Properties of black currant. Beneficial properties of black currant and risks when consumed. Benefits and beneficial properties of black currant

Summer brings us not only warm and clear weather, but also a lot of different fruits and berries. Every garden has a lot of all kinds of fruit bushes and trees, but not a single summer resident or gardener will forget to plant black currants on his plot. It begins to sing in early July, so you should definitely have time to enjoy it and stock up for the winter, as it is a storehouse of many vitamins.

This berry is used not only for preparing desserts, compotes, sauces and jams, but also in medical purposes. Many people do not even suspect that both the berries and its leaves and twigs are valuable in currants.

Currants were first discovered in the 15th century in Spain. Then she appeared in Middle and Northern Europe, Kamchatka and Siberia. This berry does not like hot weather at all, so it mainly grows in temperate and even cool climates. Black currants were first consumed in medicinal purposes, and much later in cooking. The popular Ribena juice was made from it, which invigorates and refreshes the body, and medicinal tea made from twigs and leaves instantly relieved a person of colds.

Composition and calorie content of black currant

This berry is distinguished from others by its large amount of vitamins and beneficial minerals. Doctors recommend using it as often as possible, because it contains:

Microelements - potassium, manganese, iron, phosphorus, copper, calcium, sodium, chlorine, sulfur and others.

Vitamins – A, C, B1, B2, B6, B9, K, P, E, D.

Ascorbic, citric, malic, phosphoric, oxalic acids.

Tannins.

Essential oils.

Phytoncides.

Blackcurrants contain the largest amount of vitamin C, even more than lemon. There are 400 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams. The calorie content is quite low - only 63 kcal per 100 grams of product.

The chemical composition is also pleasing, because 100 g of berries contains a small amount of fat - 0.4 g, protein - 1 g, carbohydrates - 7 g.

Currants are also loved and appreciated for their sweet and sour taste and divine aroma. Even after heat treatment it retains most useful substances.

Benefits of black currant berries

Since ancient times, this product has been respected for its medicinal properties, which she brought for the human body.

Blackcurrant berries improve brain activity and memory function.

Thanks to the large amount of vitamin C included in the composition, this product helps in the fight against colds and viral diseases. Improves the functioning of the immune system and strengthens the body.

Plays an important role for the heart and blood vessels. It has cleansing properties, dilates blood vessels, improves blood clotting, and also strengthens the cardiovascular system.

People diagnosed with diabetes must always have these berries in the refrigerator. Since they are located great content vitamin C, they will quickly lower blood sugar. It is also recommended to eat it to prevent this disease.

Blackcurrant helps reduce high arterial pressure. A small handful of berries will bring your health back to normal after a while.

When your vision begins to deteriorate, include this wonderful sweet and sour product in your diet.

Black currants also benefit the digestive system. In case of intestinal upset, diarrhea, gastritis, the fruits of this plant will simply be irreplaceable.

To restore the body after surgical intervention This product will be very useful, because it contains a large amount of many vitamins and minerals.

In case of loss of strength, bad mood and depression, currant berries will quickly invigorate your body and fill it up. vital energy, and the nervous system will return to normal.

If your gums start to bleed, the best remedy To relieve inflammation, you simply can’t find anything better than blackcurrant.

Doctors recommend that children and adults eat this product in the fight against vitamin deficiency and an increase in hemoglobin.

During pregnancy, women often experience swelling, so doctors recommend that they eat jam, drink juice or blackcurrant compote.

To treat cough and tuberculosis, the berries of this plant were eaten in ancient times.

Benefits of black currant leaves

Both berries and leaves with twigs benefit our body.

Experts have found that there is more vitamin C in the leaves than in the berries, so they have antiseptic and bactericidal effects, as well as an anti-inflammatory agent.

In the fight against anemia, decoctions of black currant leaves will definitely help you, and teas will cure colds and viral diseases in autumn and winter. In the spring, such a drink will fill your body with vitamins and nutrients.

Baths with a decoction of the leaves and branches of this plant will bring benefits. They will save you from many skin diseases: diathesis, miliaria and rashes.

