Black Currants get more attention for their high polyphenol content, but due to mounting research, Red Currants (Ribes rubrum) are poised to become a functional food for supporting metabolism, especially blood sugar balance and cardiovascular health.
A native to Western Europe and parts of Asia, the Red Currant is a shrub in the gooseberry family that grows to about 5 feet tall, developing racemes of bright red translucent berries. The shrubs are attractive, and often serve as garden plants. There are several other Currant species that are closely related, as well as gooseberries, which are found in the Red Currant native range.
Currants are known to be very high in the health-promoting phenolic compounds, with Black Currant having the highest content, but Red Currant has been found to be highest in Chlorogenic acid and their strong inhibitory activities against enzymes like α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and ACE, which are relevant for managing type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
The Red Currant has a sweet tart flavor and is often consumed raw, as garnishes, cooked in pies or other desserts, as syrup, jams or in beverages.
The Red Currant berries have long been used in herbal medicine and are known as a source of vitamin C (anti-scurvy), and to aid digestion and cool the body.
As a single serving of Red Currants contains 77% of the daily recommended amount of Vitamin C, they are thought to help the immune system, as well as having benefits internally and topically to the skin and hair.
For this reason and also the high amounts of antioxidants, Red Currant is included in skin care products for skin firming and protection.
The leaves of the Red Currant have been used in Russian traditional medicine as an herbal tea, for immune or urinary health. The leaves have also been used as a poultice for pains and strains.
Through scientific investigation, Red Currants have been found to have antioxidant phenolic activity, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiplatelet and antidiabetic activities. They also have higher alpha-glucosidase, alpha-amylase and ACE inhibitory activity compared to Black Currants, Red and Green Gooseberries; therefore, researchers concluded that they showed potential as a functional food with antidiabetes and antihypertension activity for people with early stages of type 2 diabetes.
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**This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
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