What is black currant useful for? Black currant benefits and harm to health

26.07.2020

Black currant

The most recognizable and popular garden berry, black currant contains many health benefits. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, which are much more in it than in other berries. It is an essential food for a healthy diet. It needs to be included in the diet to enhance immunity, improve and strengthen the body.

Why is black currant useful?

The main vitamin for which currants are so valued by people is ascorbic acid (or vitamin C). Currant also contains other vitamins, acids, glucose and fructose, tannins, and many other useful elements and substances. They do not accumulate in fruits alone. The leaves of the plant, which are often used to prepare medicinal infusions and decoctions, also have useful properties.

The presence of a high concentration of ascorbic acid in fruits will help to win in the fight against ARVI, flu, colds. With regular consumption, currants are able to enhance immunity, making it easier to resist any viral and bacterial infections. To satisfy the need for ascorbic acid, it is enough to eat 15-20 berries of a useful plant daily.

By adding only a few currant leaves when brewing tea, you can get an anti-inflammatory decoction with antipyretic effect. Tea with dried leaves of a fragrant currant will remind you of a gentle summer in the winter cold.

The berry has a calming effect on the nervous system, exhausted by stress. To calm down, effectively relieve nervous tension, you can pour a handful of berries with boiling water and carefully drink a healthy drink.

Currants for kidneys and stomach

Due to the diuretic effect, currant berries are indicated for renal diseases, problems of the genitourinary sphere, cystitis. A decoction made from currant leaves is recommended for edema, to get rid of bags that appear under the eyes.

Currants can help in case of high acidity.

It prevents acid from the stomach from being thrown into the esophagus. The use of berries saves from heartburn.

Read also: Celandine large, celandine juice treatment

The berry is useful for people suffering from diabetes, as it can regulate sugar. During intestinal upset, currants help eliminate toxins and help suppress the growth and development of harmful bacteria. It will relieve bloating, help overcome flatulence, various types of diarrhea, and enhance the effect of antibiotics.

The benefits of black currant have been proven in the treatment of diseases associated with the upper respiratory tract. To alleviate a painful dry cough, facilitate expectoration, help accelerate the healing and recovery process in diseases such as bronchitis or tracheitis, juice from currant berries can. It should be taken 3 or 4 times a day for 1 tsp. The juice is recommended for patients with tuberculosis to relieve severe cough.

The pronounced bactericidal and antiseptic properties of black currant berries make it possible to use juice from them when rinsing the throat when angina or tonsillitis overtake. A rinse solution is prepared by taking one glass of warm boiled water and 1 tsp. juice. This tool is also suitable for washing and disinfecting various wounds, abrasions, cuts, it can be used for stomatitis.

Folic acid of black currant

Folic acid, which is contained in the fruits of the plant in sufficiently large quantities, is very useful in bearing the fetus, reducing the possibility of developing various pathologies. Therefore, drinks based on black currant fruits are included in the diet of pregnant women. Fruit drinks, jelly, compotes made from currants are extremely useful for the heart, they can improve the work of the heart muscle, normalize blood pressure.

The benefits of black currant have long been noticed by cosmetologists. The juice has excellent skin whitening effect. Regular whitening procedures help get rid of unwanted freckles, pigmentation,. The bactericidal properties of the plant can effectively deal with inflammation and acne. Acids such as citric and apple, reduce the activity of the sebaceous glands, which makes the skin matte. Vitamin C gives the skin firmness, elasticity, removes flabbiness.

porichka, home doctor, gout berry, alpine berry

Perennial shrub. Juicy fruits are eaten, used for winter harvesting. However, the plant is appreciated not only for the pleasant taste of the berries. Wide and beneficial features black currant. It has tonic, diaphoretic and diuretic effects. Eliminates vitamin deficiency and increases the body's resistance. Currant is used for chronic and acute diarrhea, saves from dyspepsia.

Name in Latin: Ríbes nígrum

Name in English: Black currant

Family: Gooseberry

What is black currant? What ailments does it save? And what are the contraindications for black currant that doctors identify?

Plant characteristic

Delicious and juicy berry came to man from the wild. She occupied vast territories in Central Europe and was absolutely not in demand. They first started talking about it in the 11th century, when they began to grow shrubs in the monastery gardens of Novgorod and Pskov. But it took a long time before people realized what the benefits of black currant are. The berry received recognition in Central Europe from the British, Germans and French only in the 18th century. The Europeans were not interested in either the benefits or harms of black currant. They used it to make jellies, liqueurs, wines, and punch.

Description

A perennial shrub, on average, reaches 1 m. But some plants can be real "giants", growing up to 2 m. Currants are actively cultivated, and in the wild it is very rare. The shrub has the following botanical features.

