Black Currant: A stellar functional food

 Black currant has star status in the functional food world. It is worth your time to learn about functional foods. According to the Mayo Clinic functional foods are foods which have a positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition. Functional foods promote optimal health and help to reduce the risk of disease.

As I age, my immune system seems to be slowing down. Or maybe the issues I am confronted with are just more complicated. When I was younger I just powered through the day…because I had to. Possibly it is my patience (temperament) that is waning not my immune system. I have no patience with being a patient (sick person). Colds, flu, sore throats and associated aches and pains just make me angry. One of the reasons I gave up pharmaceutical drugs and switched to herbs and functional foods was because they increased my sense of wellbeing and happiness. Pharmaceutical drugs make me feel worse; they seem to create more symptoms than they cure.

My Naturopath recommended black currant to help with a nagging cough and asthma symptoms of the retro virus I’m battling. Black currant is very popular in Europe and are consumed in the form of functional foods and beverages. Black currant is a great addition into the daily diet.

Blackcurrant is a small, round, dark purple fruit that grows on a bush. It is usually cooked before being eaten. When the juice is boiled to an extract with sugar, it is used for inflammatory sore throats also it can be prepared as lozenges. An infusion of the leaves, as a tea, is a cleansing diuretic, while an infusion of the young roots has been used in eruptive fevers. The raw berry juice has diuretic and diaphoretic properties, and is an excellent treatment for fevers. Some herbalists recommend a bark decoction in the treatment of calculus, dropsy, and hemorrhoids.

The black currant (Ribes nigrum) is native to Europe, Asia Pacific, and North America. At one point, black currant was banned from cultivation in the U. S. because of its association with a fungus that attacks white pine trees. Some of the highest-quality black currants are cultivated in New Zealand where there are optimum growing conditions.

Currants are a popular, summer berry and are incredibly rich in valuable healthy phyto-nutrients, and anti-oxidants. Blackcurrant is a small shrub with the scientific name: Ribes nigrum. The currant (Ribes) plant is a fast growing, deciduous shrub that reaches about 5-6 ft in height. Typically, currants grow best in areas where summers are humid while winters are severe and chilling. Each currant berry is about 1 cm in diameter, very dark purple to black with a glossy skin, and a calyx at its apex. It contains 3-10 tiny, edible seeds. The berries come in different colors. The red, white and pink currants feature translucent pulp and are sweeter in taste but are inferior to blackcurrants in antioxidant power.

Because of their potent antioxidant activity and powerful nutritional profile the black currant was used in herbal medicine during the Middle Ages. They have four times the amount of vitamin C as oranges, and twice the antioxidants of blueberries and contain the vitamins A, B-5, B-6, B-1, and E. Vitamin C is needed to metabolize protein and form collagen, which is essential for skin care and anti-aging. Black currants have antioxidants and anthocyanins, which strength the immune system, soothe sore throats, and ease flu symptoms. Blackcurrant leaves have properties that are antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antitoxic, antiseptic, and anticancer.

                       
A recent study demonstrated that blackcurrant supplements enhanced the immune response in those who regularly exercise, while allowing for harder training over a longer period of time. Blackcurrant powder increased heart blood flow while decreasing overall peripheral resistance, which may help with recover after exercise. A different study of healthy, older adults revealed that blackcurrant seed oil boosts the immune system.

Blackcurrant seed oil contains omega-6 fatty acid that helps ease inflammation in the body. This high GLA and the anthocyanin content can reduce joint or muscle: pain, stiffness, soreness, and damage. Recent research demonstrated black currant GLA supplements were so effective that rheumatoid arthritis participants could reduce pain medication dosage level. Blackcurrant, which is high in potassium and GLA, helps lower blood pressure, also helps the cells of the heart resist damage, as well as, slowing down blood platelet clumping.

People who do computer work every day may benefit from blackcurrant supplements. One study found that a tablespoon of blackcurrant berries could reduce visual fatigue. Clinical trials with blackcurrants found that these berries improve eye function, including ability to adapt to the dark, blood flow to the eyes, progression of visual field deterioration in from glaucoma, and symptoms of visual fatigue.