To strengthen hair and make it shine, a weak decoction of blackcurrant is also made. After washing with shampoo, rinse your hair with warm broth and rinse again with clean water.

Not many people know that black currant leaves are also used in cooking for canning various vegetables. They give them a crunchy taste and a wonderful aroma. It should be remembered that it is necessary to choose fresh and young leaves.

Black currant. Recipes

Berry infusion . Prepare one glass of ripe dried blackcurrants and 200 grams of boiling water. Pour everything into a small container and pour hot water, wrap it up and leave it in a warm place for two to three hours. Then we filter it and take half a glass orally in the morning and at night. This infusion fights colds, flu, coughs, and also reduces high fever.

Blackcurrant juice with honey . This simple recipe will be beneficial for the treatment of cough and tuberculosis. It requires blackcurrant juice and liquid honey. Mix these two ingredients in a 3:1 ratio. Stir well and consume one tablespoon three times a day.

Infusion of black currant leaves and branches. Pour 6-7 tablespoons of finely chopped leaves and a couple of currant branches with one liter of hot water. Roll tightly and leave for an hour in a warm place. Then you need to strain the infusion and eat 200 mg five times a day. It helps to cure cystitis, pyelonephritis and other kidney diseases.

Contraindications for use

Despite the great benefits of black currant for the human body, there are some contraindications for use.

If you are allergic to the berries of this plant.

You should not eat large amounts of this product if you have signs of poor blood clotting. Thrombophlebitis can worsen and troubles will arise instantly.

During inflammation duodenum, an aggravated ulcer, black currants should be eaten with caution and in small doses.

Young children should be given only a few berries a day, as they can cause an allergic reaction.

Black currant is a very popular garden berry. It grows in almost every garden or garden plot. The berries are used fresh, stored for the winter in the form of compotes, jams, frozen and dried. Blackcurrant is valued not only for its high taste qualities, the berry contains a significant amount of vitamins, minerals, micro- and macroelements. Currants are used to support the body in the off-season and in the treatment of colds. What is blackcurrant good for and is it good for you, why is it so popular, how to eat the berry to bring maximum benefits possible benefit to the body? Let's try to figure it out.

Black currant: valuable properties

The blackcurrant bush grows up to two meters in height; with enough space, the side branches grow in width, forming a bush in the shape of a ball. The plant blooms at the end of spring, and in mid-July you can already harvest a generous harvest of bright black berries. The fruits have a strong aroma, can be large, and taste sweet and sour or sour.

The berry contains various valuable components, which determine the high value of the product. The following was revealed in black currant fruits:

• a significant amount of vitamin C;
• B vitamins, vitamins P, E, K, which prevent premature aging and help strengthen blood vessels;
• Vitamin A helps maintain eye health.

In addition to the substances mentioned, blackcurrant fruits contain a lot of phosphorus salts, potassium, iron, phosphoric acid, pectins and others useful components.

Substances have a positive effect on the functioning of the heart muscle and the condition of the central nervous system. The fruits contain a lot of microelements such as copper, zinc and selenium. No less useful are the leaves of the plant, which also contain high content valuable substances.

The leaves are used for brewing tea, preparing tinctures and compresses.

Valuable properties of blackcurrant fruits for human health

As already mentioned, the fruits and leaves of the plant are widely used for the treatment of certain diseases, and the value of the plant is recognized by doctors official medicine Also. Eating currant fruit is powerful prophylactic and helps prevent the development of many diseases:

• the appearance of oncological tumors;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• age-related memory problems;
• sclerosis;
• diabetes;
• eye problems: glaucoma, blindness, cataracts.

People who have certain health problems are advised to consume currants:

• liver diseases;
• vascular and heart diseases;
• stones in the kidneys, gall bladder;
• respiratory diseases;
• colds;
• low hemoglobin;
• some disease gastrointestinal tract;
• increased blood pressure;
• ulcers on the intestinal mucosa;
• dermatitis;
• slowing down metabolism;
• decreased immunity.

