The black currant is a fruit bearing shrub originating from Tibet. The small fruits have a pleasant aroma and sour taste. Known as the "King of Berries" and considered the elixir of youth because they contain higher concentrations of Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Calcium, Vitamins A, B, & C, trace minerals, organic acids, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and many more phenolics and phytonutrients than any other fruits. They have been shown to have twice the potassium of bananas, four times the vitamin C of oranges, and twice the antioxidants of blueberries.

The use of black currant fruit as an herbal medicine emerged in the Middle Ages when it was used extensively in natural health remedies. Today there is a growing body of scientific evidence which shows how black currants can protect against oxidative damage and thus contribute to preventing aging and disease. In addition the black currant is a good diuretic, anti-sclerotic, pectoral, sudorific, stomachic, anti-diaretic, anti-colitic, anti-stringent, hypotensive, and anti-rheumatic.

The unique composition of the black currant includes a rare yet essential combination of fatty acids Omega-3 ALA and Omega-6 GLA. Studies have linked GLA and ALA to improvements in a wide range of immune and cardiovascular functions, premenstrual and menopausal symptoms, brain health and skin conditions, along with assisting in weight loss and containing anti-cancer properties.

The Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health senior research scientist Dr. Abdul-Lateef Molan and his team conducted a trial with 45 healthy volunteers who took black currant for four weeks. He found that consumption of the black currant improved gut health by increasing the numbers of good bacteria. "The improvement was significant in many ways," Dr. Molan says. "Firstly, there was an increase in the number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, both of which are beneficial to gut health. Secondly, there was a reduction in the population sizes of some pathogenic bacteria such as Clostridium spp. and Bacteriodes spp. Thirdly, consumption of black currants led to a significant reduction in the activity of Beta-glucuronidase. Lastly, there was also a lowering of fecal pH." Dr. Molan says these findings show that taking black currant can offer significant health benefits because it acts as a powerful prebiotic.

A recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that subjects who were given a mixture of berries daily (including black currants) had a reduction in blood pressure and an increase in good (HDL) cholesterol, two factors that can decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke.

Black currant contains powerful compounds called proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins and a polysaccharide-rich substance, cassis polysaccharide (CAPS), and has macrophage-stimulating activity. CAPS has been proven to be toxic against tumor cells. Additionally preliminary research from the Horticulture and Food Research Institute in New Zealand found that the anthocyanins and polyphenolics found in black currants may help protect against Alzheimer's disease. Beyond that research has shown that black currants prevent the degradation of the essential neurotransmitter, Dopamine, which in turn prevents the decline of brain function often associated with age. Anthocyanins also inhibit the enzymes Cyclo-oxygenase 1 and 2, and reduce inflammation and the effects of arthritis in the body. The effect is similar to aspirin or ibuprofen, so many middle-aged and elderly people are choosing the healthier black currant over these drugs.

Oral intake of black currant has significant and beneficial effects on visual functions including night vision. In the last few decades, computers have rapidly and steadily become a necessary tool of modern life and many people are suffering from computer-related eye problems. Long-term computer use has also contributed to the rise of modern lifestyle related diseases, often exacerbated by stress. Black currant anthocyanins work wonders by treating and alleviating stress, cataracts, eye strain, and preventing aging, all of which are made worse by long-term computer use.

Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the number one cause of blindness in adults over age 65. Research and clinical studies have shown that certain antioxidants like vitamin C and anthocyanosides (anthocyanins) may support vision health and decrease the risk of age related vision problems such as cataracts and (AMD). Scientists have found that a plant based diet rich in flavonoids, including anthocyanins and quercitin (found in black currants), may play a role in decreasing the degeneration of the macula by keeping harmful free radicals from damaging the retina.

While the common treatment for a urinary tract infection is antibiotics, proanthocyanins found in black currant, may help prevent the infection from beginning or progressing. Proanthocyanins work their magic by preventing harmful bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls.

Some possible benefits of our Raw Black Currant Juice Powder may include:

● Strengthening capillaries
● Combating gout
● Reducing the effects of arthritis & rheumatism
● Reducing diarrhea, dysentery, tonsillitis, whooping cough, & gum disease
● Powerful anti-oxidant actions
● Relieving eye strain, cataracts, & Macular Degeneration (AMD)
● Protecting against alzheimers while improving brain health
● Improving cardiovascular functions
● Excellent prebiotic
● Useful against tiredness & overwork
● Improving digestion
● Relieving premenstrual & menopausal symptoms
● High levels of anti-oxidant, vitamin C, potassium, essential fatty acids, anthocyanins, polysaccharides
● Maybe help prevent cellular mutations
● Diuretic properties
● Reducing blood pressure & increasing good cholesterol (HDL)
● Improving skin
● Cleansing the blood of toxins
● Combating uric acid kidney stone disease
● Reducing arterial hypertension
● Anti-inflammatory actions
● Stimulating the functioning of the liver, pancreas, spleen & kidneys
● Combating urinary tract infection
● Systemic anti-inflammatory agent with actions similar to those of natural cortisone

Suggested Use: Mix 1 teaspoon with juice, yogurt or add to your favorite smoothie.

Botanical Name: Ribes nigrum

Other Names: Blackcurrants, Phalsa, Quincy Berries, Cassis, Urdu, Squinancy Berrie, Ribes Nigrum, Schwarze Johannisbeeren, Falsa, Gichtbeerblaetter, Cassistee, Feuilles de Cassis, Quinsy Berries, Schwarze Johannisbeerblaetter

Origin: China

Z Natural Foods strives to offer the highest quality organically grown, raw, vegan, gluten free, non-GMO products available and exclusively uses low temperature drying techniques to preserve all the vital enzymes and nutrients. Our Raw Black Currant Juice Powder passes our strict quality assurance which includes testing for botanical identity, heavy metals, chemicals and microbiological contaminants. ZNaturalFoods.com offers Raw Black Currant Juice Powder packaged in airtight stand-up, resealable foil pouches for optimum freshness. Once opened, just push the air out of the pouch before resealing it in order to preserve maximum potency. Keep your Raw Black Currant Juice Powder in a cool, dark, dry place.