Blackcurrant seed oil sources, health benefits and uses

Blackcurrant seed oil is derived from the blackcurrant fruit which, as their name so deliciously suggests, are black berries that leave a purplish, almost bruise-like color on the tongue when eaten. This disastrous aesthetic frightened earlier farmers who thought the fruit to be dangerous. The folklore was further exacerbated by the belief that blackcurrants carried a fungus which harmed neighboring plants. This was a strongly-held superstition for several scores of years. A shame, really, considering the health benefits both the fruit and oil are now known to provide.

There are many health benefits of the fruit itself but this entry will focus on the oil derivative, taken mostly from the seeds. However, please do take note that some benefits of both the fruit and oil tend to intertwine.

Most blackcurrant seed oil is derived by the cold-pressed method. This is the cleanest, most natural way to receive all its health benefits. Other extraction methods involve solvents and supercritical carbon dioxide. These amplify yield but also create a bigger chance of impurities mixing in with the substance. Take special precaution when buying your blackcurrant seed oil. Only do so from a reputable grocer.

Medicinal benefits of black currant seed oil

The oil is an incredibly rich source of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA). This fatty acid is known to be one of nature’s best anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents. Despite it being considered a “forbidden fruit” in days of old, scientists describe it today as an elixir of life. Typically, blackcurrant seed oil is sold in soft capsules and is purported to provide the following therapeutic benefits:

• Boosts the immune system – Studies have suggested that blackcurrant seed oil can support the healthy immune system of the elderly. This is done by the inhibition of the production of prostaglandin E2, which is linked to fever and the suppression of T cells (white blood cells).
• Manages cholesterol levels – One study concluded that blackcurrant seed oil can treat patients suffering from hyperlipidemia. The oil was seen to be most effective among those who were only suffering from a mild variety of the condition and with a lower BMI. Those with severely imbalanced cholesterol levels did not exhibit any dramatic effect.
• Lowers blood pressure – Still, blackcurrant seed oil can prove to be beneficial for those suffering from hypertension. Another study showed that consuming as little as six grams of the oil every day can reduce diastolic blood pressure. The effect was boosted when taken with EPA or fish oil.
• Prevents hair loss – Blackcurrant seed oil can help people with androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness). Those who regularly (and correctly) took blackcurrant seed oil showed improved hair density after only a few months.
• Supports skin function – Beauty experts believe that blackcurrant seed oil can promote supple, youthful skin. Applied topically at night consistently can improve skin elasticity and prevent small wrinkles and dryness. There are also suggestions that the oil can slow down skin photoaging caused by sun damage.
• Alleviates menopausal symptoms – Evening primrose oil is still the best naturopathic remedy for menopausal hot flashes. Nonetheless, blackcurrant seed oil can be an alternative. Take note that medical experts still suggest caution when using the oil. The interaction between blackcurrant oil and other drugs has not yet been fully studied.

Body systems supported by black currant seed oil

The oil is, perhaps not a one-stop remedy for overall well-being, but an excellent addition to one’s diet. It supports all body systems by allowing each organ to function properly and ward off diseases.

Where to learn more

• Fats, Oils, Essential Fatty Acids, Antioxidants, and Fibre
• Herbs.news
• Fresh.news
• Superfoods.news
• Wholefoods.news

Summary

Blackcurrant seed oil is derived from the seeds of the seductively purple blackcurrant. The oil is rich in gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) and is a powerful anti-inflammatory. It is normally sold in capsule form.

Sources include:

LiveStrong.com

CureJoy.com

OilHealthBenefits.com