Health Benefits of Redcurrants

Rich in Vitamin C, redcurrants are small round red berries that grow in clusters. These berries taste extremely sweet, but are tangier in flavour than blackcurrants. Redcurrants mainly grow in places that experience cold climates. Redcurrants are small deciduous shrubs, which belong to gooseberry family. The length of the plant varies from 1 to 1.5 m. The flowers are subtle yellow green, which mature up into red translucent berries of about 8–12 mm. The taste of redcurrant fruit is slightly more sour that blackcurrant. Redcurrants can be cooked, converted into juice and can also be eaten raw. They are mainly used in jams, jellies and cooked dishes. Apart from puddings, cakes, cookies and for making coulis, redcurrants are also used for decoration of dishes as well. The berries are native to parts of Western Europe. Apart from their commercial use in drinks and syrups, they also have some potent health benefits. To know about the nutritional value of redcurrants, read on.

Nutritional Value of Redcurrants

Nutrients	Amount / 100g
Energy	191.8 KJ
Protein	1.4 g
Total Carbohydrate	14 g
Dietary Fiber	4.3 g
Total Fat	0.2 g
Vitamins
Vitamin A	43 IU
Vitamin C	41.3 mg
Thiamin	0.0 mg
Riboflavin	0.1 mg
Niacin	0.1 mg
Vitamin B6	0.1 mg
Folate	8 mcg
Minerals
Calcium	33.3 mg
Iron	.9 mg
Magnesium	13.1 mg
Phosphorus	44.3mg
Potassium	277 mg
Sodium	1 mg
Zinc	0.27 mg
Copper	0.1 mg
Manganese	0.2 mg
Selenium	0.6 mcg

Health & Nutrition Benefits of Redcurrants

Redcurrants are rich in fiber, which aids good gut function and in the development of healthy gut microflora.
It is rich in Vitamin C, which has vital protective antioxidant properties.
Apart from this, it fights especially against various forms of cancer, as well as helps in many specific everyday functions.
Due to the presence of Vitamin C, Iron present in redcurrants can be very well used by the body.
It is a storehouse of active antioxidants, as measured by TEAC method. It helps to combat the destructive free radicals generated by the body every day which are in turn responsible for ageing and health degeneration.
Some of the supposed benefits include: fever-reducing, sweat-inducing, menstrual-flow inducing, mild laxative, astringent, appetite increasing, blood cleansing, diuretic and digestive properties.
It is considered that tea made from dried redcurrant leaves is said to ease the symptoms of gout and rheumatism.
It can also be useful in compressing poorly healing wounds and also as a gargling solution for mouth infections.
Redcurrants are very good for increasing the immune function in the body.
Regular intake of redcurrants will reduce the risk of colon cancer.
These are helpful to cure cardiovascular disease.
Redcurrants are helpful in treating hypertension or high blood pressure.
The nutrients present in these help to protect the body from osteoporosis.
Redcurrants are helpful in curing alopecia.
Redcurrants have been known to treat wounds.
These juicy berries maintain the sugar levels in the body.
Redcurrants promote collagen production in the body, which leads to the development of good skin.
Loaded with essential nutrients and vitamins, redcurrants promote better eye vision.
Redcurrants help in improving the functioning of the nerves in the brain.

Buying & Storing Tips

When buying redcurrants, look for those that are firm, shiny and bright. Avoid redcurrants showing signs of wilting, as these are not fresh.
You can store these in a container with a plastic cover and place them in the fridge. Use the redcurrants within 1 to 2 days.
Redcurrants will remain fresh even after 10 to 12 months if placed in the freezer.
If you are storing them, never remove the currants from their strigs. Redcurrants will burst and lose their sugary juice when their strigs are taken off.
To store these for a long time, the best option is to brush the berries into a pulp and simmer for 10 minutes. After straining properly, bottle the juice and keep it in the fridge for later use.

Tips For Preparing Redcurrants
Excess exposure to moisture will spoil redcurrants in no time. Make sure to consume the redcurrants immediately after washing. To easily remove the redcurrants from their strigs without much damage to the currants, simply use a fork to comb the currants from their strigs.

How To Enjoy

Poached redcurrants sprinkled with sugar can be served with cream.
Enjoy salads prepared from mashed redcurrants, maple syrup and herbs, which are dressed in olive oil.
Puddings layered with smooth redcurrant sauce will make a flavorsome dessert.

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Benefits Of Redcurrants

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