Black currants are edible berries that contain important vitamins and antioxidant flavanoids called anthocyanins. Native to Europe and Asia, black currants are often made into jellies and wines as well as teas, according to Botanical.com. Historically used as a diuretic, black currants are being studied for their health benefits, which may include cancer-fighting properties. Although the tea is not recommended for treating any kind of illness, its great taste and nutrient properties make it a healthy choice for your pantry.
Nutrients
When you drink black currant tea, you can add to your vitamin C intake. Black currants contain high amounts of vitamin C, approximately 181 mg per serving, according to Black-currant.com. Drugs.com states that black currants were used during World War II when oranges were scarce. The berries also contain anthocyanins, substances that possess the ability to inhibit harmful free radicals in the body. Anthocyanins may help prevent disease.
Antimicrobial
Black currant extracts may have some effects against germs. According to Drugs.com, black currant extracts have been found to be effective against the influenza virus. According to a study published in "Phytotherapy Research" in February 2003, crude extracts of black currants were tested against influenza types A and B. The study concluded that both types of virus were inhibited by the black currant extracts. Black currant tea or extract should not be used to treat the flu; talk to your doctor before beginning any new herb or supplement.
Cancer
Black currants may also have cancer-fighting properties. "The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" featured a study in December 2004 that discussed the effects of several species of berries on breast and colon cancer cells. Black currants were included in the study, and researchers found that the vitamin C content, anthocyanins, flavanoids and other substances in the berries may be effective in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. Additional research needs to be conducted, however, before black currants or other berries can be considered an adjunct treatment for cancer.
Cholesterol
According to a study published in the "Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry" in June 2005, black currants contain essential fatty acids, or EFAs, such as alpha-linolenic, gamma-linolenic, linoleic and stearidonic acids. Because EFAs can potentially help lower cholesterol levels, researchers at the University of Turku in Finland tested the efficacy of black currants on cholesterol. The study concluded that serum levels of low-density lipoproteins, or LDL, in healthy females were lower after taking black currant seed oil when compared with ingesting fish oil.
Urinary Stones
Black currants may have an alkanizing effect on the body, potentially preventing urine stones. The "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in October 2002 published a study that states black currants increase urinary pH and the excretion of citric acid. Researchers from the University of Bonn in Germany stated that black currants "could support the treatment and metaphylaxis of uric acid stone disease." Talk to your doctor before using black currant tea for urinary health.
References
- Botanical.com: Black Currants
- Black Currants: Nutritional Information
- Drugs.com: Black Currants
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Anti-Influenza Virus Activity of Crude Extract of Ribes nigrum L.; Knox YM et al; February 2003
- "The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry"; Inhibition of Cancer Cell Proliferation in Vitro by Fruit and Berry Extracts and Correlations with Antioxidant Levels; Olsson ME et al; December 2004
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