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Currant fruits are recommended for restoring the body after long-term illnesses, surgical interventions. Berries act on the body in the following way: they disinfect and weaken. Regular use plant product It has a diaphoretic, antitussive, and antioxidant effect on the body. Currants are useful for large quantities health problems. black currant beneficial features well studied.

Beneficial properties of black currant leaves

Blackcurrant leaves are also very healthy and are almost as good in composition as berries. You can brew the leaves as tea. This drink improves your well-being and has beneficial effects on the body:

• eliminates foci of inflammation;
• accelerates the removal of toxic accumulations;
• promotes the evacuation of uric and puric acid;
• shows a laxative effect;
• helps eliminate rheumatic pain syndrome.

Fresh leaves can be used as a remedy for joint pain. Compresses with blackcurrant leaves are an excellent remedy against swelling and inflammation.

Use of black currant in alternative medicine

Even our distant ancestors actively used currants to treat a huge number of diseases. High fever, cough, skin diseases, sore throat and much more were treated components plants.

A large number of recipes have survived to this day, the main ingredient of which is black currant.

The most popular are:

1. An infusion based on currant berries helps to heal from inflammation, high temperature, stabilizes blood pressure, makes blood vessels stronger and more flexible. To prepare the infusion, pour boiling water over dry or fresh berries at the rate of one tablespoon of product per glass of water. The infusion is wrapped and kept for several hours.
2. Currant decoction - recommended for arrhythmia, pressure surges, disease oral cavity. The drink is prepared as follows: four tablespoons are poured into half a liter of water and boiled for five to ten minutes.
3. Currant juice is a concentrate of useful components. It is drunk pure or diluted with water.

• Currant tea - a healing tea with a powerful effect deserves special attention, consider this recipe more details.

Blackcurrant tea

Berry product is extremely beneficial for people of different ages: it helps babies grow and develop better, middle-aged people restore their strength and health, and older people find it in berries necessary substances to maintain health. Currants restore the functioning of the entire body. Using a herbal product gives the body the opportunity to maintain the health of every organ and system. Regular consumption of berries leads to:

• normalization of the blood picture;
• strengthening the body's defenses;
• increasing the strength of blood vessels;
• healing and strengthening the body;
• destruction of bacteria and viruses;
• decrease in body temperature;
• improving the functioning of the digestive organs;
• accelerating the healing process when colds.

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Eating fresh berries is not recommended for everyone; moreover, the seasonality of the berries does not allow the product to be constantly used as food. In order to obtain vitamins and beneficial properties from berries, they are prepared different ways. Conservation cannot preserve everything valuable properties, so the berries are dried or frozen. Another way to preserve the value of the product is to grind the berries with sugar without heat treatment. In the off-season or cold winter months, tea with black currant allows you to saturate the body with valuable components. To make tea, dry or frozen berries are poured with boiling water, and the ground mixture is dissolved in hot water. The drink has a diuretic effect. You can drink this healing drink for prevention or as a cure for colds.

Blackcurrant in the beauty industry

The healthy berry is widely used in cosmetology. Creams, lotions, scrubs and other substances are made from currants. The acid in the berries allows you to use the product to exfoliate old dead cells. The plant helps to effectively tighten pores, whiten skin and eliminate age spots.

The product can be used to make:

1. Cosmetic masks – preparing a mask is very easy. Sour cream is mixed with grated currants and applied to the face for ten minutes before resting overnight. You can rub the berries into your face and leave for a few minutes. This will help mature skin maintain its attractive appearance.
2. Currant ice is a tonic that has an effective effect on the skin. To do this, concentrated currant juice or plant infusion is frozen in molds.
3. Hair masks - you can rub fresh berries into your scalp, then wash your hair as usual.
4. A remedy for healing nail plates - you need to crush the berries in your hands every day, rubbing the juice into the nail. Two weeks of regular procedures will restore health to your nails and cuticles.

Rules for harvesting berries for the winter

Berries must be prepared correctly for the winter. The fruits should not be allowed to overripe, otherwise they will lose valuable components. For 100% preservation healthy ingredients Drying and freezing of berries is recommended.

