Barker’s of Geraldine supports brain health with new juice

Barker’s of Geraldine supports brain health with new
Unsweetened Blackadder Blackcurrant fruit juice

Barker’s of Geraldine is proud to work with New Zealand scientists and blackcurrant growers to support the health and wellness of New Zealander’s.

This month, the South Island-based company is launching its new Unsweetened Blackcurrant juice which is packed with 950 squeezed Blackadder blackcurrants in every bottle and has three times the daily requirements of vitamin C per 200ml.

The Blackadder blackcurrant, nicknamed “Neuroberry”, has not been widely available until now and can be found on supermarket shelves throughout the country. Barker’s of Geraldine has been working for the past year to bring the new cultivar to market for the Winter season.

Blackcurrants have been recognised for centuries as a superfood with wellness benefits, but it’s only recently scientists have begun to investigate the nutrition and health properties of this remarkable fruit.

The 2015 study, by the NZ Institute for Plant & Food Research in collaboration with Northumbria University (UK), is the first to look at the effects of blackcurrant consumption on the cognitive performance of healthy young adults in the form of unpasteurised juice and a purified extract. The research has suggested that compounds found in certain berry fruits may act like monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. Synthetic MAO’s in the form of a class of pharmaceutical drugs is commonly used in the treatment of both mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.

This research illustrates that New Zealand-grown Blackadder blackcurrants improves mental performance reflected by an improved reaction time without a loss in accuracy. It is the first in a series of studies exploring blackcurrant’s potential role in maintaining brain health and wellness.

Michael Barker, Executive Director and son of founder Anthony Barker, says:

“We are excited to be bringing our Unsweetened Blackadder Blackcurrant juice into New Zealand households and look forward to hearing Kiwis’ experiences with the product. There is more research to be done but I have started a daily dose regime in the hope that my brain will stay healthy while I am getting older.”

Nutritionist Sheena Hendon says health professionals have recognised the nutritional benefits of blackcurrants for a while now.

“It is fantastic the Blackadder variety is now available to everyone all year round in this natural, unsweetened form and at a reasonable price. I will be recommending to clients who may benefit health-wise to take this new Barker’s juice regularly.”

It’s important to note that Barker’s Unsweetened Blackadder Blackcurrant juice has not been clinically tested but Michael Barker sums it well by saying, “We believe there is much to gain and little to lose after our observations in the research.”

Barker’s Unsweetened Blackadder Blackcurrant juice can be diluted to taste and consumed as a hot or cold beverage, or taken undiluted as a 70ml shot twice a day. It also makes a great topping for yoghurt or porridge or as a base in smoothies. Try the Barker’s “Neuro Berry” smoothie (recipe below) as a great snack for the whole family.

Barker’s of Geraldine continues to support New Zealand fruit and vegetable growers, with its extensive range of preserves syrups and condiments. For more information, and to view the full product range, including recipe inspiration using Barker’s products, visit www.barkers.co.nz

Barker’s Unsweetened Blackadder Blackcurrant juice is available from supermarkets nationwide or available online at www.barkers.co.nz RRP$8.90

ENDS

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