Fragrant black currant - a berry named from the Old Russian word "currant", that is, "strong smell". It is especially appreciated for its many beneficial properties and is used not only in cooking, but also in folk medicine and cosmetology.
What nutrients and vitamins are contained in black currant
Blackcurrant berries contain:
- vitamin C - in black currant it is 4-5 times more than in red or white;
- B vitamins;
- vitamin E;
- vitamin D;
- vitamin P;
- vitamin K;
- iron;
- carotene;
- phosphoric acid;
- phosphorus salts;
- potassium;
- sugar;
- pectins;
- essential oils and tannins.
Black currant leaves are rich in vitamin C, phytoncides, essential oils, sulfur, silver, copper, manganese, magnesium, lead.
Black currant in the treatment and prevention of diseases
Black currant fruits are an excellent remedy for the treatment and prevention of colds and infectious diseases. Due to the high content of vitamin C, black currant has a tonic, anti-nausea and antipyretic effect.
The more severe and colder climates the currants are grown, the higher the vitamin content in its fruits.
Black currant berries are especially useful for smokers: vitamin C helps to eliminate nicotine from the body.
In folk medicine, currants are widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension, as well as for atherosclerosis, rheumatism, anemia, bronchitis, Alzheimer's disease, intestinal dysbacteriosis, cholecystitis, gastritis with low acidity, hypovitaminosis, kidney and urinary bladder diseases, … A contraindication to the use of fresh black currant is peptic ulcer and gastritis with high acidity.
Sugar syrup from black currant fruit is recommended to gargle dry cough, laryngitis and hoarseness, and a decoction of berries is useful for hypertension, colds and flu.
Currant leaves are known for their bactericidal and other beneficial properties - a natural aromatic additive to tea, enriching it with vitamins and minerals.
Only 20 black currant fruits are enough to cover the body's daily need for ascorbic acid.
Black currant in home cosmetology
Black currant also has a beneficial effect on the skin: it is used in the treatment of acne and acne.
Fresh currant juice gives the skin elasticity and firmness, whitens it slightly and freshens its color.
With dry and peeling skin, it is useful to apply a mask to the face made from:
- several large fruits of black currant;
- 1 teaspoon sour cream;
- 1 teaspoon of honey.
The berries must be kneaded, mixed with sour cream and honey and applied to the face for 20 minutes. Then remove the mask with a damp cotton pad and apply a nourishing cream. The mask gives the skin a smooth and healthy color.
