Redcurrants are not as popular as other berries due to the fact that they are too tart to be eaten as they are. Despite of this, you should not cast them aside because they are loaded with nutrients and even medicinal properties. You’re not going to have a hard time getting your hands on them as they are widely cultivated in so many parts of the planet nowadays, although redcurrants are regarded as native to Western Europe like France, Belgium, Norway and Poland.
As mentioned earlier, the flavor of redcurrants make them unsuitable to be consumed as they are, but it’s not at all impossible to snack on them. They are widely turned into jams and used as ingredients for making an assortment of salads and beverages. Thanks to their eye-catching appearance, redcurrants are commonly used as garnishing.
Let’s take a look at some of the health and beauty benefits that redcurrants have to offer:
Redcurrants Help Prevent Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Iron is a mineral necessary for the production of red blood cells. A diet that does not contain enough of the said nutrient may lead to iron-deficiency anemia. The regular consumption of iron-rich foods can keep this blood condition from striking. Reaching for some redcurrants is a great way to ensure that you are getting good amounts of iron.
They Make Your Body More Protected Against Invading Microbes
Without your immune system, it’s hard to survive in a world filled with microbes. Luckily, your body is equipped with the protection it needs from those nasty microscopic creatures that can cause an assortment of illnesses and diseases. To keep your immune system in tip-top shape, you need to supply your body with vitamins and minerals on a daily basis. Vitamin C is a nutrient that’s so important for enhancing your immunity. Luckily, there are plenty of food sources of the said nutrient, and some of them are redcurrants that you can easily buy at the grocery store and farmers’ market.
Eating Them Promotes Regular Bowel Movement
Fiber is an indigestible nutrient that is necessary for the removal of impurities in the gut. A diet that’s rich in fiber helps keep constipation from ruining your day. Redcurrants may be tiny fruits, but they pack lots of fiber you need for moving the bowels on a regular basis. Fiber found abundantly in redcurrants may also help lower your chances of having colon cancer.
Including Them in the Diet May Help in Protecting Your Heart
Thanks to potassium present in redcurrants, munching on these tart berries is good for the heart. Potassium helps in relaxing the walls of the blood vessels, and this helps in normalizing your blood pressure. You don’t want to suffer from high blood pressure as it can damage your organs and most especially your heart. Potassium in redcurrants also helps in making the heart work better because it is capable of normalizing the contraction of the organ’s smooth muscles.
Redcurrants Lowers Your Risk of Having Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis refers to the softening of bones, making them prone to ending up fractured. There are all sorts of nutrients necessary to keep osteoporosis at bay, and one of them is Vitamin K. It’s a good thing that numerous foods are rich in the said nutrient, and some of them are redcurrants which you can easily incorporate in your daily diet.
Consuming Them is Great for Your Skin and Hair
Some of the most effective beauty solutions around are from Mother Nature. If you wish to enjoy healthy and young-looking skin, for instance, all you have to do is consume more fruits such as redcurrants so that your skin cells may get all the protection they need from being wrecked by free radicals. Vitamin C in redcurrants is important for the production of collagen, something that can make your skin soft and supple. The regular intake of these lovely-looking fruits can also make your hair soft, shiny and super thick.