It’s not hard to incorporate more blackcurrants into your diet. You can find blackcurrant in the form of dried fruit, oils, pills and capsules, powder and tea. Ribena is a popular juice drinking Britain and may be found online, or in the import section of the grocery store. The berries themselves can be tossed into any recipe from salads to scones. 

Typical herbal dosages are: four 250 milligram capsules per day, taken twice a day, 5-10 milliliters of fruit syrup per day, one glass of fruit juice per day, or 1-2 teaspoons of leaves, three to four times a day. Blackcurrant berries and seed oil are considered safe at recommended doses. Mild side effects such as soft stools, mild diarrhea, and intestinal gas. Those with clotting disorders or about to have surgery should avoid them because they can slow blood clotting, Pregnant or breast-feeding women should consult their physician before taking any supplements.

The dark black currant is high in anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity. Antioxidants are known to neutralize free radical buildup, which oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is created by an acidic condition of the blood. Free radicals are by-products of normal bodily functions and are inevitable in daily life and are linked to the development of a number of degenerative diseases and conditions. The delicate balance between antioxidants and free radicals determines the state of body health. The aging body doesn't function as efficiently as it should, which allows for a buildup of free radicals and requires increased amounts of antioxidants in our diet.

Black currants are in season from July to October. When picking the berries, they should be picked intact. Avoid damaging them by picking up the whole string by its stem and take care to not damage the spur. Choose berries that are firm and avoid those that are shriveled with cuts/bruises or leaking juice. Store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for few days.

Blackcurrants can be picked in nature and eaten raw. In the store choose berries that are healthy looking, uniform in size, with a bright color. To keep their texture intact, wash them in cold water just prior to use. Serving tips: Red, pink and white varieties are sweeter and can be consumed fresh or dried as snacks, Black currants have a tart, astringent flavor and are often boiled and pureed and add a refreshing taste to fruit cocktails, Black currants may be used in muffins, pie fillings, and ice creams, The berries are often used in sauce, jam, jelly or flavored drink preparation.

The versatility of black currants is just amazing. They are a fantastic food with so many health benefits! It is hard to find something that works for me when I have a cough or sore throat, but black currant juice works for me. I find black currant juice almost too intense, but adding a little water or ice does not diminish effectiveness.  I also discovered that black currant jelly is amazing when creating a gourmet peanut butter and jelly sandwich!....and who doesn't love black currant scones?

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/black-currants.html

http://www.berriesforlife.com/blackcurrant-science.html

http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/health-benefits-black-currant#3

http://blackcurrant.co.nz/blackcurrant-health-benefits-exercisesports-recovery-and-immunity/

Bromelain, a multi-purpose enzyme

Good health starts with good, healthy food. The old saying tells us the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The synergy between the interactive nutrients in foods creates nutritional power. But sometimes the food contains an essential nutrient so special and effective, it is viewed as having healing qualities. Bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme found in pineapple, is such a nutrient.

Pineapple is a native South American fruit that was spread by the local Indians throughout South and Central Americas and into the West Indies. It was brought to Spain in 1493 when Columbus discovered Americas’. During the 15th and 16th centuries, pineapple was spread to the rest of the world by European sailors. Pineapple is essential to traditional Hawaiian folk medicine.

Dr. Edward Group, DC and NP, explains that bromelain is a protein-digesting (proteolytic) enzyme complex found in the fruit and, in higher concentrations, in the stem of the pineapple (Ananas comosus). It is able to hydrolyze or break down a wide variety of protein types in a range of both acid and alkaline environments.

It breaks down protein, which is a benefit considering that as a proteolytic enzyme, bromelain assists the body’s digestive process in reducing very large, complex protein molecules into smaller peptide units or individual amino acids. These smaller components are essential in the production of muscle, neurotransmitters, and other protein-based molecules in the body.

The enzyme bromelain is known to reduce swelling in the sinuses and nose. It is used as a treatment for hay fever, ulcers, removing dead and damaged tissue after a burn, preventing edema (the collection of water) in the lungs and for cancer prevention. It contains chemicals which hamper tumor cell growth. Bromelain is supportive of a muscle function, slows blood clotting, improves the absorption of antibiotics and helps the body get rid of fat.

