Give yourself a berry boost for 2021 and experience the wonderful benefits of the Great British blackcurrant. For a fruit that packs a huge nutritional punch, these mighty berries are among the most undiscovered superfoods. Read on for ten reasons why you should eat more blackcurrants this year.

1. Weight for weight, blackcurrants contain four times the amount of vitamin C than oranges! 

The human body cannot make vitamin C, so we must eat foods containing it, preferably every day. We all know that oranges are jam-packed with vitamin C but did you know weight for weight, blackcurrants contain four times the amount of vitamin C than oranges! Adding a handful of these tiny berries to your porridge can maintain healthy skin blood vessels, bones and cartilage, protect your cells, and even help heal wounds. 

2. Blackcurrants are easy to incorporate into your diet.

From sprinkling on your breakfast, blitzing in smoothies or adding to your favourite puddings, incorporating blackcurrants into your diet may be easier than you think! Why not try Cinnamon Rolls with a Blackcurrant Glaze, Blackcurrant and Thyme Sorbet or Apple and Blackcurrant Crumble with a Hazelnut Topping? These are only a few of our range of sweet and savoury recipes on our website. If any of these have taken your fancy, then visit our website to discover more. 

3. Blackcurrants have twice as many antioxidants and anthocyanins than blueberries!

All brightly coloured fruit and vegetables contain antioxidants which help protect our body from harmful illnesses. However, many naturally purple foods contain a particular antioxidant called anthocyanin (that give foods their deep red, purple or blue tones). This antioxidant has been found to lower blood pressure, improve vision, reduce cancer cells, prevent diabetes and to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. These indeed are some powerful little berries! They also help strengthen your immune system, soothe sore throats, and ease flu symptoms, which is ideal if you want to kick start the new year with a nutritional boost.  

4. Blackcurrants are effective against cancers.

Proving once again that blackcurrants are truly amazing, research has found that their rich antioxidant content provides blackcurrants with anti-cancer properties. Blackcurrants are considered one of the best natural sources of antioxidants, so what are you waiting for? Go ahead and dig in! 

5. Blackcurrants give you a brain boost.

Do you want to replace coffee for a healthier alternative? Then try a fruity blackcurrant tea! Research has shown that blackcurrant juice could improve mental performance, help you stay alert and work with greater accuracy while under mental stress due to the high levels of antioxidants in these small but mighty berries! Research has also found that blackcurrant juice regulates the ‘happy chemicals’ (serotonin and dopamine), meaning some of these superfruits can enhance your mood and even alleviate symptoms of depression and Parkinson’s. 

6. Blackcurrants help you exercise. 

If you’re looking for a way to push even harder in your workouts, then the humble blackcurrant may be the answer you’re looking for! Blackcurrants enhance the immune response in people who exercise regularly. They also help reduce the build-up of lactic acid in the blood, (which makes muscles hurt during vigorous exercise) meaning you can train harder for longer and go the extra mile, all thanks to these incredible berries! 

7. Blackcurrants slow down ageing. 

Ditch the beauty salons and treat yourself to some blackcurrants to help you stay looking youthful. Early-ageing is a common problem that can be prevented by including antioxidant-rich food, such as blackcurrants into your diet. They may not turn back the hands of time, but they will keep you looking (and feeling) your best!

8. Blackcurrants reduce dark circles 

Are you tired under eyes? Then we have some exciting news! According to a recent study, dark circles can be reduced through the consumption of blackcurrants. This is again due to the all-important anthocyanin antioxidant content in the fruit. You can start to look and feel more awake with a daily dose of blackcurrants in your breakfast! 

9. Blackcurrants contain many vitamins, such as A, B-5, B-6, B-1, E

Containing a range of health benefiting vitamins, give your mind and body the love and care it deserves with some blackcurrants! These versatile little beauties contain vitamins that help you produce energy, hormones, red blood cells, while also helping eye health and prevent oxidative stress. 

10 . Blackcurrants can help to reduce gut inflammation. 

A happy gut means a happy mind. Blackcurrants help to increase the levels of good bacteria, Bifidobacterium, in the gut, which in turn reward us with amazing health benefits such as helping to digest food, synthesise vitamins, and fight infections. 

We believe our favourite berry boosters have proven themselves worthy of their ‘superfood’ title. We have only named a few of what we deem as the most beneficial traits of blackcurrants, but trust us when we say there are many more! We hope that we have inspired you to pick up some blackcurrant and experience the incredible health benefits that they hold for yourselves. 

If you would like to get your hands on some of these wonderful berries, then head on over to British Frozen Fruits! Or, find them in supermarkets during the annual harvest  (July – August), when they’re at their best!