Blackcurrent
Juicy Trivia
Like most berries, blackcurrants contain a wealth of bioflavonoids and anthocyanidins, which are some of the most powerful antioxidants known to mankind. Please don't worry about these scientific terms, it's enough to know they are really important for helping to protect the body and keep you in tip top health!
Jason Says...
Blackcurrants are one of the best sources of Vitamin C which is essential in fighting infections and breaking down mucus. So these little berries could be your best friend in the winter months whilst also generally helping to boost the immune system.
Juice or Smoothie?
Both: We recommend blending them into a smoothie. They do make an amazing juice, but you probably wont enjoy the drink as is will cost a small fortune to create!
Juicy Benefits
The bioflavonoids found in these little super berries can be helpful in protecting blood vessels and capillaries from oxidative damage and may also help strengthen connective tissue in the body, which naturally weakens with the ageing process.
They are also anti-bacterial and can be very useful in tackling bouts of diarrhea caused by foreign bacteria, as they help to neutralise such 'unfriendly' bacteria.
Due to the high concentration of Vitamin C, these berries are also highly recommended for treating haemorrhoids as Vitamin C strengthens blood vessels while loosening stools.
Research
A study led by Dr Roger Hurst at ‘New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research’, explored the effect natural chemicals and compounds found in blackcurrants can have on the body following exercise. The study found that for those who took the blackcurrant extract exhibited reduced signs of oxidative stress, muscle damage and modulated inflammation. It has been shown that moderate, regular exercise boosts natural immunity and in this study the changes to inflammation indicate the blackcurrant extract enhances this effect.
Studies carried out on blackcurrant and vision health, led by Hiroshi Oguro and Hitoshi Matsumoto, concluded that the anthocyanin’s found in blackcurrant can help prevent and treat various problems associated with vision health.
There has been a serious of research and studies carried out on the health benefits of blackcurrants highlighting benefits to cardiovascular, eye, gut, and kidney health to name a few.
Vitamins, Minerals and Extras
They are one of the finest sources of Vitamin C and contain Beta Carotene.
Potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous.
References
Pinnock, Dale, 2011, Medical Cookery, Right Way, London.
Jensen, Bernard.Dr, 2000, Juicing Therapy, Keats Publishing, Illinois.
Meyerowitz, Steve, 2000, Power Juices Super Drinks, Kensington Books, New York.
www.enwikipedia.org
www.juicebenefits.net
www.healthalternatives2000.com/
www.blackcurrantfoundation.co.uk
www.jtbpd.com
www.nzblackcurrants.com
Disclaimer
Please be aware that we are not Doctors, so it is important BEFORE making any changes that you consult with your GP or Medical Practitioner. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, nor a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.