Amazing fruits #2 Blackcurrants

Polska wersja

November 03, 2016

The blackcurrant (ribes nigrum) is native to northern and central Europe. It blossoms in April – Mai and the fruits are picked in the second part of the summer. The fruits as well as the leaves have a big value for nutritional and medicinal use.
The blackcurrants are small, deep purple black and fragrant, but their taste is not too enticing. Instead, the therapeutic qualities of blackcurrant make it a wonder of nature. It helps with strengthening the body, regulating hormonal activities, eliminates anemia, stimulates the growth and strengthening of the bones and helps regenerate the body.

This fruit is considered a panacea in the traditional medicine in different countries and has been long used to reduce inflammation and the effects of arthritis, due to the gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a type of omega-6 fatty acid that helps against inflammation. So next time you feel like grabbing an anti-inflammatory, try first a spoon of blackcurrant. However being a bit sour, it usually requires adding some honey.

Blackcurrants are mostly known for their high levels of vitamin C and potassium, as well as B1, B2 and B6 vitamins. Blackcurrants have depurative, diaphoretic, anti-rheumatic, anti-infective and healing properties. Recent studies show that consuming blackcurrant on a regular basis helps with improved performance and quicker recovery for endurance athletes.

Considered as one of the fruits for longevity, blackcurrants contain different types of anthocyanins and are responsible for the deep purple colour of the fruits and for their antioxidant power.
Recommended daily intake for Vitamin C is 80 mg for an adult. Being incredible rich in vitamin C, only one tablespoon (6g) of freeze-dried blackcurrant powder represents 72% of daily intake for vitamin C.

Blackcurrants carry four times the amount of vitamin C as oranges.

You can use some blackcurrant powder to give an extra something to your sweet breakfasts and desserts. Try this delicious winter millet pudding:

Ingredients:

1 banana
4 tbsps. of millet cereal
4 tsp LYO blackcurrant organic Powder
1 tbsp. honey

Preparation:

Prepare the millet flakes according to the directions on the package. Put all the ingredients into a blender and carefully grind until you obtain a smooth paste.

Qualities:

Millet is an excellent source of energy. Rich in B vitamins: thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), vitamin B6, pantothenic acid (B5), the film (B9), as well as iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium. Gluten-free. Rich in fiber. Considered having a healing effect on inflammations of the mucous membranes.

Bananas are an electrolyte bomb because they contain large amounts of potassium and magnesium.

Honey is a valuable nutrient. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, renewing and cleansing properties.

All these ingredients put together work wonderful against any winter cold you may catch.

References:

Rebecca Morris, 6 Health Benefits of Blackcurrants
Exercise Performance, Diet & Immune Response, from http://www.nzblackcurrants.com/diet-exercise-and-immune-response/

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