Black currant seed oil is extracted from the seeds of black currants. Black currant oil benefits are numerous as according to Wikipedia black currant oil is rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. It contains linoleic acid and a few percents of stearidonic acid. Black currant oil also has flavonoids and anthocyanins. These constituents provide a large amount of black currant oil benefits.
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Anti-inflammatory benefits
One of the main black currant seed oil benefits is its anti-inflammatory effect. The oil controls the secretion of the inflammatory cyotokines and helps relieve the pain. It is applied for liver diseases treatment especially when they are caused by alcohol. Black currant seed oil is used to treat a lot of inflammatory diseases like rheumatic arthritis and dermatitis. According to John Klippel, the author of the book “Primer on Rheumatic Diseases”, the daily intake of 360-3,000 mg of this oil may help people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. These benefits of black currant oil are a result of the presence of gamma-linolenic acid and alpha-linolenic acid in the oil.
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Cardiovascular benefits
The cardioprotective effect of the oil is mentioned among black currant oil benefits in Wikipedia. According to the research published in the “Phytotherapy Research” of June, 2010 black currant oil can lower the total cholesterol level and the amount of triglycerides in people with the increased level of lipids in the blood. This reduces blood clotting, regulates blood pressure levels and lessens the risk of a heart attack. The antioxidants from the oil protect the cardiovascular system from free radicals.
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Anti-aging benefits
The antioxidants from black currant oil help slow down the aging processes. Moreover, alpha-linolenic and gamma-linolenic acids are essential for the skin. They help heal scars and damage tissues, prevent the formation of wrinkles. These fats penetrate into skin cells and moisturize the skin from inside, preventing the dryness of the skin.
Cancer
A. Bishayee in his publication in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry of January, 2011 admits that the anthocyanins present in black currant oil may prevent cancer. They lower inflammation and make free radicals caused by metabolic processes stable. Unstable free radicals may come into interaction with proteins and DNA and result in cancer. The anti-cancer benefits of black currant oil are not proven in people and the oil cannot replace the medications.
Diuretic effect
Black currant oil is used as a diuretic as it helps increase urine flow. The Chinese and folk medicine in Eastern Europe widely apply black currants for this aim.
Women’s health
Black currant oil is rich in gamma-linolenic fatty acid. This fat speeds up the rate of metabolism so the oil can be used to lose weight. Moreover, the black currant oil benefits in relieving stomach ache, premenstrual syndrome, cramping during ovulation, pain in back and breast. Black currant oil also calms down the nervous system and stabilizes mood. The oil is a perfect way to maintain healthy skin and hair. It can stop hair loss and promote the growth of shiny hair. The oil can be applied internally and topically for hair and skin care.