Red and black currants: calorie, benefit and harm

Losing weight and just watching for health and figure people will be useful to know what food characteristics have red and black currants. Calorie, useful substances, contra-indications, recipes of jam and jams - all this you will find in our article.

About the benefits of red currants

Calorie content of red currant - only 39-43 kcal per 100 grams of the product in fresh form. Dried berries contain 283 kcal for the same amount.

In this berry there are a lot of vitamins C, B ₅ and B ₆ , A. Also there is a high content of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and iron.

Virtually every summer resident has at least one bush of red currant, but for some reason, there is no special love for this berry. But in vain. Red currant is very useful for the circulatory system. It strengthens the walls of blood vessels and lowers the coagulability of blood, preventing the development of thromboses. The potassium contained in it removes excess water from the body.

Also, the berry is useful to athletes and the elderly, since, despite the modest caloric currant, it gives energy and promotes the rejuvenation of the body. This effect is achieved due to the content of succinic and malic acids.

Harmful properties of red currant

All of the above is relevant for moderate consumption. If you eat too many berries, you can face such troubles as bloating and diarrhea, since the red currant has a mild laxative effect. Also it is not recommended to eat it on an empty stomach. Those who are on a diet, it is worth considering that, although the caloric value of red currants is low, the berry stimulates the appetite, which can lead to overeating.

People with liver disease and high acidity of the stomach, as well as in the presence of diabetes should eat red currant in small quantities. With pancreatitis, it is not recommended at all.

On the benefits of black currant

Black currant, the calorie content per 100 grams of which is about 38-43 kcal, for some reason at a premium, rather than red. However, it is more useful than red. On the other hand, she also has more contraindications.

The berries contain four times more ascorbic acid than citrus fruits - 10-15 berries conclude a daily rate of this element. Also black currant is rich in sodium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorus and calcium. Many vitamins A, D, E, group B.

Berries serve as an excellent preventive against colds. Also, black currant removes isotopes from the body, and therefore is useful to people working in harmful, including radiation production.

Harmful properties of black currant

Since there are a lot of vitamin K in the berry and phenolic compounds that promote blood clotting, black currants can not be eaten by people with a diagnosis of "thrombophlebitis".

You should also eat berries in limited quantities, if the acidity of the stomach is increased. With care, treat black currant children, because, unlike red, it can cause an allergic reaction and rashes on the skin.

Jam made of red currant

Now let's talk about jam, which for some reason most people like more than fresh currants. The calorie content of the sweet treats from red berries averages 284 kcal per 100 grams, but the indicator may vary depending on the ingredients used and the amount of sugar.

To prepare a simple jam from red currant you need one kilogram of berries and a half a kilogram of sugar. In this case, the jam will come out with a little sourness. If someone likes a messenger, you can take more sugar.

Ripe berry pick, free from twigs and leaves, rinse under running water and transfer to a pan. Then sprinkle the berries with sugar and place the container in a cool place for 7-8 hours.

Then put the pan with berries on the fire, add half a liter of water and, stirring, bring to a boil. Let it boil for 15 minutes, then remove the mixture from the plate. Pour over sterilized jars, roll them up, turn them over, wrap them in a blanket and leave them to cool.

Excellent jam is obtained if you mix red currants with oranges, raspberries or gooseberries.

Black currant jam

Of this berry, they also like to make jam very much. Black currant, the calorie content of which is not very fresh, as a sweet treat, has an energy value of 284 kcal, depending on the amount of sugar and ingredients.

To make jam, you need berries, sugar and a little water. Usually the proportion of currants and sugar is 1: 1, but it's a matter of taste. Pour the sugar into the pan and add 100-200 ml of water - depending on how much thick jam you want to get.

Bring to a boil and add the washed berries. Once again, wait for the boil, do not forget to stir, then install a small fire. Cook for about 40 minutes, stirring constantly and periodically taking off the foam.

It is recommended to pour jam into jars after complete cooling, otherwise the berries will float, and the billet will not look very nice.

If you want to reduce the energy value, try not to digest the delicacy. Then you can use less sugar, and you will get a jam of black currant, caloric value Which will be lower.

How to make jam, preserving all vitamins

There is a so-called raw jam. This option is suitable if you prefer fresh currant. The calorie content of this delicacy will be higher, because you need more sugar than for classic jam.

Take for each kilogram of berries for two kilograms of sugar. Pass the currant through a meat grinder or chop the blender, mix it thoroughly with sugar and spread the mixture over the jars.

You can use less sugar, but then you will have to eat the dessert faster. In the general case, it is recommended to store raw jam in the refrigerator for no more than six months.

Low-calorie currant-based diets

Dieters often experience stress due to refusal of sweet, and currants can help here. Caloric content is not high, so the berry can be used as a basis for desserts.

For example, you can crush half a glass of berries and mix with low-fat cottage cheese. In the mixture, you can add a teaspoon of sugar. This dessert contains 100-120 kcal per 100 grams.

Or prepare a soufflé of black currant.

1. Rub in a mash table spoon of berries.
2. Pour a teaspoon of agar 100 ml of water, add a teaspoon of cane sugar, bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to the smallest and cook for 2-4 minutes.
3. Whisk until stable peaks of two egg whites.
4. Mix the proteins with hot syrup, enter the berry puree and carefully beat everything with a mixer.
5. Transfer the mixture to the mold, allow to cool and move to the refrigerator.
6. After a few hours, remove the souffle from the mold and cut into pieces.

Currant Diet

If you do not suffer from gastritis, hepatitis and ulcer diseases, then you can try this summer menu. Suitable as a black and red berry, but if you have thrombophlebitis, then use only red.

The diet lasts four days and allows you to throw 3-4 kilograms. Its feature is that between meals you can have a snack with currants. So you can achieve a feeling of full saturation and do not harm the figure. Drink recommended water, unsweetened teas (black, green, herbal), as well as compotes, infusions and berries from berries.

Breakfast consists of one boiled egg, 30 grams of cheese and a glass of unsweetened compote from the currant.

For lunch, you can eat 100 grams of boiled meat (beef), fish or poultry. As a side dish, make a salad of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and tomatoes, filling it with olive oil. Or you can do with lettuce leaves. Instead of meat, you can eat soup puree from tomatoes, sweet peppers, zucchini, onions and cauliflower. For dessert - a glass of fresh currant berries.

For dinner, mix 100 grams of curd and currant, and as a drink, take the currant juice.

So, we found out what is the caloric content of currant, what useful substances are contained in this berry, and how to cook tasty jam. Have a nice appetite and good health!