Drying currants is necessary according to the following rules:

• the berries are placed in a thin layer in an oven or a special dryer, where, stirring occasionally, they are dried to the desired condition;
• you can dry currants on flat surfaces in natural conditions, it is necessary to protect the surface of the product from insects; for this, the base is covered with gauze.

How much blackcurrant can you eat?

The opinion that the more berries you eat, the better, is wrong. Unlimited consumption of currant berries can cause deterioration in health. People with chronic diseases, mothers expecting a child, and young children should be especially careful. If the permissible number of berries is exceeded, the following negative manifestations may appear:

• exacerbation of allergies;
• deterioration of the condition varicose veins veins;
• exacerbation of gastritis;
• increased sugar in diabetes mellitus;
• increase in phytoestrogen levels.

Contraindications to the use of black currants

The usefulness of currants is beyond doubt, but unlimited consumption of berries can be harmful. There are a number of conditions in which the use of blackcurrant is contraindicated or requires special caution:

• you should not eat berries if a person has high stomach acidity;
• during periods of exacerbation of ulcers or gastritis, you should not eat sour fruit;
• with thrombophlebitis, eating currants is contraindicated;
• in case of hepatitis it is necessary to avoid fresh berries;
• at food allergies It is not recommended to use this product.

Juices or fruit drinks made from berries do not pose such a danger to digestive system like fresh currants.

Black currant - most valuable product, helping to improve health in a large number of diseases and protect against many disorders.

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

Chemical composition of black currant

• vitamins C and A;
• a significant set of B vitamins;
• vitamin PP, also known as nicotinic acid;
• 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 currants

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

100 g of fresh fruit contains up to 44 calories. It makes currants dietary dish, not capable of causing any harm to the figure.

What are the benefits of black currant for the body?

If you eat small black fruits on a regular basis, then the benefits of black currants for the human body will not be slow to manifest themselves. Positive effect The product affects almost the entire body. Namely:

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

Does black currant increase or decrease blood pressure? Hypertensive patients will be able to appreciate the properties of the product, since blood pressure decreases when consuming black berries. But people with chronically low blood pressure should exercise caution.

For women

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

Currants help with problematic menstruation and during menopause - relieves PMS, makes it easier to bear unpleasant symptoms menopause. With the help of black currants 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 chokeberry, dishes and drinks based on it strengthen the heart and clear blood vessels of cholesterol. This is the benefit of black currant for the liver - the berry helps the body’s natural “filter” work.

Currants also protect men from heart attacks and strokes, to which the stronger sex is especially prone. In adulthood, it is useful for men to use the product as a preventive measure for Alzheimer's disease.

For children

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

Attention! Since in some situations chokeberry can be strictly contraindicated, before introducing it into the diet, you should definitely consult with your pediatrician.

Can pregnant and nursing mothers eat blackcurrants?

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

But with black currants 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 develops allergies. In addition, not all substances present in the berries can be digested by the child’s delicate body immediately.

Black currant for weight loss (on a diet)

Since the product contains very few calories, dietary nutrition currants are perfect. Not only does it not harm the figure, but it also actively promotes weight loss. extra pounds. Vitamin C in its composition helps break down body fat, valuable minerals and organic acids help maintain wellness even with a limited diet.

Are dried and frozen currants healthy?

Fruits collected from the bush are not stored for long, and currants are usually dried or frozen - then their shelf life increases up to a year. But a logical question arises - is there any benefit to frozen blackcurrants or dried berries?

Drying and freezing do not affect the value of the berries in any way - the fruits retain a full range of vitamins and elements. Of course, this is true provided that the processing is carried out correctly. Berries should only be frozen when very low temperatures(- 18 degrees or below), and dry in the shade, with good ventilation, avoiding the accumulation of moisture in the berries.

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

Recipes with blackcurrant in folk medicine

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

• vitamin deficiency and colds;
• atherosclerosis and scurvy;
• diarrhea and diarrhea;
• cystitis and edema;
• gastritis with low acidity.

Blackcurrant treatment is also carried out externally - currant-based formulations can treat skin lesions, cuts, and dermatitis.

