Red currents heath benefits

Are the seeds in red currants harmful to us? Your response would be appreciated please. John Dobson
(October 15, 2010)

Red currants can be described as tiny shrubs that belong to the gooseberry family. The flower of the red currant is yellowish green in color and it eventually matures into a translucent red flowering currant or berry, which is between 8 mm and 12 mm in size. The red currant plant originally belonged to certain parts of Western Europe. The red currant plant usually grows in the cold, hard climate since it requires the cold winter. Red currants are quite tasty, even though they are a bit sourer than black currants. They are cultivated mainly for being used in jellies, jams and other cooked dishes because of their rich taste and flavor.


These berries can also be used in the manufacture of certain drinks and syrups. There are several health benefits that have been associated with the consumption of fresh and natural red currants.

Given below are some of the most common Red Currant Health Benefits:

• Red currants are a rich source of Vitamin C, due to which they contain important antioxidant properties. Because of the high amount of Vitamin C, the iron that is present in red currants also gets easily absorbed by the body.
• They are very high in fiber, which helps in the proper functioning of the digestive system as well as the development of the appropriate gut micro-flora.
• The high amount of antioxidants present in black currants can help reduce the number of destructive free radicals that are generated by the human body, on a daily basis. These radicals are responsible for speedy aging and the overall degeneration of the body
• Red currants can help the body ward off various forms of cancer and at the same time, they help the body with the other day to day functions
• The tea made out of dried red currant leaves is believed to be very effective in alleviating the symptoms of certain conditions, such as rheumatism and gout
• This shrub can be used to make a gargling solution, that is effective against mouth infections
• Red currants can also be used for compressing wounds that are not healing properly
• There are several other health conditions that can be improved by the consumption of red currants. Some of the common red currant benefits are inducing perspiration, improving digestion, cleansing the blood, increasing the appetite, reducing fever and inducing a proper menstrual flow.

People often wonder if it is alright to consume red currant seeds, while eating the berry, as there are a few minute bony seeds in the berries. However, there are no reports, which state that eating red currant seeds could be harmful or even beneficial for that matter. In spite of the various red currants health benefits known, it is best to increase the consumption of this berry only after checking with a nutritionist or a doctor, especially in the case of people who are suffering from certain existing health conditions. It is also advisable to find out the recommended amounts that can be consumed by an individual.

Red currents heath benefits 

Currants are generally high utility plant. Currants consist of red currants, black currants and goose berries; it does not involve zante currants that are small berries that resemble raisins. Red currants are highly flavored and hence it is used for jams, jellies. They can grow in hard and cold climate as the plant requires winter chill. Thus of all the types of currants, red currants are commercially produced.

It is rich in Vitamin C and potassium and hence is helpful in enhancing the immune system and maintaining the electrolyte balance. Because of its red color it is rich in anthocyanins and proanthocyanidin. Anthocyanin is powerful antioxidants that can scavenge the free radicals in the body and prevent it from causing adverse effects. Hence it is useful against diabetes, heart diseases, cancer and aging. Hence the fruits with red pigment are a good nutritional source.

Proanthocyanidin are colorless compounds that can be converted to anthocyanin. Effect of seeds of red currants on health has not been researched and health implication of red currant seeds has been suggested.