FoodDiscover the hidden health benefits of red currants

Discover the hidden health benefits of red currants

Red currants are perfect for desserts and salads.
Red currants are perfect for desserts and salads.
Images source: © Adobe Stock | Pawel Kacperek

8:07 AM EDT, June 9, 2024

If we decide to buy them, we don't purchase them by the pound like strawberries or cherries. These humble, small bunches are typically packed in small paper containers. One package is enough to provide many valuable nutrients. Red currant? Of course, yes.

Red or black? The latter is more popular. However, the former provides more valuable vitamins and minerals, which are beneficial for the intestines.

Red currant is not just fruit

Although we mainly focus on the fruits, it's worth remembering that the entire plant is edible. For example, you can also consume its seeds and leaves as an infusion or tea. Some compare the taste of red currants to gooseberries. Both types of fruit are somewhat sour, and perhaps for this reason, they are less often chosen. We tend to prefer the sweeter varieties. However, currants have many unique properties because of this.

Three most important benefits of currants

  1. Red currants are rich in vitamin C. It has antioxidant and protective properties and supports immunity. By incorporating it into our meals, we provide plenty of active antioxidants that destroy free radicals. This helps combat the proliferation of cancer cells and also delays aging.
  2. Red currants contain anthocyanins, chemical compounds belonging to the polyphenol family. These compounds inhibit inflammatory responses in the body, preventing infections from developing. Therefore, red currants are effective home treatments, especially during colds or upper respiratory tract infections.
  3. Do you have digestive system issues? Opt for red currants. These fruits are a good source of pectins, compounds of fiber that dissolve in water. They positively affect the intestines' functioning and peristalsis, supporting removing toxins from the digestive tract.

Best when raw

Red currants are best eaten raw. They make a great addition to salads, oatmeal, yogurts, or pancakes. Do you have a stock of these fruits? Their sour-sweet taste is perfect for jams, preserves, juices, syrups, and liqueurs. Needless to say, they are great for cakes.

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