Stems. The shrub has branched, erect shoots. Young branches are light in color. Adult shoots turn brown.
Leaves . Currant has characteristic large jagged leaves. They can reach a width and length of 3-12 cm. Each leaf consists of three to five triangular lobes. Currant leaves have another characteristic feature - golden glands located along the veins.
Flowers. Miniature five-membered flowers, bell-shaped, form drooping brushes. Each inflorescence contains from five to ten pale pink or purple flowers.
Fruit. Fragrant tasty berry. On average, the diameter of the fruit is 1 cm. Initially, the berry is green. Then, as it matures, it begins to turn brown. Ripe fruits turn black with a glossy skin.

Habitat

The plant easily takes root in almost any conditions. Prefers light, loose soil and fertile loams. Loves light and eagerly grows in illuminated areas. Currants are able to come to terms with partial shade, but the yield of such bushes is significantly reduced.

The culture is grown throughout Europe. Distributed in the northern regions, since the shrub is quite frost-hardy.

Procurement of raw materials

In folk medicine, plant buds, berries and leaves are used as medicinal raw materials. The procurement of such components does not cause any particular difficulties, but it is important to follow some rules. For example, when harvesting, you cannot pick off young leaves - this will destroy the plant. What else to consider, the table will tell you.

Table - Subtleties of harvesting and storage of various parts of sulfur currant

Parameters	Kidney	Berries	Leaves
Collection time	- In March-April	- In July-August	- June-July (but ideally in September)
What to collect	- Branches with swollen buds are cut with pruning shears; - tied into bundles for drying; - after a couple of days, the buds are separated from the branches	- Only berries are picked (without stalks) deep black	- Tear green healthy leaves from the middle of the branch
Storage preparation	- Kidneys are frozen and stored in the freezer	- Dried under a canopy in the shade; - dried in an oven at 50 ° C-60 ° C	- Dried in the shade in the fresh air; - constantly overturn
Storage periods	- One year	- Two years	- One year
What is cooking	- Make alcohol tincture	- Canning juice	- Make decoctions and infusions

If you need to prepare black currants for the winter and you want such a preparation to be sugar-free, then it is best to dry or freeze the raw materials. You can make compote using the following recipe. Pour four glasses of washed currant berries and 2 g of citric acid into a three-liter jar. The jar is poured with boiling water, sterilized for half an hour. Then rolled up and transferred to storage.

Useful properties of black currant and risks when using

For the medicinal properties of black currant, the berry was nicknamed "home doctor". The plant is popular with traditional healers. In pharmacology, currant raw materials were not appreciated at their true worth. It is most commonly added to flavor medications.

Chemical composition

The glossy black berry is considered the "queen of vitamins". Therefore, it is recommended for the treatment of vitamin deficiency. However, medicinal raw materials contain not only vitamins. The chemical composition of currants is much richer. The main substances are listed in the table.

Table - Useful substances in the composition of currants

Currant composition	Role
Vitamin C	- Maintenance of immunity; - neutralization of toxins; - strengthening of blood vessels
Carotene (A)	- Stimulation of the immune defense; - improvement of vision
Vitamins B	- Reducing cholesterol; - activation of the synthesis of hormones; - increased tone; - work improvement nervous system; - establishment of energy processes
Vitamin K	- Stimulation of protein synthesis; - participation in blood coagulation
Organic acids	- Increased appetite; - activation of the production of digestive juices; - antiseptic action
Phytoncides	- Prevention of viral diseases; - destruction of microbes
Pectin	- Stimulation of intestinal peristalsis; - lowering cholesterol; - improving the digestion of food; - cleansing the gastrointestinal tract from toxins, bacteria, salts of heavy metals, radionuclides
Essential oils	- Disinfection of wounds; - bactericidal effect
Tannins	- Antiseptic action; - improving the absorption of nutrients; - stopping bleeding
Sodium	- Normalization of the nervous system; - restoration of muscle tone
Calcium	- Improving bone health; - participation in blood clotting; - improved transmission of nerve impulses
Iron	- Synthesis of hemoglobin; - participation in the metabolism of B vitamins; - regulation of immunity
Potassium	- Normalization of the heart; - participation in glucose storage; - maintaining blood pressure; - regulation of kidney function

The cosmetologists really liked the currant. They use a juicy berry to treat irritations, cleanse the skin from acne. Currant tightens flabby skin, smoothes wrinkles.

Effects on the body

Blackcurrant contains five times more ascorbic acid than lemons. And accordingly, the effect that a small berry has on immunity is five times stronger. Therefore, currants are recommended to be consumed to increase the protective properties, to fight respiratory infections. Also, black currant has the following healing properties.

A juicy berry is able to fight the formation of calculi. It cleans the bladder and gallbladder, kidneys from stones. Such therapy is possible only under medical supervision! Acute-angled stones or stones larger than 5 mm in diameter can cause blockage or rupture of the ureters. The only chance to save such a patient is an operation.

It is simply impossible to list the entire list of indications for the use of medicinal currants. A small berry is useful in the treatment of a number of pathologies. Currants will bring significant benefits with the following ailments:

colds, sore throats, flu, laryngitis, tracheitis, whooping cough, bronchitis;
vitamin deficiency, anemia, anemia;
rheumatism, arthrosis, arthritis, gout;
migraine;
chronic fatigue, depression, nervous exhaustion, insomnia;
tuberculosis;
dermatitis, eczema, diathesis, psoriasis;
diarrhea, weakening of intestinal motility, gastritis with low acidity;
disturbed heart rhythm, atherosclerosis, hypertension;
cystitis, pyelonephritis;
alzheimer's disease;
diabetes mellitus;
pathologies of the lymph nodes.

