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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.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says a new report projects strong export growth for New Zealand's horticulture sector highlights the industry's increasing contribution to the national economy.
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.
There is an appeal to New Zealanders to buy local citrus fruit.
Avocado growers are reporting a successful season, but some are struggling to keep their operations afloat following years of bad weather.
Horticulture and commercial vegetable growers in particular stand to be major beneficiaries of radical proposals by government to make sweeping changes to RMA regulations.
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Twenty years ago, South African dairy farm manager Louis Vandenberg was sent to a farm in Waikato to provide training on Afimilk technology.
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