Some individuals use bromelain to prevent muscle soreness, for osteoarthritis, to reduce pain and improve knee function. Bromelain is a great natural replacement to harmful anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin. Bromelain has been used to treat:

• Allergies
• Arthritis and joint pain
• Asthma
• Autoimmune diseases
• ACL tears

• Cancer
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Sinus infections
• Sprained ankles
• Tendonitis 

Ways to add bromelain into your diet

1. Eat the fiber-rich core of a juicy, ripe pineapple as well as the flesh. Pineapple flesh is also good but doesn’t contain the high bromelain content of the core.
2. Juice the core of the pineapple or toss it into a smoothie along with vegetables like cucumber. 
3. Drink fresh pineapple juice is an effective remedy against inflammatory diseases. It is suggested 4 ounces of pineapple a day to helps prevent digestive issues, while 8 ounces treats illnesses such as constipation, ulcerative colitis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
4. Taking a natural bromelain supplement, or proteolytic enzyme with bromelain, is effective for treating some specific inflammatory or chronic disease. Take the supplement with meals to improve digestion, however take it on an empty stomach for all other health conditions.

Bromelain aids in digesting proteins, helping the body absorb nutrients more efficiently, and healing the gastrointestinal tract. A recent study, of individuals prescribed bromelain for post-operative pain, swelling and redness, reported “significantly lower” pain compared to the control group taking a generic pain killer. Be careful when eating extra pineapple or taking a bromelain supplement when taking blood thinners because bromelain helps prevent blood clots.

The Evidenced-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal reported a study showing that bromelain reduces allergic sensitization, and that allergic airway disease was markedly decreased. The research suggests that bromelain helps to modulate, or strengthen, the immune system.

The University of Cologne, Germany, researchers recently took 12 patients who had already had sinus surgery and treated them with bromelain for 3 months. While surgery for sinusitis can often be ineffective for treating sinusitis, the addition of bromelain led to these benefits: Total symptom scores improved, Total rhinoscopy scores improved, Overall quality of life was enhanced, and No adverse effects were reported.

The Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine journal reviewed research on 42 patients with osteoarthritis, degenerative spine, or painful joint conditions. The patients were given 650 mg capsules of bromelain 2 – 3 times each day on an empty stomach. The study found that pain decreased close to 60% for acute situations, while pain decreased than 50% for chronic disorders.

Some studies have shown that bromelain is extremely useful after surgery and physical injuries by reducing swelling, bruising, healing time, and pain. It can reduce the soft tissue inflammation from tendinitis, sprains and strains, and minor muscle injuries. Studies demonstrate reduced inflammation after dental, nasal, and foot surgeries. Bromelain has been used to treat sinus and nasal swelling following ear, nose, and throat surgery or trauma.

Test tube and animal studies display evidence that suggests bromelain can kill some viruses and bacteria. However, more research and human studies, are needed to see whether it works in human trials. Preliminary research suggests it has anti-tumor properties and may increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy, however, more research is needed.

Traditionally, bromelain has been topically applied to reduce swelling and discomfort associated with insect bites and stings. It has been used in alternative medicine to promote cardiovascular health, and to treat hemorrhoids and vein conditions. Several studies reveal that bromelain helps reduce coughing and lessens mucus resulting from sinusitis.

Research studies reveal that bromelain helps balance stomach acidity, as well as small intestine alkalinity. Research also suggests that it may be natural remedy for IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). A lab study demonstrated this enzyme may help eliminate harmful organisms causing diarrhea. Several studies have suggested that bromelain may stop blood platelets from clotting which can have a natural positive effect heart health.

Precautions: Bromelain breaks down blood clots and may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery-stop taking bromelain at least 2 weeks before surgery. Individuals who are allergic to latex, wheat, celery, papain, carrot, fennel, cypress pollen, or grass pollen may also be allergic to bromelain. Pregnant women and people with bleeding disorders, high blood pressure, and liver or kidney disease should not take bromelain supplements. Supplementation is generally recommended for no longer than 8 to 10 consecutive days--side effects are generally mild and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive menstrual bleeding. Bromelain may increase the number of antibiotics absorbed by the body.

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http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/pineapple.html