Blackcurrant juice

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

• gastritis and indigestion;
• colds, sore throat, bronchitis;
• with cardiac arrhythmia and high blood pressure.

The juice is also highly recommended for use in diabetes and as a cold prevention. They drink it little by little, three times a day, just a few sips. It is better to take the product shortly before meals. If the juice is used to treat a cold, it must first be warmed to at least room temperature.

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

Blackcurrant tincture with vodka

Valuable remedy currants are prepared using alcohol. A handful of fresh or dried currant berries are poured sufficient quantity vodka, tightly seal the vessel and put the tincture in a dark place for 3 weeks.

Periodically, the product should be taken out and shaken, and after the tincture is completely ready, it needs to be strained.

With the help of the drink you can treat cold symptoms and inflammatory processes in the body. The main condition is to take the tincture no more than three times a day, and only 1 small spoon. Treatment cannot be continued for longer than 10 days - otherwise the benefits of the drink will turn out to be harmful.

Important! Alcoholic tincture of black currants should not be abused; the product is allowed only in minimum dosages. It is also worth protecting children and teenagers from it.

Blackcurrant infusion

A drink that is quick to prepare and very useful for treatment is an infusion of blackcurrant leaves or berries. The berries can simply be poured with boiling water, and the leaves must first be crushed. The hot infusion is kept for half an hour, and then filtered through cheesecloth or a fine sieve.

The infusion is taken orally in the amount of half a glass, shortly before eating. Black currant infusion is useful for the intestines; it helps relieve exacerbations of gastritis. You can also drink it simply to strengthen the body, adding a little honey to it, or gargle when you have a cold - no more than 5 times a day.

Blackcurrant decoction

Most often, a decoction is prepared from dried currant berries - they contain the highest concentration of nutrients. Pour a few tablespoons of raw material into a small saucepan, add water and boil for 10 minutes. When the broth is ready, you will need to keep it covered for another hour.

• The drug effectively reduces high blood pressure if taken three times a day, several sips.
• The decoction also serves as a good diaphoretic for colds and relieves fever.
• For diarrhea, it is recommended to take 1 large spoon three times a day; the same dosage is prescribed when using the decoction as a diuretic for edema.

Black currant ointment

The properties of chokeberry, or rather, the ointment prepared on its basis, are often used to treat skin ailments. An ointment is prepared from two components - 20 ml of fresh currant juice and 80 g of rendered interior fat.

The ingredients are mixed until completely homogeneous, and then processed homemade ointment irritations, abrasions, cuts, bruises and healing burns. The properties of berries and fat have a beneficial effect on skin- cleans cuts and abrasions, relieves inflammation and swelling, promotes rapid skin restoration.

How many blackcurrants can you eat per day?

It's easy to get carried away with delicious black berries. However, it is necessary to observe the dosage - the health benefits and harms of blackcurrants depend on it. Maximum daily norm for an adult it is 300 - 500 g of fresh berries per day, and for children - no more than 200 g. In this case, you need to eat berries in several doses.

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

Black currant for diabetes

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

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

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

The benefits of blackcurrant preparations

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

Benefits of blackcurrant jam

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

Benefit currant jam- that the delicacy helps get rid of the symptoms of anemia and atherosclerosis, helps cure gastritis and even helps with tuberculosis. Even official medicine recommends eating dessert.

What are the benefits of blackcurrant juice?

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

Black currant juice contains great amount vitamin C, folic acid, potassium and iron. Drinking fruit juice is useful for the prevention of all kinds of ailments, for strengthening blood vessels and for normalizing intestinal function. The drink relieves thirst for a long time, slightly tones, and regulates appetite. Mors is a good natural diuretic and can help get rid of edema.

Beneficial properties of blackcurrant compote

Blackcurrant compote is slightly less healthy than fruit juice or fresh berries. But at the same time it still retains valuable properties. The sourish compote is low in calories and contains a lot of essential microelements, acids and vitamins.

The benefits of currant compote 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 allow you to warm up properly. Compote is drunk to restore gastric secretion and to treat colds; during ARVI, the hot remedy helps to sweat and lose weight. elevated temperature. You can offer blackcurrant compote to your child - the drink is approved for children from 7 months of age.

