Red currants are a type of berry that is tart, but offers a whole slew of health benefits. The alkaline berries are low in fat, low in calories, high in healthy fiber and loaded with nutrients and mineral that are essential for the body.
Controlling calorie intake is a method to control weight. Eating red currants in place of unhealthy snacks will help to keep weight off because a cup of red currants only contain 63 calories and less than 1 g of fat. Losing weight is linked to lowering sugar and cholesterol levels.
Consuming enough fiber is also associated with keeping cholesterol levels low and reducing the risk of heart disease. The daily recommendation for fiber is 21 g to 25 g for women and 30 g to 38 g for men. Red currants contain 5 g of fiber per cup. Fiber is also very important in helping to regulate the digestive system, constipation, and other digestive problems.
It is recommended that a person gets 2,000 mg of potassium each day. A serving or a cup of red currants contains 308 mg of potassium. Potassium regulates blood pressure, which is essential for heart health. The mineral is also important for muscle and bone contraction. A diet that is lacking in potassium could result in weakness, muscle cramps and an irregular heartbeat.
A cup of red currants has 15 mg of magnesium. A person should consume about 420 mg of this magnesium each day. Magnesium is important for the body because it protects the health of your bones and it helps the heart function. The mineral also regulates blood sugar, lowers blood pressure, boosts the immune system and aids nerve and muscle health.
Red currants contains antioxidants compounds that fight free radical damage. Eliminating free radicals from the body helps to prevent the development of cancer and heart disease.
