Blackcurrant Vitamin C Superfoods

Blackcurrant Vitamin C Superfoods

Move over goji berries, acai and pomegranates: Five reasons to eat blackcurrants

THERE's more to the humble vitamin-packed blackcurrant than cordial and cold medicine flavouring...

British blackcurrants are packed with vitamins and nutrients [GETTY]

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Forget expensive foreign super fruits such as goji berries, acai and pomegranates, the common blackcurrant contains enough nutrients and antioxidants to rival its most exotic of cousins.

Brimming with vitamins, the British berry not only tastes delicious but it can boost both mind and body.

As blackcurrant season begins, here are six reasons to enjoy the purple fruit.

1. THEY LOVE THE LIVER

Scientists at the Department of Biochemistry & Food Chemistry at the University of Turku in Finland, launched a study comparing diets with and without berry products and their affect on metabolic syndrome.

The study found that those who ate berries regularly significantly reduced the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), an enzyme that can indicate a damaged liver. In the long term, this reduction could contribute to a decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.

2. THEY'LL LET YOU EXERCISE FOR LONGER

Blackcurrants can help reduce the build up of lactic acid in the blood, which makes muscles hurt during vigorous exercise.

A recent trial by the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Chichester University tested the effect of blackcurrant powder on triathletes.

According to the research, blackcurrant can lower lactate accumulation during the cycling trials, allowing them to go on for longer.

3. THEY IMPROVE CONCENTRATION

Antioxidant-rich blackcurrants, which contain fatigue-busting compounds, can boost alertness and concentration.

A recent study by Plant & Food Research in New Zealand concluded that those who increased their intake of blackcurrants significantly reduced their mental fatigue.

Scientists recommend that taking a blackcurrant extract before performing stressful mental tests should help maintain accuracy.

Boost ordinary dishes with antioxidant-packed blackcurrants [GETTY]

4. THEY KEEP COLDS AND FLU AT BAY

Blackcurrants, weight for weight, have a higher vitamin C content than an orange.

A daily dose of vitamin C can reduce the length and severity of colds and flu.

5. THEY CAN BEAT URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

Like cranberries, blackcurrants contain substances called proanthocyanidins which stop bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract, preventing them from causing infection.

The berries have also been found to stop the growth of some species of harmful bacteria in the body.

6. THEY'LL HELP YOU SEE IN THE DARK

Anthocyanosides, the bioflavonoid complex in blueberries, blackcurrant and a number of other berries, are potent antioxidants.

They provide the building blocks of a substance called visual purple, a pigment in the photoreceptor cells that perceive light, boosting night sight.

Blackcurrant Vitamin C Superfoods

Source: https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/494178/Blackcurrant-health-benefits