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

The benefits of blackcurrant jelly

Blackcurrant jelly is best used for acute and chronic diseases stomach and intestines. In the form of jelly, black currant is very useful for stomach ulcers - the 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 avoid fresh berries and concentrated juices in case of such an illness, 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

Typically, alcoholic drinks are valued for pleasant taste. But purchased or homemade blackcurrant wine also has valuable health properties. It is involved in the process of hematopoiesis, protects against anemia and helps maintain blood normal level hemoglobin. 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, use alcoholic drink It is possible only occasionally - and in small quantities. A couple of glasses a week will be enough. If you abuse chokeberry wine, it will only cause 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 the fruits have an extremely positive effect on the condition of the skin, nails, hair follicles. Blackcurrant in one volume or another can often be seen in the composition of personal care products - it is found in masks and creams, lotions and peeling compositions, scrubs.

Properly mashed pulp is used in health-improving compositions homemade- the benefit of a currant face mask is that the product rejuvenates and tightens the skin. Decoctions are prepared from the leaves and fruits of the berry bush for rinsing hair - with regular use, curls gain strength, volume and shine.

Harm of black currant and contraindications

Whatever the benefits of chokeberry, in some situations it can be harmful. You should not eat black berries if you have the following diseases:

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

You should eat currants with great caution if you have hypotension. Since the fruits have blood pressure-lowering properties, overuse can be harmful to the body.

Collection and storage of black currants

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

• Currants that are planned to be consumed fresh can be immediately put in the refrigerator.
• Berries that will be dried in the future should be spread out in an even layer in a shaded place with good access. fresh air and dry 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.
• Dry berries are frozen at a temperature no higher than -18 degrees, and re-freezing should be avoided in the future.

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

Conclusion

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

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" Currant

Blackcurrant is a member of the gooseberry family. It gained popularity several centuries ago when people learned about its health benefits.. It got its name thanks to the aroma exuded by berries and leaves (in Old Russian “currant” - “ strong smell"). Let's get acquainted with the beneficial properties and contraindications for consuming this berry.

The small black currant berry hides an incredible amount of vitamins inside:

• Vitamin C – powerful tool to strengthen the immune system. Most of it is preserved even when currants are frozen. In combination with vitamin P, it will help prevent atherosclerosis;
• Vitamin A (carotene) improves metabolism, helps strengthen the immune system, accelerates healing processes, as an antioxidant is important in the prevention of cancer;
• Vitamin E accelerates tissue regeneration processes, promotes the absorption of vitamin A, prevents blood clots, strengthens the immune system, and participates in the synthesis of hormones;
• Vitamins K increase blood clotting, which is especially important for patients with postoperative period;
• B vitamins provide normal work nervous system, support the activity of the immune system.

Black currants are also rich in other beneficial organic substances:

• Macro- and microminerals: zinc, potassium, iron, manganese, etc. are important for the good functioning of all organs, energy production and tissue repair;
• Tannins have diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects;
• Pectins prevent the development of inflammatory processes, prevent the appearance of neoplasms in cells, and promote the removal of toxins;
• Phytoncides counteract the development of pathogenic bacteria;
• Folic acid reduces the impact of the harmful effects of radiation on human body, is a catalyst for removing toxins and heavy metals(such as lead, mercury, cobalt);
• Cellulose helps normalize digestive processes and the functioning of the stomach and intestines, prevents the occurrence of oncological diseases, lowers blood cholesterol levels;
• Organic acids stimulate intestinal peristalsis, limit the growth and reproduction of bacteria, stimulate the secretion of gastric juice.

Black and red currants are similar in the composition of vitamins and microelements, differing only in the concentration of a particular substance. In addition to the above, red currants are a source of serotonin and coumarin, which have antitumor and analgesic effects.

Contraindications for use

In addition to benefits, currants can also cause harm. Black currant is not recommended for thrombophlebitis, since increased content Vitamin K in berries enhances blood clotting.

