An Overview of Currants and Their Amazing Health Benefits
Currants are small berries that belong to the family of small berries called Ribes. They naturally grow on shrubs or vines in many climates throughout the world. They are often found growing in regions of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Because they grow easily, they have been a popular source of nutrition for centuries. This is why they have been valued so much and have been in use for so long.
Currants come in both red and black variants. In terms of flavor, they are tart and sweet like other berries. They provide a lemony bitterness, and they’re full of juiciness and flavor. As with many other fruits, it is often recommended to eat them raw as opposed to cooked. When you eat a currant raw, you get the full potency of its nutritional and health benefits.
The Nutritional Benefits Of Currants
When it comes to the nutritional value of currants, the berries are jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
In particular, currants are extremely high in vitamin C which is crucial for overall health. This vitamin plays an important role in protecting and preserving many body functions, including boosting your immune system and keeping your skin looking healthy and young.
Currants are also high in phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, iron, and calcium. All these essential minerals help your body maintain healthy bones and teeth. Additionally, they help in the formation of red blood cells and in energy production.
When it comes to dietary fiber, few fruits can compete with currants. This is important for proper digestion and for aiding in weight loss. Also, because currants are lower in sugar than most other fruits, they’re a great snack choice for people watching their sugar intake.
The Health Benefits Of Currants
Currants may be small in size, but they are big in health benefits. Numerous studies have been conducted to identify the various ways in which these little berries can help maintain a healthy diet.
One of the primary benefits of currants is their ability to help improve cardiovascular health. The polyphenols in currants have been proven to reduce blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and possibly even prevent some types of cancer.
These berries are also incredibly high in antioxidants, which help neutralize the body’s cells from harmful toxins and free radicals. This can help prevent or even slow down the formation of age-related diseases.
Currants can also help keep your skin looking young. They contain beta carotene, which is a precursor to Vitamin A. This helps to keep skin looking and feeling healthy.
Finally, because currants are rich in dietary fiber, they can help lower cholesterol levels and promote healthy digestion. With only seventy calories per cup, they make a great snack or breakfast topping.
How To Enjoy Currants
Eating fresh currants is undoubtedly the best way to experience their full flavor and texture. They’re also best eaten raw, but you can also freeze them to keep them extended shelf life.
You can add raw currants to salads, oatmeal, yogurt, granola, smoothies, or trail mix. You can also bake them into various treats like muffins, bread or pies. You can also use currants to make a variety of delicious jams, jellies, and sauces.
You can even use dried or frozen currants to prepare traditional recipes like puddings or tarts. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
Currants are small but powerful fruits containing an incredibly healthy range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re easy to add to your diet, and their many health benefits can aid in the prevention of age-related diseases and promote cardiovascular health.
So next time you’re heading out to the supermarket or farmers market, don’t forget to pick up a few pints of currants and start enjoying their amazing health benefits!