Adding black currant juice to your daily diet is an excellent way to add some excitement to your juice game, while also improving your health in a number of unexpected ways!
What is Black Currant Juice?
Black currant juice comes from the black currant plant (Ribes nigrum), a shrub native to Europe and Asia. It is used in a variety of commercial products, from liquors to jellies and syrups. Traditionally, this drink was known for its medicinal properties and it has now made a comeback in the modern health food world as well, where it is prized for its high antioxidant content. Black currant berries are small and dark purple, with a tart, astringent flavor, and the juice makes for a flavorful, rich, and refreshing beverage. [1]
Benefits of Black Currant Juice
The major benefits of black currant juice include its ability to strengthen immune health, prevent inflammation, improve vision, and prevent aging and chronic diseases.
Tart-sweet taste of black currant juice. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Immune System
Black currant juice is packed with vitamin C, containing four times the amount of vitamin C as oranges. It has twice the antioxidant content of blueberries, and high doses of vitamin E, and vitamins B1, B6, and B5. [2]
Skin Health
Black currant juice is packed with vitamin C, which is essential for creating collagen, the protein that renews skin cells and prevents aging. Vitamin C is also crucial for a healthy immune system, the absorption of minerals like iron, and maintaining strong bones and cartilage.
Vision
Vitamin A in this unusual juice is thought to help prevent eye degeneration and disorders. It contains both GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) and linoleic acid, which may prevent chronic dry eye, lower blood pressure, and improve blood vessel circulation.
Blood Circulation
Black currant has been shown to improve blood circulation in athletes and help recovery after muscle damage. It also helps decrease plaque build-up in the cardiovascular system, lowering your risk of developing heart disease. [3]
Lowers Inflammation
Black currant juice has helped patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. GLA has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits and can relieve the pain and symptoms of joint pain and sore muscles. It is also considered anti-viral. [4]
Side Effects
There are a few side effects if you consume this drink.
- Blood Clotting: Patients taking medication for a bleeding disorder should avoid black currant juice, as it may slow blood clotting. Do not take two weeks prior to any scheduled surgery, for the same reason.
- Pregnancy: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use black currant juice.