Contraindications

Can a delicious berry harm the body? Folk healers claim that there are serious contraindications to the use of black currant, non-observance of which can lead to unpleasant consequences. Treatment with a berry is unsafe for people who have:

thrombophlebitis;
gastritis with high acidity;
post-infarction condition;
increased blood clotting;
suffered a stroke;
hepatitis, cirrhosis.

Black currant contains many biologically active components, so it can provoke the development of allergies. If during treatment are observed side effects in the form of irritation, rash, itchy skin, then the use of berries must be abandoned.

Traditional medicine recipes

For prevention, folk healers are advised to introduce black currants into their daily diet. A small handful of juicy fruits is enough to make up for the vitamin deficiency in the body. The use of black currant berries in the form of decoctions, tea, tinctures is in demand.

Tea

Features. To strengthen the immune system, it is recommended to use black currant in the form of tea. Especially if you add such useful components as cranberries, rose hips and honey to it. It is recommended to support your body at home with medicinal tea at least twice a day.

Composition:

currant berries - a teaspoon;
rose hips (or cranberries, viburnum) - a teaspoon;
honey - to taste;
water - 250 ml.

Preparation

Black currants are combined with other berries or fruits.
Aromatic raw materials are brewed with boiling water and infused for 10-15 minutes.
Then the drink is filtered.
Sweeten the tea with honey.

Puree

Features. This remedy is recommended for vascular diseases: it clears cholesterol and improves the condition of the vascular walls, has a beneficial effect on the heart and lowers blood pressure. Consume two to three tablespoons a day. It is not recommended to exceed the dosage.

Composition:

currants - four tablespoons;
sugar or honey - eight tablespoons.

Preparation

Fresh berries are thoroughly ground.
Sugar is added to the black mixture and kneaded thoroughly.

To facilitate the process of taking a sweet medicine, it is recommended to dilute a tablespoon of pre in water. You get something like fruit drink.

Infusion

Features. It is recommended that to clear the kidneys from calculi or sand. This drink is consumed only after the permission of the doctor. Take an aqueous blackcurrant tincture in a tablespoon. Five to six meals are recommended throughout the day.

Composition:

berries (you can take fresh or dried) - 20 pieces;
boiling water - two glasses.

Preparation

The berries are poured with boiling water.
The infusion is poured into a thermos and kept warm for eight hours.
Then the drink is uncorked and filtered.

In case of liver diseases (except for cirrhosis and hepatitis) or gallstones, it is better to brew tea from young branches of black currant.

Currant juice

Features. With pathologies of the digestive system, in the case of dyspeptic disorders, currant juice is recommended for intake. It has the ability to improve and restore vision. For the prevention of pathologies, it is recommended to drink juice five times a day half an hour before meals, a third of a glass.

Composition:

fresh berries - a large handful;
boiling water - a little.

Preparation

Dense berries are poured over with boiling water.
Then the raw material is crushed.
The fragrant gruel is wrapped in cheesecloth and squeezed out.

Currant juice helps to restore the body after surgical interventions, is recommended for the treatment of gum disease.

Ointment

Features. According to reviews, an ointment made from fresh currant berries helps in the fight against a variety of skin pathologies. It is recommended to lubricate altered skin areas with such a remedy twice a day.

Composition:

currant juice - 20 ml;
interior fat - 80 g.

Preparation

Initially, currant juice is prepared.
Then the interior fat is heated in a water bath.
Both workpieces are well mixed.

Healers approve of treatment with black currant berries for almost any ailment. For example, by adding a few drops of currant juice to the water, you can get an effective rinse medicine that can even relieve sore throats. And the juice, if used as a lotion, cleans the wounds of pus.

Who doesn't love savoring ice cream or black currant bun? Who hasn't drunk a currant cocktail? But did you know that this fleshy juicy fruit is a real panacea for health?

Black currant is a plant whose seeds, leaves, fruits, and flowers are used to make medicines. Berries are a treasure trove of vitamin C, which helps our body absorb iron, boosts our immune system and helps fight common seasonal illnesses (flu, etc.) and various infections.

Black currant also contains a lot of vitamin A, which is useful for the eyes, which can not only protect the eyes from free radicals, but even improve vision and prevent serious eye diseases.

In addition, this fruit is rich in calcium, which means it strengthens teeth and bones.

Experts say blackcurrant berries can relieve arthritis, help us look younger, and keep our eyes healthy.

The properties of this berry are related to its antioxidant components, which give it the ability to treat or prevent disease, and is reflected in a deep purple color. Thus, the darker the currants, the healthier they are.

