Friday, 13 September 2019 11:58

Blackcurrants recovery benefits

Written by  Staff Reporters

A new study by Plant & Food Research has found that an extract from New Zealand blackcurrants could help active people.

The study, published in Frontiers in Nutrition, contributes to mounting research on the benefits of anthocyanin-rich NZ blackcurrants on exercise recovery and post-exercise immune function. 

“NZ blackcurrants may have benefits for those living an active lifestyle,” says Dr Roger Hurst, a biomedical scientist leading the work at Plant & Food Research.

This new study looked at the minimum serve size required and found that consumption of a single serve of 1.6mg of NZ blackcurrant anthocyanins per kg of bodyweight taken one hour before exercise had positive effects on exercise recovery. 

According to this study, the benefits are unlikely to be attributable to the antioxidant properties of the extract and more likely due to the blackcurrant extract activating adaptive defensive pathways in cells and tissues. 

A separate pilot trial explored the effects of the NZ blackcurrant supplement on immune function, which can be compromised following prolonged or intense exercise. 

The researchers looked at neutrophils – the body’s first line of defence against infection – and found that consumption of the NZ blackcurrant extract one hour prior to exercise preserved circulating neutrophil function. This could benefit active people wanting to maintain performance and avoid decreased immune function that can accompany training. 

Previous studies by Plant & Food Research found that NZ blackcurrants could promote a positive mood and the desire to exercise for longer. 

Other intervention studies are underway. 

More like this

Horticulture exports hit $8.4B, surge toward $10B by 2029

A brilliant result and great news for growers and regional economies. That's how horticulture sector leaders are describing the news that sector exports for the year ended June 30 will reach $8.4 billion - an increase of 19% on last year and is forecast to hit close to $10 billion in 2029.

Featured

National

Machinery & Products

Calf feeding boost

Advantage Plastics says it is revolutionising calf meal storage and handling, making farm life easier, safer, and more efficient this…

JD's precision essentials

Farmers across New Zealand are renowned for their productivity and efficiency, always wanting to do more with less, while getting…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Overbearing?

OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…

Foot-in-mouth

OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter