15 Best Benefits of Black Currant

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

Black currant is a delicious and popular type of berry that packs a nutritious punch and can provide a number of health benefits if you add it to your diet.

What is Black Currant?

Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) is a small, woody, and berry-producing shrub that grows widely in Europe and parts of Asia. This shrub is cultivated extensively and grows in the wild, producing bunches of dark purple or nearly black colored berries, which have a rich and woody smell and a unique sour flavor. While they can be eaten raw, these berries are most commonly cooked, as this can bring out the sweetness, making them more palatable.

The active ingredients in this plant can also be found in the leaves and above-ground parts, which have been used in various traditional remedies. These plants can now be found in the United States, but it was long believed that these berries could spread floral infections, so the plants were banned, which is why black currant remains much more popular in Europe. [1]

Fresh blackcurrants in a black bowl and blackcurrant leaves

Blackcurrants were banned in the US in the early 1900s because they spread a fungus that kills white pine trees. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Nutrition Facts

Currants, european black, raw
Serving Size :
NutrientValue
Water [g]81.96
Energy 63
Energy [kJ]264
Protein [g]1.4
Total lipid (fat) [g]0.41
Ash [g]0.86
Carbohydrate, by difference [g]15.38
Calcium, Ca [mg]55
Iron, Fe [mg]1.54
Magnesium, Mg [mg]24
Phosphorus, P [mg]59
Potassium, K [mg]322
Sodium, Na [mg]2
Zinc, Zn [mg]0.27
Copper, Cu [mg]0.09
Manganese, Mn [mg]0.26
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg]181
Thiamin [mg]0.05
Riboflavin [mg]0.05
Niacin [mg]0.3
Pantothenic acid [mg]0.4
Vitamin B-6 [mg]0.07
Vitamin A, RAE [µg]12
Vitamin A, IU [IU]230
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) [mg]1
Fatty acids, total saturated [g]0.03
16:0 [g]0.02
18:0 [g]0.01
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g]0.06
16:1 [g]0
18:1 [g]0.06
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g]0.18
18:2 [g]0.11
18:3 [g]0.07
Sources include : USDA [2]

Nutritional Facts

Nutritionally speaking, these small berries are a rich source of vitamin C, packing more than 3 times the amount of ascorbic acid you need into less than a one-cup serving. These berries also boast high levels of B vitamins, such as thiamin and pantothenic acid. A 100-gram serving only contains 63 calories, but a wealth of essential minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, and copper. This is in addition to the range of antioxidants, including anthocyanins and flavonoids, which provide even more health benefits. These berries also contain measurable levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, making them quite unique among fruits. [3]

Health Benefits

The many health benefits associated with black currants include lowering cholesterol, relieving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and easing insomnia, among others.

  • Protect the immune system with its high level of vitamin C
  • Lower cholesterol, which can lower the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases
  • Improve joint health and reduce inflammation [4]
  • Boost skin appearance and prevent dry skin
  • Improve vision and slow the development of macular degeneration
  • Optimize the digestive system and eliminate symptoms of constipation
  • Prevent circulatory problems, which can improve energy levels
  • Slow down hair loss
  • Speedup the healing process from flu [5]
  • Relieve congestion and respiratory issues
  • Aid sleep issues and increase energy levels
  • Minimize the symptoms of herpes
  • Protect against pathogens
  • Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral
  • Treat a sore throat

Uses

There are many different ways to use black currant in cooking, such as the following:

  • Jams
  • Jellies
  • Desserts with the mashed or cooked berries
  • Black currant wine
  • Black currant tea or tincture
  • Black currant essential oil derived from the seeds

These berries are also commonly juiced, and can further be made into various liqueurs that are popular in many cocktails. You can find supplements of blackcurrant in capsule and powder form as well [6]

Depending on where you are in the world, you may find it easy to find various black currant-containing products, as they are particularly common in Europe. [7]

Black Currant Side Effects

Despite the many health benefits of these common berries, there are a number of side effects associated with consuming too much.

  • Due to the presence of gamma-linolenic acid, some people report diarrhea or headaches after consuming too many black currant berries.
  • Some people may also have problems with blood clotting, so if you have a bleeding disorder, it is best to consult your doctor or avoid consuming these berries. [8]

Finally, given the concentration of compounds and the measurable effects on the body, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should use these berries only in moderation, and should discuss the addition to their diet with a doctor.

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About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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