Useful properties of black currant for men and women

You will be surprised to learn how beneficial black currant is for our health. The facts listed below will not only dispel some of your preconceptions, but also prove to you that these priceless berries are a real panacea:

Research shows that black currant has a very high level of antioxidant activity compared to other fruits and berries. And even though it is often consumed in a canned form (juice, jam), it is important to know that black currant antioxidants are very stable and remain active after heat treatment.

Why is black currant useful for a woman's body

The benefits of black currant for a woman's body are measured not only by calories:

Blackcurrant face mask: Squeeze 2 tablespoons (heaped) of ripe blackcurrant juice, mix well with tablespoon of yogurt. Add one full tablespoon of honey to the mixture. Blackcurrant, like honey, is rich in antioxidants. Apply the mixture to your face for 20 minutes, then wash off with cool water.
The mask is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Vitamin C

Many people believe that the highest vitamin C content is found in citrus fruits (lemon, orange), but in reality, black currant is several times ahead of them. We know about the benefits of vitamin C for the immune system and against cold symptoms, not everyone knows that this vitamin is equally good for the skin:

Vitamin C helps reduce wrinkles, brightens the skin and adds natural healthy light.
Vitamin C is also needed by the body to create collagen, an important structural material for bones, teeth, skin, ligaments (which connect bones to other bones in joints), tendons (which connect muscles to bones), and cartilage (provides cushioning of joints).
Collagen is responsible for the elasticity of the skin, and its deficiency leads to the appearance of wrinkles.
Vitamin C helps us stay healthy by acting as an antioxidant and protecting our bodies from free radical damage. Scientists believe that regular intake of antioxidants can delay many age-related diseases that result from normal wear and tear and aging of the body.

Is it possible to eat black currants for gout

Thanks to its ingredients, black currant prevents urea build-up.
Therefore, it is very necessary to eat black currants with gout.
And best of all, a lot. Hasn't the currant season come yet? Drink juice from these berries, you can also feast on canned jams or simply candied berries. And thanks to this alone, you can reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks.
A good recipe for seizures:

Rub one part of black currant with two parts of sugar (any amount, but exactly twice as much sugar).
Eat at least three tablespoons daily.
Forget about gout attacks.

Currant leaves are also used for gout to relieve pain and fight inflammation. Usually, dry leaves or twigs are taken to make the tincture:

Pour a tablespoon of raw, crushed leaves or twigs with a glass of hot boiled water.
We insist for about an hour, after which you can sweeten with honey.
Drink half a glass of warm drink before each meal (three times a day).

Black currant for weight loss

Black currant, like other berries, brings our body much more benefit than harm. But do not overdo it and remember that everything in moderation is good. And if you decide to lose weight before vacation, keep in mind that a cake with currants is unlikely to be more useful for you than a cake with chocolate.

Of course, it is possible and necessary to eat black currants while losing weight, but when adding berries to your diet, it is important to remember that the diet should be selected by a nutritionist, supplemented with physical exercises, and only then it can be slightly diversified with black currants. And only in this case, the berries are able to bring the maximum benefit:

Clinical tests have shown the ability of black currants to minimize the absorption of sucrose and insulin, which contribute to high blood sugar levels and subsequent weight gain.
This is due to the fact that the berries have low level calories and fat and high water content, and it is a natural diuretic that is highly regarded by nutritionists and pharmacists. Therefore, if black currant is included in the diet for weight loss, you need to drink plenty of water.
The fiber in berries accelerates the movement of food through the colon, resulting in decreased appetite.
According to the researchers, these berries contain nutrients called polyphenols, which scientists believe to stimulate fat burning during physical exercise by increasing blood flow by 20 percent, and delivering nutrients and oxygen to cells.
At the University of New Zealand, a study was conducted on blackcurrant extract, taken in the form of a supplement in a concentrated dose, as a result of which it was possible to prove that these berries contribute to weight loss up to a third of the total weight, but mainly during exercise.

Contraindications for black currant?

Despite its medicinal properties, currants have contraindications:

can not be taken by patients with thrombophlebitis,
contraindicated in people with high stomach acidity,
contraindicated in patients with hepatitis or ulcers,
it is undesirable to eat during pregnancy.

Blackcurrant can also cause allergies, but in very rare cases and only in people with intolerance to salicylates (herbal ingredients chemically related to aspirin).

People who are allergic to salicylate have an intolerance to aspirin and similar medications such as cough and flu medications, and sometimes even acne lotions. Therefore, if you know that your body is intolerant to aspirin (or similar drugs), you better give up black currant.

Children and adults who are allergic to salicylates can develop a rash after eating black currant, and sometimes there is swelling. In very rare cases, abdominal pain, eczema and asthma occur. Even more extreme reactions are possible.

The benefits and harms of black currant are an interesting topic for fans of berries from their own garden. Small black fruits are found in desserts and jams, they are eaten fresh - what properties are inherent in any dishes from black currant?

The chemical composition of black currant

vitamins C and A;
a significant set of B vitamins;
vitamin PP, it is also niacin;
vitamin K;
citric and malic acids;
glucose and fructose;
pectins;
flavonoids;
potassium and calcium;
iron, magnesium and phosphorus;
tanning components.

Nutritional value and calorie content of black currant

The energy value is represented mainly by carbohydrates - there are about 7.3 g of them in currants. Proteins are contained in a much smaller, but still significant amount - about 1 g. Very little fat in berries - no more than 0.4 g.

100 g of fresh fruit contains up to 44 calories. This makes the currant dietary mealnot capable of inflicting any harm on the figure.

Why is black currant useful for the body

If you eat small black fruits on an ongoing basis, then the benefits of black currants for the human body will not slow down to show themselves. The product has a positive effect on almost the entire body. Namely:

serves as an excellent antipyretic and firming agent;
acts as a good natural diuretic;
helps to fight inflammation of any nature;
has a tonic and at the same time calming effect, which is very useful for the nervous system;
helps to free the body from accumulated toxins during a diet;
has a beneficial effect on the skeletal system and is very useful for rheumatism;
strengthens the vascular walls and protects the heart, contributing to its normal functioning;
has a beneficial effect on metabolism and strengthens the intestines and stomach;
can serve as the prevention of oncology, since it promotes cell renewal.

Does black currant raise or lower blood pressure? The properties of the product will be appreciated by hypertensive patients, since the blood pressure decreases when black berries are consumed. But people with chronically low blood pressure should be careful.

For women

The particular benefit of berries for women is that the product has a rejuvenating effect on the body. This manifests itself both in improving general well-being and in appearance - the skin becomes smoother and cleaner, the condition of the hair improves.

Currant helps with problem menstruation and during menopause - relieves PMS, makes it easier to endure the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. With the help of blackcurrant, you can quickly lose weight - it is part of many diets.

For men

The value of the product for men lies in the fact that fresh blackcurrant, dishes and drinks based on it strengthen the heart and cleanse blood vessels of cholesterol. This is the benefit of black currant for the liver - the berry helps the natural "filter" of the body.

Also, currants protect men from heart attacks and strokes, to which the stronger sex is especially prone. In adulthood, the use of the product for men is useful as a prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

For kids

In general, black sweet berries are very useful for babies. But a child is often allergic to black currant - therefore, for the first time, the product should be introduced into the diet only after 7 months of life, and in a boiled form. The vitamins present in the product can protect the child from anemia and colds.

Attention! Since in some situations blackcurrant can be strictly contraindicated, it is imperative to consult a pediatrician before introducing it into the diet.

Is black currant possible for pregnant and lactating mothers

The benefits of black currant for pregnant women are quite large. First of all, the product saturates the body with essential vitamins and minerals, strengthens, protects against colds. Berries can be used to treat an already appeared flu or ARVI in cases where the use of medications is undesirable. Thanks to its positive effect on the stomach, the properties of the berry will help to cope with bouts of nausea.

But with black currant at breastfeeding it is better to wait 4 months after giving birth before returning the berry to the list of permitted foods. It can harm the baby if the baby is allergic. In addition, not all the substances present in the composition of the berries can be digested by the child's delicate body immediately.

Black currant for weight loss (on a diet)

Since there are very few calories in the product, currants are ideal for dietary nutrition. She not only does not harm the figure, but also actively contributes to the loss of extra pounds. Vitamin C in its composition helps to break down fatty deposits, valuable minerals and organic acids help to maintain good health even with a limited diet.

Are dried and frozen currants useful?

The fruits harvested from the bush are not stored for long, and the currants are usually dried or frozen - then its shelf life increases up to a year. But a natural question arises - is there any benefit in frozen black currants or dried berries?

Drying and freezing in no way affect the value of the berries - the fruits retain the full range of vitamins and elements. Of course, this is true, provided that the processing was carried out correctly. Freeze berries only at very low temperatures (-18 degrees or lower), and dry them in the shade, with good ventilation, preventing moisture from accumulating in the berries.

Tip: after storage in the freezer, it is not recommended to defrost the product, and then put it back in the cold - in this case, the benefits of frozen currants will disappear.

Blackcurrant recipes in folk medicine

The beneficial properties of black berries are the reason that currants can often be found in home medicine recipes. In one form or another, it is used to treat:

avitaminosis and colds;
atherosclerosis and scurvy;
diarrhea and diarrhea;
cystitis and edema;
gastritis with low acidity.

Also, black currant treatment is carried out externally - with currant-based compositions, skin lesions, cuts, dermatitis can be treated.

Blackcurrant juice

Most often, freshly squeezed currant juice is taken as a remedy. It is easy to make - you need to knead a sufficient amount of berries and pass the juice through folded gauze. The drink will be beneficial for:

gastritis and indigestion;
colds, sore throats, bronchitis;
with arrhythmias of the heart and high blood pressure.

Also, the juice is highly recommended for use in diabetes and as a prophylaxis against colds. They drink it a little, three times a day, just a few sips. It is better to take the remedy shortly before meals. If the juice is used to treat colds, then first it must be warmed to at least room temperature.

You can rinse a sore throat or gums with fresh currant juice - it will have an antiseptic and mild analgesic effect. In case of irritation and damage to the skin, juice can be lubricated with sore areas - the product will promote healing.

Blackcurrant tincture with vodka

A valuable remedy made from currants is prepared using alcohol. A handful of fresh or dried currant berries are poured with a sufficient amount of vodka, the vessel is tightly sealed and the tincture is removed to a dark place for 3 weeks.

Periodically, the product should be taken out and shaken, and after the tincture is completely ready, it must be filtered.

With the help of the drink, cold symptoms and inflammatory processes in the body can be treated. The main condition is to take the tincture no more than three times a day, and only 1 small spoon. You cannot continue treatment for more than 10 days - otherwise the benefits of the drink will turn into harm.

Important! Alcoholic blackcurrant tincture should not be abused, the remedy is allowed only in minimal dosages. It is also worth protecting children and adolescents from it.

Infusion of black currant

A quick to prepare and very useful drink for treatment is an infusion on black currant leaves or berries. The berries can be simply poured with boiling water, and the leaves must be pre-chopped. The hot infusion is kept for half an hour, and then filtered through cheesecloth or a fine sieve.

Inside, the infusion is taken in the volume of half a glass, shortly before eating. Blackcurrant infusion is useful for the intestines, it helps to relieve exacerbations of gastritis. You can also drink it simply to strengthen the body, adding a little honey to it, or gargle with a cold - no more than 5 times a day.

Blackcurrant decoction

Most often, the broth is prepared from dried currant berries - the concentration of nutrients in them is the highest. Several tablespoons of raw materials are poured into a small saucepan, poured with water - and boiled for 10 minutes. When the broth is ready, it will need to be kept under the lid for another hour.

The remedy effectively reduces high blood pressure if taken three times a day, several sips.
Also, the broth serves as a good diaphoretic for colds and relieves the temperature.
With diarrhea, it is recommended to take the remedy 1 large spoon three times a day, the same dosage is prescribed when using a decoction as a diuretic for edema.

Blackcurrant ointment

The properties of black currant, or rather, an ointment prepared on its basis, is often used to treat skin ailments. An ointment is prepared from two components - 20 ml of fresh currant juice and 80 g of melted internal fat.

The ingredients are mixed until completely homogeneous, and then treated with homemade ointment for irritations, abrasions, cuts, bruises and healing burns. The properties of berries and fat have a beneficial effect on the skin - they cleanse cuts and abrasions, relieve inflammation and swelling, and promote rapid skin recovery.

How much black currant can you eat per day

Delicious black berries are very easy to get carried away. However, it is necessary to observe the dosage - the benefits and harms of black currant for health depend on it. Maximum daily rate for an adult it is 300 - 500 g of fresh berries per day, and for children - no more than 200 g. At the same time, you need to eat berries in several stages.

Important! Failure to comply with the dosage can harm the stomach - acidity will increase too much.

Black currant for diabetes

Since the product contains sugar, many believe that black currant is prohibited for diabetes. This is not so - the sugars in the berries are vegetable, the glycemic index is about 15 units. When consumed, the glucose level rises slightly and slowly, so there is no harm to health.

At the same time, the beneficial properties of currants help to improve the functioning of the pancreas, intestines, kidneys, black currants are useful for the heart. In diabetes, the product protects against many complications that may appear against the background of the disease. In small quantities, berries are highly recommended for consumption and are only beneficial.

Important! Diabetics are allowed fresh currants and drinks based on it, which do not contain sugar. But jam, jams, sweetened juices should be excluded from the diet.

The benefits of blackcurrant blanks

As a rule, fresh currant berries are eaten only during the harvest season and not long after. And for the rest of the year, the product is used to prepare all kinds of workpieces with long shelf life. And each of these useful preparations has not only excellent taste, but also value for the body.

The benefits of blackcurrant jam

Sweet, tasty and nutritious black fruit jam is a great remedy for many diseases. First of all, jam has anti-cold properties - if you eat it together with tea for prevention and treatment, then the ARVI and influenza viruses will not harm the body.

The benefit of currant jam is that the delicacy helps to get rid of the symptoms of anemia and atherosclerosis, helps to cure gastritis and even helps with tuberculosis. Even the official medicine recommends to eat dessert.

Why is black currant fruit drink useful

Strengthening, vitamin and tasty currant juice is one of the most healthy drinks based on berries. The fact is that in the preparation of fruit drinks, the fruits are almost not subjected to high-temperature processing - accordingly, and the beneficial properties are preserved to the maximum.

Blackcurrant juice contains a huge amount of vitamin C, folic acid, potassium and iron. Drinking fruit drinks is useful for the prevention of all kinds of ailments, to strengthen blood vessels and to normalize the intestines. The drink relieves thirst for a long time, slightly tones, regulates appetite. Fruit drink is a good natural diuretic and may help relieve swelling.

Useful properties of black currant compote

Blackcurrant compote is slightly less useful than fruit drink or fresh berries. But at the same time, it still retains valuable properties. Sour compote has a low calorie content and contains a lot of essential trace elements, acids and vitamins.