Currants, both black and red, should not be consumed for gastritis, stomach ulcers (with increased acidity), inflammation of the duodenum. It is dangerous if you have hepatitis, the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Currants, both red and black, are a highly allergenic product. Therefore, pregnant women and young children should approach its use with special caution, as there is a high risk of developing allergic reactions.

Medicinal properties of black currant

The health benefits of berries for men and women

Eating black currants has a positive effect on the immune system. The reason for this is the high content of vitamin C. 50 g of freshly picked berries contains its daily requirement for a person.

Black currant berries are useful to use when suffering from diphtheria, dysentery, as they have a strong antimicrobial effect. They also enhance the effect of antibiotics on the human body several times.

For intestinal disorders, infections of the upper respiratory tract and kidneys, it is recommended to drink blackcurrant juice. Freshly squeezed juice should be diluted with a small amount of boiled water. The juice can be preserved for future use, making preparations for the winter. To do this, sorted, washed and well-dried berries are crushed, poured with distilled water and boiled for 5 minutes. The mixture is filtered through a sieve and poured into sterilized jars, which are screwed on with lids (for 1 kg of berries - 200 ml of water). The juice can be sweetened if desired.

Dried blackcurrant accelerates the cleansing of the body from radioactive particles and heavy metals(cobalt, lead, mercury, etc.) In order to dry blackcurrant berries, they must be carefully sorted, leaving only whole and healthy-looking ones, rinsed thoroughly and dried on a cloth that absorbs moisture well. Next, the berries are placed on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and placed in the oven at 60°C for 3-4 hours, with the cabinet door slightly opened. After the drying time has passed, if the berries do not release juice when squeezed, it means they have reached the stage of readiness. Dried currants are stored in linen bags, hermetically sealed containers made of glass or tin.

Most of the vitamins in currants are preserved both when dried and frozen. Therefore, you can stock up on berries for the winter without fear of losing their healing properties.

Leaf infusion recipes

Beneficial substances are also found in blackcurrant leaves, from which infusions with medicinal properties are made. What concentration of infusions should be? For stomach ulcers and gastritis, you can use the tincture prepared according to old recipe: 20 young fresh leaves are poured into 1 liter of dry red wine, infused for 20 days, taken 100 g before meals.

For rheumatism and gout: 3 tablespoons of chopped leaves are steamed with 0.5 liters of boiling water and infused for about an hour in a thermos. Take 100 ml shortly before meals.

Infusion of 2 tablespoons of leaves and a glass of boiling water, stimulates the functioning of the stomach and intestines, relieves constipation, dysbacteriosis, hemorrhoids, suppresses the urge to vomit.

Warm infusion currant leaves helps with infectious and colds: sore throat, bronchitis, ARVI, influenza, reduces cough. To prepare medicinal tea, 2 tablespoons of leaves are steamed in a glass of boiling water. The mixture is heated for 15 minutes in a water bath. Take a sip before meals.

Leakage skin diseases You can also lighten and speed up the process with blackcurrant leaves. A bath with the addition of a decoction of black currant leaves will be useful for various dermatitis, skin itching, rashes, eczema (boil 50 g of leaves with branches with 1 liter of water for 3 minutes and filter). An infusion of blackcurrant leaves helps eliminate prickly heat in children, relieves them of skin rash and diathesis (6 tablespoons of leaves are poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water and infused overnight in a thermos).

For chronic fatigue, to strengthen the body and restore strength in the postoperative period, it is recommended to use black currant, elderberry and blueberry leaves mixed in equal parts. A tablespoon of the mixture is poured into a glass of boiling water and left for 1 hour in a thermos. Used as tea.

Medicinal properties of red currant

Benefits of berries, juice recipe

It is used as a general tonic, helps with colitis, anemia, has a diuretic effect, accelerates the removal of toxins, and relieves constipation.

Juice prepared from red currant berries has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract, improves peristalsis, and helps eliminate chronic constipation. In hot weather, this juice can easily quench your thirst, and when inflammatory processes on the contrary, it will help reduce the temperature. In addition, it has general strengthening properties, and also helps get rid of nausea and suppress the gag reflex.

