Black Currant, (Ribes nigrum) ID: 781-41

People use the whole gooseberry plant, from the leaves to the seeds, for many conditions. The most common form is gooseberry oil, but you can also make infusions and teas from the plant's seeds, fresh or dried.

Black currants are high in: anthocyanins, polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamin C, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).

Helps with diabetes

Gooseberry extracts have been shown to reduce risk factors for metabolic conditions such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Contains many vitamins

Gooseberries contain many vitamins, including: A, B-5, B-6, B-1, E and C.

The most important is vitamin C. In fact, blackcurrants have four times the amount of vitamin C than oranges and twice the amount of antioxidants than blueberries.

The benefits of vitamin C are many. The body uses vitamin C to metabolize proteins and form collagen, which is essential for skin care and antiaging.

Strengthens the immune system In addition to vitamin C, black currants are rich in antioxidants and anthocyanins. These can help boost your immune system, soothe a sore throat and ease flu symptoms.

Gooseberry also has a number of properties, including: antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-toxic, antiseptic, anti-cancer.

One study showed that gooseberry supplements boosted the immune response in people who exercised regularly. They could also train harder for longer periods of time.

Another study in healthy older adults showed that gooseberry boosted the immune system.

Relieves inflammation

Blackcurrants have a direct effect on your body's inflammatory response.

Gooseberry seed oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a type of omega-6 fatty acid that helps reduce inflammation in the body. The high content of GLA and anthocyanin can help reduce joint and muscle pain.

In some studies, GLA supplements were so effective that participants with rheumatoid arthritis were able to reduce their usual pain medications.

Fights the formation of plaque and helps the heart

Grape-based beverages, such as wine and juice, are known to help reduce plaque build-up, but gooseberry juice helps much more.

Gooseberries are rich in potassium and GLA, which can help lower your blood pressure as well. GLA also helps the cells in your heart resist damage and slows the buildup of platelets in your blood vessels.

Additionally, one study found that it increased blood flow to the heart and decreased total peripheral resistance. This suggests that gooseberry can help you recover after exercise.

They help vision

Clinical trials with gooseberries have found that these berries improve eye function, including:

the ability of the eyes to adapt to the dark
blood flow to the eyes
slowing the progression of visual field deterioration in people with glaucoma
symptoms of visual fatigue

People who work on the computer daily may benefit from gooseberry supplements. One study found that consuming gooseberries reduced visual fatigue two hours later.

HOW TO USE

Infusion

SIDE EFFECTS

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to their doctor before using it.

Because it can slow blood clotting, gooseberry supplements are not recommended for people with bleeding disorders or people who are going to have surgery.