5 Things our Experts Know About Blackcurrants

22 December 2022

Blackcurrants are often overlooked by consumers in favor of other, more famous berries. How often have you passed over the blackcurrants in the shop, not fully understanding their incredible benefits?  
 
Blackcurrants benefit athletic performance, boost brain development, support wound-healing: immune defence, and gut health, and are bursting with beneficial nutrients!  
 
Our experts know that blackcurrants are highly underrated and we want to show you how.   
 
Get ready to reconsider your shopping list!  

 

5 THINGS OUR EXPERTS KNOW ABOUT BLACKCURRANTS
 
The antioxidants in blackcurrants help fight eye diseases


 
You have probably heard the term “antioxidants” thrown around, have you ever wondered what the term truly means?  
 
Antioxidants are molecules that prevent cell damage by neutralizing free radicals before they attack healthy body cells. Free radicals can lead to inflammation and disease, including inflammation of the eyes. 
 
Studies show that people who adhere to diets high in antioxidant-rich foods may be less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the leading causes of blindness among older adults worldwide (1).  
 
Is this an active concern for you? Start reducing your risk today with nutrition for your eyes.  

 

antioxidants in blackcurrants help fight eye diseases
 
Blackcurrants for brain development


 
Omega-3 essential fatty acids (omega-3 EFA’s) are integral in supporting the development of the brain, cognitive function, and learning in growing children, and memory in adults. Our bodies cannot produce omega-3 EFA’s, making them an essential component of our diets. 
 
Unfortunately, most standard diets are missing this essential component, and deficiency can result in symptoms such as poor memory, slower learning development, and behavioral difficulties (5).  
 
For Omega-3s to work at their optimum within the body, they must be consumed in conjunction with Omega-6 essential fatty-acids. Blackcurrant seed oil has been shown to contain a beneficial synergy of the two essential fatty acids, making it a brilliant brain-boosting addition to anyone’s diet.

Blackcurrants for brain development
 
The vitamin C in blackcurrants helps tissue repair

 

Blackcurrants are a great source of vitamin C (containing four times more than oranges). Vitamin C is integral to the function of the immune system, making blackcurrants a powerful immune supporter; what else does this mean for your body? 
 
Vitamin C is also needed for the growth and repair of tissue in your body, including blood vessels and bone: it increases the synthesis of collagen and therefore supports wound healing, skin health, and tissue repair throughout the body (3).

 

vitamin C in blackcurrants helps tissue repair
 
Blackcurrants give your gut a boost
 

The well-being of your gut relies on a delicate presence of good bacteria such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. These bacteria help to digest your food, keep your digestive system running smoothly, and prevent harmful bacteria from over-populating your gut. 


Blackcurrants are prebiotic and support your digestive health by feeding the lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, helping to alleviate some common digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas, and discomfort. 


Blackcurrants are also an excellent source of dietary fiber which helps to keep blood sugar levels stable and promotes regular bowel movements.

There are many ways to support your gut microbiome; NZ Blackcurrant Gut Prebiotics are a sweet step-beyond the usual prebiotic, with the addition of Ginger and Vitamin C which both help to further regulate the gut microbiota (6). 

 

superfood for gut microbiome


Blackcurrants are linked to fitness 
 

Blackcurrants' high levels of anthocyanins have been shown to significantly mitigate exercise-induced muscle soreness and increase the rate of muscle recovery (4). Anthocyanins have been shown to improve peripheral blood flow and vasodilation, which greatly benefits athletic performance (7).  
 
Vitamin C also helps to absorb iron in the bloodstream, which increases energy and endurance. Stocking up on blackcurrants will help you to reach your RDA of vitamin C and anthocyanins, so you can feel alive, active, and well!

muscle recovery fitness
 
Blackcurrants are highly underrated!  
 

We’re excited to see how researchers continue to explore the potential of this fruit and its many nutrients, as well as what else they can find out about how blackcurrant extract benefits our bodies. 
 
What would you tell your friend about blackcurrants' superpowers? There’s a lot to benefit from learning about this super-berry!  
 

 

 superberry

 


References 


1. Khoo, H., Ng, H., Yap, W.-S., Goh, H. and Yim, H. (2019) Nutrients for Prevention of Macular Degeneration and Eye-Related Diseases. Antioxidants, Page 85 : doi:10.3390/antiox8040085. 
2. Maria R.R., et al. (2005) Effect of lyophilised Vaccinium berries on memory, anxiety and locomotion in adult rats Pharmacological Research, Volume 52, Issue 6, Pages 457-462 
3. Bechara, N.; Flood, V.M.; Gunton, J.E. (2022) A Systematic Review on the Role of Vitamin C in Tissue Healing. Antioxidants : https://doi.org/10.3390/ antiox11081605 
4. Hunt, J.E.A., Coelho, M.O.C., Buxton, S., Butcher, R., Foran, D., Rowland, D., Gurton, W., Macrae, H., Jones, L., Gapper, K.S., Manders, R.J.F. and King, D.G. (2021) Consumption of New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract Improves Recovery from Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in Non-Resistance Trained Men and Women: A Double-Blind Randomised Trial. Nutrients, Page 2875 : doi:10.3390/nu13082875. 
5. Simopoulos, A.P. (2011). Evolutionary Aspects of Diet: The Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio and the Brain. Molecular Neurobiology, 44(2), pp.203–215. doi:10.1007/s12035-010-8162-0. 
6. Chen, Z., Zhang, Z., Liu, J., Qi, H., Li, J., Chen, J., Huang, Q., Liu, Q., Mi, J. and Li, X. (2022). Gut Microbiota: Therapeutic Targets of Ginseng Against Multiple Disorders and Ginsenoside Transformation. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, [online] 12, p.853981. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2022.853981. 
7. Willems, M.E.T., Myers, S.D., Gault, M.L. and Cook, M.D. (2015). Beneficial Physiological Effects With Blackcurrant Intake in Endurance Athletes. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 25(4), pp.367–374. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.2014-0233. 
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