To prepare juice: Brew 60 g of red currant berries in a glass of boiling water and leave for 3 hours. After straining, the infusion is ready for use.

Use of leaves in folk medicine

Red currant leaves also have healing properties. It would seem, what benefit can they bring? In the treatment of cystitis 50 g of leaves are poured into a glass of boiling water and left in a thermos for several hours. Take half a glass 3-5 times a day.

Currant decoction is an effective anti-inflammatory agent

Diuretic effect will have an infusion of 20 g of leaves brewed with a glass of boiling water. Drink 2 tablespoons 3 times a day.

Thus, currants must be present in the diet; the medicinal properties of its berries and leaves will help cope with many ailments. However You shouldn’t get too carried away with its use, especially in case of thrombosis, heart attacks, strokes, regardless of the variety, be it Chinese or golden currant, because everything is good in moderation.

Black currant (Riber nigrum) is one of the most valuable berry crops in nature. Due to the biological content contained in black currants active substances, which have a positive effect on the human body, not only the berry itself is beneficial, but also the entire plant in general - that is, the berries, the leaves, and the buds.

Chemical composition

The beneficial properties of currants are explained by the richest chemical composition this berry. Thus, it contains up to 1.5% vitamin C and flavonoids, from 4.5 to 17% natural sugar (mainly glucose and fructose), from 2.5 to 4.5% organic acids (citric, malic) . In addition, black currants contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, B9, D, E, K, protein, glycosides, and essential oils.

Not just berries

Very widely used in folk medicine black currant berry - its beneficial properties have been known to people for a very long time. A fact much less known to folk medicine is that not only berries, but also leaves, buds and flowers of black currant can be used to treat diseases and produce cosmetics. The latter contains many essential oils, flavonoids, organic acids, vitamin C, beneficial for the human body. Therefore, do not be surprised if at some point healing recipe will feature, say, blackcurrant leaves.

Comprehensive benefits for the body

Perhaps the most important beneficial property of black currant is a huge amount of vitamin C, thanks to which it strengthens the immune system and reduces the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases. This vitamin also helps combat many problems during menopause, as well as headaches and disorders of the nervous system.

In general, it is difficult to find a health ailment in the treatment of which black currant could not help in any way - the beneficial properties of this berry are literally comprehensive. In particular, black currant improves the functioning of the digestive system, liver and kidneys, helps get rid of inflammation, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases and even problems with gums and teeth. Large amounts of antioxidants are especially beneficial for the body's resistance to pollutants. environment. People who suffer from heartburn are well aware of another quality of black currant - this berry helps to alleviate or even completely cure this disease.

Black currant berries should be eaten in case of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, colds and infectious diseases, periodontal disease and even hemorrhoids. If you have a cold, a hot drink with blackcurrant will quickly get you back on your feet thanks to the powerful antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties of the berry. Black currant is also useful for women who complain about uneven skin color - even simply eating the berry whitens and tones the skin, making its color more even and beautiful. Blackcurrant is used to remove freckles.

In general, according to some scientific studies, blackcurrant is considered the most healthy berry for a person. In particular, American scientists have found that black currant has anti-cancer properties, protects the body from cardiovascular diseases, and supports the mental activity of older people (the berry is useful for preventing Alzheimer's disease). Black currant is especially relevant for men and women with increased amount insulin in the blood - regular use eating this berry helps in the fight against diabetes mellitus.

Usage

Black currants are used in a wide variety of forms: raw, in various dishes, teas, syrups and juices. However, doctors agree that the easiest way to include black currants in daily diet is blackcurrant tea that brings comprehensive benefits to the body. It has been observed that people who regularly drink blackcurrant tea or eat blackcurrant berries are much more energetic, less prone to fatigue and bad mood. Starting the day with blackcurrant tea means giving your body a boost of energy for the whole day.

Another beneficial quality of blackcurrant is that if it is frozen correctly, it retains up to 90% of its beneficial substances. And at the end of winter and spring, when this is especially important, black currant is an excellent remedy for combating vitamin deficiency and strengthening the immune system.

So, without a moment’s hesitation, add blackcurrant to the list of your best friends!