The benefits of currant are the same both cold and hot. A cool drink in the summer heat will help restore fluid balance in the body, and in winter it will keep you warm. Compote is drunk to restore gastric secretion and to treat colds, during ARVI, a hot remedy helps to sweat and relieve fever. You can offer blackcurrant compote to a child - the drink is allowed for children's use, starting from 7 months.

Correctly preserved compote can be stored for several months. It can be consumed in winter - and get all the vitamins that are lacking in the cold season.

The benefits of black currant jelly

Blackcurrant is best used for acute and chronic diseases of the stomach and intestines. In the form of jelly, black currant is very useful for stomach ulcers - a viscous drink envelops the mucous membranes, does not cause unnecessary irritation, and promotes healing.

Blackcurrant jelly is no less useful for gastritis with high acidity. It is better to refuse fresh berries and concentrated juices for such an ailment, but an enveloping drink will have a very beneficial effect on gastric functions and will not cause unnecessary harm.

The benefits and harms of blackcurrant wine

Usually alcoholic beverages are appreciated for their pleasant taste. But purchased or homemade blackcurrant wine also has properties valuable for health. It participates in the process of hematopoiesis, protects against anemia and helps maintain hemoglobin at a normal level. Currant wine strengthens the heart and prevents the development of tachycardia, has a beneficial effect on blood vessels and makes their walls more elastic.

But of course, you can only drink an alcoholic drink occasionally - and in small quantities. A couple of glasses a week will be enough. If you abuse blackcurrant wine, it will only harm.

The use of black currant in cosmetology

The beneficial properties of small berries are also highly valued in the cosmetic field. The vitamins present in fruits have an extremely positive effect on the condition of the skin, nails, hair follicles. Black currants in one volume or another can often be seen in the compositions of personal care products - they are found in masks and creams, lotions and peeling compositions, scrubs.

Well-mashed pulp is used in wellness formulations homemade - the benefit of a currant face mask is that the product rejuvenates and tightens the skin. Decoctions are prepared from the fruits of the berry bush for rinsing the hair - with regular use, the curls acquire strength, volume and shine.

Harm of black currant and contraindications

Whatever the benefits of blackcurrant, in some situations it can be harmful. You can not use black berries for the following diseases:

gastritis with high acidity - with the exception of jelly;
thrombophlebitis and tendency to varicose veins;
inflammation of the pancreas in the acute stage - black currant with pancreatitis will have an irritating effect;
individual allergy to the fruit of the berry bush.

With great care, you need to eat currants with hypotension. Since the fruit has blood pressure-lowering properties, abuse can be harmful to the body.

Collection and storage of black currant

Black currant fruits are harvested during the ripening period, while during the season you can get 2 or 3 crops at once - the berries ripen at different times.

The currants, which are planned to be consumed fresh, can be immediately removed to the refrigerator.
Berries that will be dried in the future must be spread out in an even layer in a shaded place with good access of fresh air and dried slightly. Then they will need to be dried at a temperature of about 40 degrees, and then dried completely - naturally or in the oven at 60 degrees.
Freeze dry berries at a temperature not higher than - 18 degrees, while repeated freezing should be avoided in the future.

Fresh black chokeberry retains its taste and beneficial properties for about a month in the refrigerator. Frozen or dried fruits are stored for a year or more without loss of valuable qualities - provided that the storage rules are fully observed.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of black currant depend primarily on the state of health. If there are no ailments from the list of contraindications, then berries, drinks and preparations can be consumed calmly - they will only benefit.

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Small round, bead-like charcoal berries are familiar to everyone from childhood - this is black currant, the useful properties and contraindications of which are determined by its composition. Active substances are found both in the fruits and in the leaves of the plant, and the first mentions of it are found in ancient medical books. This is not only a fragrant delicacy, but also an excellent cure for many ailments.

The currant is distributed practically throughout Eurasia. This small shrub has been cultivated several centuries ago, and today the sour game has been replaced by many breeding varieties that differ in the size of the bush itself, and in taste, and in the chemical composition of the fruits.

It is noteworthy that currants are a plant that is sensitive to heat. It is this bush that is one of the first to come to life after winter dormancy, and even before the snow melts, buds swell on its branches.

Calling a currant just a delicious berry is like saying almost nothing about it. Modest bead berries bring benefits almost more than expensive pharmacy vitamins. Its secret lies in the unique composition of the fruits.

Currant contains:

vitamins - C, A, PP, B;
organic acids - citric and malic;
sugar (glucose and fructose);
flavonoids;
pectins;
tannins;
minerals - magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, calcium.

It is interesting! The well-established stereotype that lemon (and other citruses) is the champion in the content of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is wrong.

Currants are among the three leading products in terms of the concentration of natural vitamin C in them, after rose hips and red bell peppers.

Currant leaves can also boast of a rich composition: they also contain a lot of ascorbic acid, carotene, phytoncides and essential oils. Therefore, both berries and bush leaves are used for harvesting.

