Currant: benefits, harm, contraindications

Black currant is a constant inhabitant of almost any garden or vegetable garden. In most cases, currants are used exclusively in cooking. Jams, compotes, jams are made from it and used as a filling for pies. But this berry brings other benefits as well.

The benefits of currants

The rich composition of these berries allows us to consider them a real treasure of health. There is a lot of vitamin C in currants. Only 20 berries completely cover the daily requirement of a person in this vitamin. Currant has the ability to have an antioxidant effect, it contains B vitamins, many trace elements, pectin components and organic acids.

It is important that in the process of processing black currant changes its properties little. This makes it possible throughout the year not only to feast on delicious berries, but also to receive great benefits for your health.

From a medical point of view, the black currant bush is useful in its entirety. In folk recipes, not only berries are used, but also leaves, flowers, buds and twigs. It should be noted that the leaves of this plant contain even more vitamin C than the fruits. This makes its leaves an indispensable product for strengthening the immune defenses, for maintaining the functioning of the heart and vascular system. Broth and tea with currant leaves will be an excellent remedy for the treatment of colds, bronchitis and flu. They are also prescribed for the treatment of diseases of the urinary tract, as they have excellent properties to remove purine and uric acid.

Black currant has many beneficial effects:

• Relieves inflammation.
• Calms the nervous system.
• Relieves fever.
• It has a diuretic effect.
• Strengthens the body.
• Relieves rheumatic pains.
• Has antiseptic properties.
• Cleanses the body.

Therefore, the plant can be used as a remedy against a wide range of diseases of internal organs and skin.

Currant harm

Black currant also has harmful properties. So these berries can have a negative effect on the body if abused. Too much blackcurrant can cause allergies. At the same time, often in people with chronic diseases of the stomach, excessive consumption of black currant can cause an exacerbation of the disease.

Since black currant berries have the property of increasing blood coagulation, they should not be used if they are prone to thrombosis.

The use of currants

Healthy currants have been recommended for use in different recipes for a long time. For example, blackcurrant fruit drinks, compote or jelly will be useful if necessary to lower body temperature. The same drinks can be used to recuperate after a long illness.

The juice from black currant has unique healing properties. It perfectly tones the body and has a hemostatic effect. Blackcurrant juice contains vitamin P, which is good for maintaining the elasticity of blood vessels and lowering blood pressure. This juice relieves swelling and has a mild antispasmodic effect. It is useful to drink juice from these berries for the treatment of the genitourinary system, gastritis or peptic ulcer disease.

Valuable oil is extracted from black currant seeds by cold pressing. This product is high in fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamin C, and flavonoids. Such a useful composition makes black currant oil a very valuable product for the needs of cosmetology and medicine. Currant oil has anti-aging, restorative properties and allows you to fight against tumors of a different nature.

Currant contraindications

As we have already noted, currants have some harmful properties. Therefore, on their basis, contraindications of this product can be distinguished. First of all, the tendency of the body to form blood clots is considered a contraindication. Other contraindications for black currant include an individual reaction of the body, exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease, hepatitis, condition after a stroke, gastritis with a high acid content.

Currants during pregnancy

The benefits of this berry are invaluable, including for pregnant women. Of course, you shouldn't abuse it. Since women who are expecting a baby often suffer from anemia, black currants will undoubtedly be useful for them. After all, it helps to increase hemoglobin. Black currant berries help to eliminate diarrhea, edema, and reduce blood pressure.

However, try to be careful not to overuse large amounts of black currant. This primarily concerns the use of this product for medicinal purposes. It is best not to experiment with treatment without the advice of a specialist. Pregnant women often suffer from digestive problems, therefore, with a tendency to constipation, it is permissible to eat black currants only in small quantities.

Currant treatment

This plant is recommended for use in healing various ailments. For example, tea from this plant can be used as an agent that increases the body's immune defenses. For its preparation, take in equal shares black currant leaves, raspberries, rose hips and lingonberry leaves. Stir and separate out one large spoonful of this mixture. Pour the composition with two glasses of boiling water and boil for a quarter of an hour. Leave to infuse for four hours, and then strain and drink half a glass in the morning and evening.

A decoction of blackcurrant leaves can also be used as a diuretic medicine. To do this, brew six large spoons in a liter of boiling water and leave to brew. If there is a thermos, then insist the broth in it. Strain and drink a glass up to six times a day. If you want to sweeten the drink, then use honey or sugar.

For lowering arterial blood pressure a very simple and very tasty recipe can be applied. Just mix ripe berries and sugar in a 1: 2 ratio. You can only eat three large scoops of this healthy mixture throughout the day.

For a cure for gastritis or ulcers, you will need to mix currant flowers with yarrow flowers in the same amount. Place the mixture in a tightly sealed glass container. It is better to take dishes made of dark glass so that sunlight does not penetrate. Add white wine to the bottle and leave to infuse for a week. When the tincture is ready, drink it a quarter cup an hour before your last meal each day.