Sue Bedford (MSc Nutritional Therapy)
Did you know that Blackcurrants possess three times the amount of vitamin C as oranges, and double the number of antioxidants as blueberries?
How do blackcurrants help support fertility and health?
• Blackcurrants contain Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Chronic inflammation can interfere with fertility by disrupting hormonal balance and impairing reproductive organs’ function. Blackcurrants contain anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially supporting fertility.
• Blood Circulation: Good blood circulation is vital for reproductive health. The high levels of antioxidants and anthocyanins in blackcurrants may help improve blood flow, including to the reproductive organs, potentially enhancing fertility.
• They are loaded with vitamin C -Vitamin C appears to enhance sperm count, motility, and quality and has been found to help prevent sperm from clumping (agglutination). It is also thought to protect the sperm and helps to prevent damage to the DNA held within it. In a study published in Fertility and Sterility, it was found that a moderate amount of supplemental vitamin C improves hormone levels (progesterone) and increases fertility in women. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and helps to counteract some of the free radicals that enter our bodies. Our bodies do not make vitamin C (and as it is a water-soluble vitamin and is therefore lost each day in our urine) so plenty of foods rich in vitamin C need to be included in the diet.
Why are Blackcurrants good for our general health?
Blackcurrants help support the immune system – they are high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Blackcurrants are good for the heart – they contain antioxidants that help protect against atherosclerosis. They also contain potassium which is important in blood pressure regulation. Potassium also helps to maintain a regular heartbeat.
Blackcurrants may help protect against neuro-degenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This may be due to the anthocyanins which are abundant in blackcurrants and which may play an important role in protecting the brain from free radical damage.
Blackcurrants have been shown to be important in maintaining healthy eyesight and help protect against cataracts.
Blackcurrants seem to help protect against urinary tract infections- due to their potential antibacterial properties.
Uses…
Preserves/jams
Blackcurrant seed oil – may help skin conditions such as eczema.
Blackcurrant syrup – immunity boost, also for sore throats.
In smoothies
In desserts
Blackcurrant Smoothie
Makes 2
Ingredients
400g Blackcurrants (if frozen defrost first)
2 small ripe bananas
400ml apple juice
4 tbsp plain yoghurt
Method
Press the blackcurrants through a fine sieve.
Place the blackcurrant juice, banana, apple juice, and yoghurt into a blender and whizz until smooth.
Pour into a glass over ice and serve. Enjoy!
Interesting Reading:
Henmi, H. and Kitajima. Y. (2003) Effects of Ascorbic Acid Supplementation on Serum Progesterone Levels in Patients with a Luteal Phase Defect. Fertility and Sterility 80.2 : pp459-61.
Song, G., Norkus, E. and Lewis,V.(2006) Relationship between Seminal Ascorbic Acid and Sperm DNA Integrity in Infertile Men. International Journal of Andrology 29.6 : pp569-75.
