Are Blackcurrants Bad For You?
Short answer
Blackcurrants are incredibly good for you as their antioxidant content helps prevent many illnesses.
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Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
While your mouth may not be too welcoming to the tart taste of blackcurrants, your body will more than welcome the host of nutrients they provide. A 100-gram serving has over 300% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C, and 20% of iron. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the immune system, thereby preventing colds, flues, infections, and various other viral illnesses. It prevents oxidative damage-- destruction to body tissue by free radicals-- by neutralizing and clearing away those free radicals from your body. Vitamin C also combats inflammation and illnesses associated with inflammation, such as heart disease and cancer, and forms collagen to help repair wounded skin and keep you looking young. Iron transports oxygen to cells, which in turn fights fatigue and anemia, and is also necessary for a strong immune system.
Blackcurrants appear to be great for immunity because, in addition to vitamin C and iron, they are full of another antioxidant known as anthocyanins which yes, strengthen your immune system. Anthocyanins fight inflammation and signs of aging, and lower your risk of mouth and lung cancers. The darker the blackcurrant, the more anthocyanins are present, which means the better that particular blackcurrant is for you.
If all this wasn't enough, blackcurrants may also help prevent Alzheimer's and arthritis, and help ease the issues associated with menstruation. Pain, PMS, and menopause symptoms, be gone! Add improved metabolic function, lowered blood pressure, and good urinary tract health to the list and you have a fantastic super-berry that your diet can't go wrong with!
Benefits
- ease symptoms of psoriasis
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reduce fevers
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reduce "bad" cholesterol
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prevent cataracts, alzheimer's, and arthritis
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ease menstrual cramps, pms, and symptoms of menopause
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strengthen immune system
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prevent lung and mouth cancers
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prevent anemia
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lower blood pressure
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Terrasoul Dried Cherries
- Unsweetened & Organic
- No added sugar
- Rich in antioxidants
- Oregon sourced
- Convenient snack size
Learn More!
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Lindsay
Published on: 01-11-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Lindsay
Published on: 01-11-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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