Currants are a type of raisins that are sweet, tiny, and seedless grape derivatives. Multiple currant variants are available in the market, namely white, pink, and red, which are transparent versions, while black currants are deep, lustrous, and opaque.
Currants are an excellent source of antioxidants that hamper free radical activity in the body and safeguard our cells. Anthocyanins assist in reinforcing your immune response towards pathogens. Currants are loaded with gamma-linoleic acid, a type of omega-6 fats.
A significant contradiction made by currants is that they slow down the phenomenon of blood coagulation leading to excess bleeding from open wounds. Excess intake of currants can lower your blood pressure than the specified level.
If you happen to look for substitutes for currants, you’ve come to the right place. Continue reading to hunt your favorite replacement out.
8 Best Substitutes for Currants
There are several substitutes accessible for currants, so you don’t need to stick to the same ingredient till eternity. Here is a list of eight alternatives to settle for the best.
Raisins
Raisins are dehydrated derivatives of grapes. They are dried in such a way that the moisture content is eliminated, and the sugar and nutrient content becomes concentrated. Hence, raisins are significantly nutritious than grapes
Raisins decrease your blood pressure and blood sugar levels leading to a healthy heart. They work towards eliminating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol from your arteries. Their high potassium content nurtures your heart and protects one from strokes.
Antioxidants in raisins nullify free radical functions and protect your cells. Phytonutrients are known to subside signs of cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis. They also act as anti-inflammatory agents and relieve inflammation and pain.
On the contrary, raisins can cause weight gain if consumed in large amounts. It may cause bloating and stomach cramps.
Summary
Raisins are an excellent choice for boosting heart health. They help you get rid of cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis. It has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants
Dehydrated Dates
Dates are legendary for their sweet flavor and high nutrient content. Some people opt for dried dates to attain a condensed form of the same nourishment. Medjool, deglet, and zahidi are types of dried dates.
Dehydrated dates are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Pregnant women can consume dried dates for ease in bowel movements and eradicating constipation and other gastrointestinal health hazards. Iron and carbohydrates generate tons of energy.
Dried dates are a reservoir of polyphenols that benefit digestion, assist during diabetes and prevent cancer risks. They are a fantastic source of magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron.
Apart from all these benefits, dried dates can induce specific allergic reactions in the body. They are high in sugar and calorie content.
Summary
Dehydrated dates are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. They aid in digestion, diabetes, pregnancy, and cancer.
Dehydrated Prunes
Prunes can be dehydrated without undergoing fermentation due to their high sugar levels. Like dates, they are rich in fiber and assist in appropriate bowel movements.
Due to their high fiber content, dried prunes prevent hemorrhoids caused by constipation. They help in soothing an overactive bladder by decreasing your urge for frequent urination. They contain vitamins like A, B-6, K, riboflavin, and niacin.
Their potassium-heavy content strengthens several physiological functions, including blood pressure regulation, muscle contractions, nerve impulse generation, ideal heart rhythm, and digestion. Prunes assist in treating anemia due to their iron-rich contents.
On the flip side, dried prunes contain sorbitol that can lead to an upset stomach. Excess intake can result in diarrhea or even constipation. Histamine may lead to allergies.
Summary
Dehydrated prunes are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They regulate physiological functions and ensure the body’s normal functioning and ease constipation and an overactive bladder.
Dehydrated Cherries
Dehydrated cherries have nominal moisture content; this prolongs their shelf life and boosts their nutritional value. They consist of thick skin and intense flavor.
Dried cherries are fused with the goodness of vitamin A that is essential for boosting eye health. It helps in keeping night blindness and cataracts at bay. It aids in combating measles in young children. They are loaded with calcium and iron.
Dehydrated cherries are filled with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory factors to battle several chronic ailments. Polyphenols help fight cell damage and decrease edema, while their potassium-rich contents will reinforce your heart health.
As a precautionary measure, avoid dried cherries intake if you have diabetes due to its high carbohydrate and sugar content. It may result in weight gain for specific individuals.
Summary
Dehydrated cherries contain vitamin A that is good for eye health. They come with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory elements that secure your overall health.
Cranberries
Cranberries are associated with other berry mates, including blueberries, lingonberries, and bilberries. They have a sour taste that never goes unnoticeable.
