Is black currant good for diabetics?

Black currant berries are full of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that may reduce high blood sugar and potentially prevent diabetes. Anthocyanins, in particular, which are polyphenolic compounds found in black currant berries, aid in reducing insulin resistance. Therefore, black currant is good for diabetics.

Black currant berries contain polyphenolic chemicals that may interact with glucose transport protein and carbs digesting system enzymes to slow down the absorption of glucose from the small intestine. Black currant’s polyphenolic chemicals may lessen oxidative stress and inflammation.

High quantities of manganese in black currants help to lessen the effects of high blood sugar. Black currants include a manganese component that aids in correct insulin secretion and helps persons with type 2 diabetes balance out high blood sugar levels.

The extract, according to researchers, may reduce insulin resistance by up to 22%.

According to a recent study conducted by Liverpool John Moores University researchers, ingesting a blackcurrant extract could offer simple, effective health management that would significantly lower the chance of acquiring type 2 diabetes.

Blackcurrant extract from New Zealand is thought to reduce obesity and improve insulin resistance by 22%.

According to the study’s findings, the strong polyphenol component family known as anthocyanins, which is present in New Zealand blackcurrants, may be used to reduce the chance of acquiring type 2 diabetes and other related health issues.

Researchers found that consuming New Zealand blackcurrant extract in capsule form could increase insulin sensitivity over the near term but not immediately (how responsive your cells are to insulin).

The effects of repeated daily intake of New Zealand blackcurrant anthocyanins on metabolic responses in sedentary obese and overweight people under “free living” conditions have recently been reported in the European Journal of Nutrition.

Blackcurrant is one of the greatest sources of anthocyanins, and it has recently been demonstrated that taking a blackcurrant extract just before eating a meal high in carbohydrates will lower postprandial glucose and insulin trips in healthy people.

Also, a recent study from the University of Eastern Finland demonstrates that blackcurrants have a favorable impact on the post-meal glycemic response and that the necessary serving size is substantially lower than previously believed.

Black currants have a positive impact on how quickly blood sugar levels rise after eating. By reducing the increase and slowing the fall of the glucose response to consumed sugar, they maintain equilibrium. Anthocyanins, berry-derived polyphenolic chemicals that are abundant in blackcurrants, are probably responsible for the impact.

With all these potential benefits, you can see how good black currant is for diabetics. However, just like any food for people living with diabetes, it should be taken in moderation as part of a comprehensive diet to help regulate blood sugar levels.

What is the sugar content of blackcurrants?

The average sugar concentration was 9.0%, with fructose accounting for 45% of that total, glucose for 40%, and sucrose for 15%. For the 10 cultivars over three years, the average soluble solids content was 15.4%.

Ten blackcurrant varieties had their quality attributes assessed. The average sugar concentration was 9.0%, with glucose accounting for 40%, fructose for 45%, and sucrose for 15%. For the 10 cultivars over three years, the average soluble solids content was 15.4%.

Due to their inherent sourness, black currant is frequently consumed with added sugar, which may worry those who are health-conscious customers or diabetics. It appears, nevertheless, that sugar ingested along with black currant is not as bad for you as sugar ingested alone.

Are black currants high in sugar?

Because of their inherent sourness, blackcurrants are frequently consumed with added sugar, which may worry consumers who care about their health or people living with diabetes.

What are the health benefits of black currant berries?

The berry family includes the mystical black currant, which is a type of fruit. It is a very nutrient-dense food that contains a number of important vitamins, minerals, and potent antioxidants that guard you against a number of ailments.

Black currants contain nearly four times as much vitamin C as oranges do, and nearly twice as many antioxidants as blueberries do.

Among the advantages of consuming black currants are:

1. Prevent cancer: The best source of anti-cancer nutrients is blackcurrant, which aids in the removal of cancer cells from your body as well as preventing their growth. Because of its anti-carcinogenic properties, it lowers the risk of developing cancer.
2. Heart-healthy: This magnificent fruit works wonders in protecting the heart. Because it contains a lot of omega 3 fatty acids, eating more of them can help lower your risk of heart disease and lower levels of bad cholesterol (LDL). Additionally, it aids in regulating and managing blood flow.
3. Stop diabetes: Black currant has a low glycemic index, which aids in lowering and maintaining the glucose levels while having diabetes and does not increase blood glucose levels. It is a reliable resource for people with diabetes.
4. Immunity booster: A fruit that helps to boost immunity is the black currant. It aids in raising blood HB levels and enhancing the digestive system, both of which contribute to enhancing immunity.
5. Eye protection: The black currant is the berry that benefits human eyes the most. Your eyes’ general health is improved, but it also lowers your risk of contracting several diseases. It aids in defending your eyes against several illnesses and different types of damage.
6. Inflammation-reducing and -soothing properties of black currants: Black currants have anti-inflammatory properties that aid to lessen and soothe any sort of inflammation.
7. Maintain blood pressure: The black currant’s omega-3 content aids in maintaining and controlling your blood pressure. As a result of adequate blood circulation, numerous diseases are prevented from developing. Additionally, it helps lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
8. Good for Skin: It promotes the radiance and renewal of your skin. It contains essential oils that aid in healing and restoring dry, itchy, and flaky skin.
9. Blackcurrants are a rich source of calcium, copper, magnesium, and a number of other elements, which help to support strong bones and teeth. Your bones and teeth get significantly stronger when you consume black currant fruit on a regular basis. You are also protected from a number of disorders including osteoporosis that are linked to your bone density.
10. Blackcurrants are beneficial for constipation. It contains a lot of fiber, which eases constipation by regulating and smoothing the bowel movement process. It improves your overall health and supports a healthy digestive tract.

Conclusion

The natural components found in black currants are known to be good for diabetics because of their antioxidant content, which also increases insulin sensitivity and may minimize the incidence of Type 2 diabetes by helping to gradually lower high blood sugar levels.

Hence, black currant is good for diabetics.

Reference

Iizuka, Y., Ozeki, A., Tani, T., & Tsuda, T. (2018). Blackcurrant extract ameliorates hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic mice in association with increased basal secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 and activation of AMP-activated protein kinase. Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology, 64(4), 258-264.

Lappi, J., Raninen, K., Väkeväinen, K., Kårlund, A., Törrönen, R., & Kolehmainen, M. (2021). Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) lowers sugar-induced postprandial glycaemia independently and in a product with fermented quinoa: a randomised crossover trial. British Journal of Nutrition, 126(5), 708-717.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00394-020-02329-7

Castro-Acosta ML, Smith L, Miller RJ, McCarthy DI, Farrimond JA, Hall WL (2016) Drinks containing anthocyanin-rich blackcurrant extract decrease postprandial blood glucose, insulin and incretin concentrations. J Nutr Biochem 38:154–161.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2016.09.002

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/483282

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09064719209410221?journalCode=sagb20