It can happen, while walking through the countryside, to come across bushes full of dark and juicy berries. It is a shrub that arises and grows spontaneously (especially in cold mountain places) and that gives hanging clusters full of fruit. It is the black currant plant (Ribes), whose berries are easily recognizable for their slightly acidic flavor and intense aroma. Currant plants – which can also be grown – offer generous yields: a medium-height bush (2 meters) can produce up to 5 kg of fruit! A real godsend, to eat fresh or to use as a base for jams, syrups, liqueurs or succulent popsicles.
The summer fruit that grows spontaneously and lowers cholesterol and purifies the blood
This small fruit, whose color is reminiscent of that of ink, must be recognized many beneficial virtues. Berries and green parts, for example, are a concentrate of vitamin C that help modulate the immune response. The story even has it that, in the United Kingdom, during the Second World War, black currant juice was distributed for free among children. This fruit, in fact, was the main source of vitamin C at a time when the war had blocked the importation of food from the rest of Europe, including oranges. A tradition still very present in Anglo-Saxon culture, in which the “blackcurrant cordial” enjoys exceptional popularity.
Recent studies have also shown that black currant oil helps reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. The seeds, in fact, contain large quantities of unsaturated fatty acids, of the Omega 3 and 6 series, which have an anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet and vasodilating action. Furthermore, consuming oil obtained from black currant seeds not only lowers cholesterol levels. A few drops of oil massaged on the face helps to smooth out wrinkles and nourish dry and delicate skin.
Of currant, not only berries are useful, but also leaves. The infusion of black currant leaves (obtained by letting a handful of leaves boil for 5 minutes) cleanses the blood and kidneys of toxins. A natural way to prevent gravel formation.
Ribes Nigrum: the summer fruit that grows spontaneously and lowers cholesterol and purifies the blood.
Deepening
The combination of these three common foods strengthens the immune system and fights viruses and bacteria.
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