The main composition of cranberries is carbohydrates and fiber. Their insoluble fiber content will pass make its way through your bowel unaffected. Vitamin C maintains the firmness of your bones, muscles, and skin. Manganese reinforces your antioxidant activity.
Vitamin K is fruitful for blood coagulation, while vitamin E is a type of antioxidant that resists free radical activities. Cranberry intake prevents urinary tract infection due to the presence of phytonutrients. They help in combating stomach ulcers and cancers.
On the downside, cranberries may result in kidney stones due to their high oxalate contents.
Summary
Cranberries are rich in vitamins C, E, and K, along with carbohydrates and fiber. They help prevent urinary tract infections, cell damage, and stomach-related ailments.
Jujubes
Jujubes have a sweet taste and chewy texture. They are dehydrated for crafting candies and other desserts in certain parts of Asia. On the medical front, they are used to reduce anxiety and provide sound sleep.
Jujubes are loaded with flavonoids, triterpenic acid, vitamin C, and polysaccharides that secure your cells from free radical damage, thus preventing chronic diseases like cancers, heart ailments, and type-2 diabetes. Jujubes aid in boosting brain functions and sleep.
Polysaccharides come with antioxidant properties and also aid in reducing inflammation and pain in the body. Jujube lignins boost immune response towards pathogens. Jujube consumption improves bowel movements, nourishes good gut bacteria, and heals constipation.
As a precautionary step, avoid jujube consumption with antidepressants or seizure medications as they may interact with each other.
Summary
Jujubes are fused with several antioxidants that protect us from chronic ailments. Jujube lignins are great for boosting brain functions and lets you sleep well.
Gooseberries
Gooseberries are low in fats and calories but rich in nutrients. They contain health-promoting elements like vitamins B and C, copper, potassium, and manganese, along with carbohydrates and fatty acids.
Copper is an outstanding choice for your arteries, heart, and immunity, while manganese strengthens your metabolism, bone development, and reproduction. Potassium regulates cell functions. Consuming gooseberries may result in weight loss.
Gooseberries are rich in fiber that assist in the proper digestion of food, while dietary fiber aids in reducing cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Gooseberries generate organic acids that block iron accumulation in brain cells, thus preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
Take adequate measures while consuming gooseberries if you happen to suffer from bleeding disorders as they boost the risk of bleeding and bruising.
Summary
Gooseberries are good for your heart, brain, arteries, digestion, bones, and reproduction due to nutrients like vitamins B and C, copper, potassium, and manganese.
Blueberries
Blueberries are consumed to boost the cognitive abilities of individuals and reinforce their thinking skills. It restricts urinary tract infections by preventing bacteria from adhering to the bladder lining.
As your memory deteriorates with age, blueberry intake aids in improvising this condition, and it reduces signs of aging by improving foot replacement and balance. It assists young children to learn better. Blueberries reduce early symptoms of depression.
Blueberries reduce fat saturation in arteries, thus regulating blood pressure and maintaining a healthy heart. It can relieve arthritis signs in children and decrease diabetes, cancer, and metabolic syndrome risks. It helps prevent cataracts and ulcers.
Unfortunately, excess blueberry intake may lead to muscle damage due to antioxidant imbalance. Particular people may not like the texture and taste of blueberries.
Summary
Blueberries are like nectar for reinforcing brain activity and nullifying depression. They restrict arthritis, diabetes, cancer, cataracts, urinary tract infections, and ulcers.
FAQs
Gooseberry stems consist of spines while those of currants don’t. Currant is a dried grape variant, but gooseberry is a fruit that isn’t dried.
Currants and raisins are two distinct types of dehydrated grapes. Raisins have a lot of variety, while currants generally are derived from small grapes.
Dried figs contain minerals like iron, copper, calcium, and magnesium apart from antioxidants and dietary fiber, making them an ideal substitute for currants.
Bottom Line
Currants are an excellent choice to upgrade your regular nutritional intake, but there’s always something missing. That missing part can be derived from ideal substitutes that are mentioned above.
We hope that our aim of providing you with the finest substitutes for currants was achieved. Please let us know in the comments section regarding your favorite currant substitute if we missed mentioning it here.