For all its usefulness, currants are also low-calorie - only about 45 kilocalories per 100 grams. This makes the berry a popular component of the diet. In addition to being used as an independent product, currants are included in smoothies, yoghurts, curds and fruit salads for weight loss.

Black currant: useful and medicinal properties

A small handful of fresh currant berries provides the adult body's daily need for vitamin C.

This vitamin:

plays a huge role in the functioning of almost all body systems;
provides adequate support for immunity;
promotes the removal of toxic substances;
slows down the aging process ...

... and even kills cancer cells!

With regular consumption of currants, an increase in the tone of the body and its resistance to various infections are noted.

In addition, currant fruits:

have diaphoretic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory effects;
increase appetite and improve digestion;
promote the activation of metabolic processes.

Berries have a positive effect on the body in the fight against atherosclerosis, help to remove excess fluid and get rid of edema, are indicated for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and intense mental work.

Sufficiently high content of pectin and fiber in currant berries make the product an excellent remedy for constipation. The most popular blackcurrant (along with raspberries) is a remedy for colds and flu. At the same time, the berries contain a minimum of potential allergens, and therefore they are well tolerated by both children and women during pregnancy, as well as people prone to allergies.

The benefits of leaves, currant berries

Due to the high content of ascorbic acid and other active ingredients, black currant leaf is widely used as drug... They use both greens from a bush during the entire growing season, and dried raw materials. Currant leaf is used both as an independent drug and as part of herbal preparations. It “adjoins” well, mutually reinforcing the action of other components, with raspberry and lingonberry leaves, as well as with rose hips.

The currant leaf itself has a pleasant aroma, which remains after drying. Due to this smell and antibiotic properties, it has found application in vegetable canning and cooking.

Currant berries are a storehouse of vitamins.

For example, in hot sunny weather, the berries will be sweeter, but the amount of vitamin C in them will decrease, and with cloudy and damp weather, the fruits will begin to acidify, but they will have more vitamin C.

Berries are widely used to strengthen immunity and fight acute respiratory infections. Due to its high concentration in fruits folic acidimportant for the formation of the baby's nervous system, they are useful during pregnancy.

Application for various diseases

Both fresh and as part of decoctions and multivitamin preparations, black currant fruits are used for:

hypo- and avitaminosis;
atherosclerosis;
colds;
dysentery;
scurvy;
cystitis;
edema.

Fresh and dried berries are recommended for use in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including:

gastritis with low acidity;
ulcers of the stomach and duodenum;
pancreatitis and others.

The positive effect of currants on the hematopoietic system is also known, therefore, the fruits are recommended to be eaten with anemia, vascular diseases and their weakness (to strengthen the walls), with large blood loss.

A decoction of currant leaves knocks down the heat and cures scrofula in children.
In addition, the broth is useful for sore throats and gum problems - rinsing with warm infusion can relieve inflammation and reduce pain.
Dried currant leaves are active against bacteria that cause dysentery and some infectious intestinal diseases.
It has also been used successfully as an antibiotic enhancer.

Procurement and storage

In order for the use of black currant as a medicine to be preserved as much as possible, it is important to properly harvest and store the berries.

They are harvested as they ripen, and the berries ripen unevenly, so it is possible to make 2-4 harvests per season. For drying, dryers are used with preliminary drying of berries at a temperature of about 40 ° C, then they are dried at 50-60 ° C, or dried naturally in well-ventilated places.

The fruits can also be frozen whole or grated (with or without sugar). You can also cook jam. However, with a similar harvesting method, useful vitamins and trace elements are destroyed under the influence of high temperatures.

To harvest the leaf, the time is right after picking the berries. The most valuable leaves are from the middle of young branches. Drying is done in attics or in rooms with good ventilation. Store fruits and foliage in linen or paper bags in dry rooms.

Traditional medicine recipes

Infusion of leaves for colds. A dry currant leaf is crushed, 2 tablespoons of raw materials are poured with a glass of boiling water and allowed to brew for half an hour. The filtered broth is used to gargle the throat 3-5 times a day or taken orally in 0.5 cups with the addition of a teaspoon of honey.
Jam in five minutes from black currant with blueberries. You will need: 500 grams of currants and blueberries, 1 kg of granulated sugar and 350 milliliters of water. Syrup is prepared from sugar and water. Pre-washed and sorted berries are poured into it, boiling, and boiled with constant stirring for 5 minutes. Hot jam is poured into sterile jars and rolled up with a lid. It turns out a wonderful restorative agent and a useful medicine for maintaining visual acuity.
Tincture of currant leaves on white wine for gastritis with low acidity. A couple of handfuls of fresh currant leaves are washed, chopped with a knife and crumpled in the hands until the juice is released. Then it is placed in a glass jar and poured with 500 milliliters of dry white wine. For two weeks, periodically shaking the jar, the tincture is kept in a dark place at a temperature close to room temperature. Then filtered and taken as needed in a tablespoon before meals. The tincture also relieves fatigue and helps with increased fatigue.