigue two hours afterwards.

Herbalists’ honoree

People use the whole blackcurrant plant, from the leaves to the seeds, for many conditions. The most common form is blackcurrant seed oil, but you can also make infusions and teas out of the plant’s leaves, fresh or dried.

People take blackcurrant to help their:

blood flow

immune system

eye health

gut health

kidney health

Blackcurrant extracts are shown to reduce risk factors for metabolic conditions such as type 1 and 2 diabetes.

  Blackcurrant Extracts

Vitamin superstar

Blackcurrants contain many vitamins, such as:

A

B-5

B-6

B-1

E

The most significant is vitamin C. In fact, blackcurrants carry four times the amount of vitamin C as oranges and double the number of antioxidants as blueberries. The benefits of vitamin C are many. The body uses vitamin C to metabolize protein and form collagen, which is essential for skin care and anti-aging.

Blackcurrants have a direct effect on your body’s inflammatory response.

The blackcurrant seed oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a type of omega-6 fatty acid that’s been said to help ease inflammation in the body. The high GLA and anthocyanin content can help reduce joint or muscle:

pain

stiffness

soreness

damage

In some studies, GLA supplements were so effective that participants with rheumatoid arthritis could reduce their usual pain medications.

Blackcurrant

Plaque punisher and heart helper

Grape-based drinks like wine and juice are known to help decrease plaque buildup, but blackcurrant juice, as well as pomegranate juice, is far more potent. Blackcurrant is high in potassium and GLA, which can help lower your blood pressure too. The GLA also helps cells in your heart resist damage and slows down platelet clumping in your blood vessels.

In addition, one study found that blackcurrant powder increased heart blood flow and decreased overall peripheral resistance. This suggests that blackcurrant may help you recover after exercise.

While hard to find in most U.S. stores, the blackcurrant-based drink Ribena is very popular in the U.K.

Boosts immune system

In addition to vitamin C, blackcurrants have plenty of antioxidants and anthocyanins. These can help strengthen your immune system, soothe sore throats, and ease flu symptoms.

Blackcurrant leaves also have a range of properties, including:

antimicrobial

anti-inflammatory

antiviral

antitoxic

antiseptic

anticancer

One study showed that blackcurrant supplements enhanced the immune response in people who exercised regularly. They could also train harder for longer periods of time.

Another study of healthy older adults showed that blackcurrant seed oil boosted the immune system.