Interested in the health benefits of blackcurrant powder? You’ve certainly come to the right place! We’re pretty big fans of blackcurrants here at Mountainlife. Not only do they taste delicious but they’re also packed full of healthy nutrients to supercharge our bodies and help us feel our very best.
Join us as we uncover the history of the small yet mighty berry and delve deeper into some of its unique health benefits.
Part of the rose family, blackcurrants are native to Europe and Asia. Cultivation dates back to the 16th century, where they were revered for their medicinal qualities and treatment for several illnesses, including bladder stones, liver disorders, coughs and lung ailments. Over the years, they have grown in popularity for their culinary appeal in jam, desserts and pastries too.
But it was during World War II, that Brits really got a taste of blackcurrants. Ribena - probably the most famous blackcurrant product on the market, was given to children for free as a Vitamin C supplement.
Unfortunately, they weren’t as popular elsewhere. In the early 20th century a ban was placed on blackcurrant farming in America. Known as the ‘forbidden fruit’ blackcurrant plants were thought to carry a fungus that killed pine trees and threatened the logging industry. In some states, the ban has now been lifted, however, the fruit continues to be more popular in other parts of the world, like Europe.
Blackcurrants are a powerhouse of nutrients and beneficial compounds, including polyphenolic substances. These are plant-based compounds and micronutrients, packed full of important antioxidants.
Additionally, blackcurrants are rich in Anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid with antioxidant effects. Studies of Anthocyanins have shown promising results for lowering blood pressure, improving visual acuity, reducing cancer cell proliferation and preventing diabetes.
Gamma-Linolenic Acid is a fatty acid that is naturally found in various plant seed oils, including blackcurrant. It’s particularly beneficial for skin-related conditions, such as sclerosis, psoriasis and eczema.
Finally, Blackcurrant powder is rich in several vitamins including A, B1, B5, B6 and E. Most significant is its high vitamin C content, which is 4 times greater than that of oranges! From supporting the immune system and reducing tiredness to boosting collagen production, the benefits of vitamin C are varied and plentiful.
Now you know the basics, let’s take a closer look at some of the health benefits of blackcurrant powder.
Fun fact - blackcurrants contain double the amount of antioxidants found in blueberries. So if you’re looking to increase your antioxidant intake to fight free radicals and oxidative stress, blackcurrant powder is the way to do it.
According to a 2009 study in the American Journal of Physiology, the anthocyanins in blackcurrant extract were found to suppress oxidative stress in human cells and enhance the immune response to infection.
The combination of vitamin C, antioxidants and anthocyanins in blackcurrant powder work to greatly boost the immune system. Blackcurrants are also antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antitoxic, antiseptic and anticancer. Pretty impressive, don't you think?
Studies have found that taking blackcurrant health supplements, like wild blackcurrant powder, can help to boost the immune response in people who exercise regularly. There is also evidence that blackcurrant seed oil can boost immunity in the elderly.
Suffer from dry eyes and visual fatigue? According to studies, Blackcurrant is the perfect treatment. A rich source of Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) and Vitamin C, Blackcurrant can help to increase blood flow and improve our eyes’ ability to adapt to the dark. Research has also found it can slow the progression of visual deterioration in people with glaucoma and reduce symptoms of visual fatigue (commonly caused by working in front of computer screens.)
The dietary antioxidants in blackcurrants play an important role in maintaining overall eye health and preventing cataracts.
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), a type of Omega-6 fatty acid found in blackcurrants can help to ease joint pain, stiffness, soreness and damage. It is also thought to reduce the body’s natural inflammatory response.
Did you know that like many grape-based beverages, Blackcurrant helps to prevent plaque from accumulating in our arteries? In fact, it's thought to be even more potent than wine and other fruit juice.
The GLA in blackcurrant powder can also help to reduce blood pressure and protect the cells in your heart from damage.
Ready to experience the health benefits for yourself? Before you head out in search of the freshest berries, it’s worth considering the benefits of blackcurrant powder.
Mountainlife blackcurrant fruit powder is made from 100% natural blackcurrant berries, wild harvested from the Altai forests of Siberia. The fresh berries are sourced by natives and milled into a finely ground powder, before being freeze dried. This process locks in all of the wonderful nutrients, while also helping the blackcurrant retain its vibrant colour and taste.
Why use our wild blackcurrant fruit powder instead of fresh berries? Simple! It contains all of the goodness of fresh berries, just in dried form. The berry powder lasts much longer than fresh berries. It’s also much easier and more convenient to use in smoothies and baking, with the same great taste!
One of the benefits of blackcurrant powder from Siberia is in the make-up of the berries themselves. Blackcurrant berries contain phytochemicals, which essentially protect the berries from external sources like predators and weather conditions. In Siberia, the weather conditions can be pretty harsh. This means that our Blackcurrant Berries have to adapt to the stress of the weather and in turn produce a more raw & natural berry, packed full of added goodness.
Our wild blackcurrant fruit powder is 100% authentic and pure. You won’t find any nasties like fillers or binders inside. We’re all about keeping things natural.
So if you’re ready to boost your immune system, improve heart health and keep inflammation at bay, grab yourself a pouch of Mountainlife Wild Blackcurrant Powder. Enjoy it in smoothies, yoghurts and your favourite healthy snack recipes. And if you love it as much as we do (which we’re certain you will) don’t forget to give it a share on social media and tag Mountainlife!
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