Black currants are an extremely rich source of compounds called anthocyanins.
Anthocyanins are among the most powerful antioxidants in the plant kingdom.
They are thought to play a role in the prevention and treatment of a number of human diseases. Anthocyanins belong to the flavonoid family of compounds and occur in nature as glycosides called anthocyanosides. The health benefits of anthocyanins have been attributed to their effects on microvascular circulation— blood flow to the smaller blood vessels and capillary system—where they improve oxygen delivery and work as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents.
Oxidative damage caused by free radicals in the environment contributes to the development of a range of illnesses related to tissue ageing, including cardiovascular disease, cancers, and cataracts. Antioxidants in fruit like black currants help protect against these diseases. When compared with other berries, the total antioxidant capacity of black currant berries is high.1,2,3 Studies have shown that anthocyanins are the main contributor to black currant’s antioxidant
effects.4
Perhaps the best known health benefit of anthocyanins is their eye-protective properties. However, studies indicate that the potential health effects of anthocyanins go far beyond those involved in maintaining vision. Researchers have that anthocyanins and other components of black currants help retard the effects of aging including loss of memory and motor skills, strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation, ward off infections, boost immunity, and prevent cancer. Studies on anthocyanins from other sources have shown that these compounds protect against gastric ulcers, inflammation, osteoporosis, and obesity, and have beneficial properties in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and diabetes.5