25 October 2018
New research is adding to the knowledge that New Zealand blackcurrants are a ‘super fruit’ for those with an active
lifestyle.
Scientists at Plant & Food Research (New Zealand), in collaboration with Northumbria University (UK), have shown that consumption of a juice
made from New Zealand blackcurrants can produce a short-term effect on physiological processes which may be associated
with a positive mood. A second study has further shown New Zealand blackcurrant juice consumption before exercise
increased the desire to exercise for longer.
“As people live longer, foods and ingredients that will support a healthy lifestyle are becoming increasingly in
demand,” says Dr Roger Hurst, Science Group Leader Food & Wellness at Plant & Food Research. “Our research over the last few years suggests that New Zealand blackcurrants can support multiple
aspects of an active lifestyle – providing people with the right mind set and motivation to exercise as well as
supporting the inherent health benefits of regular exercise.”
The first study, published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience, showed a complete reduction in the activity of
monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) – an enzyme that degrades the ‘happiness’ hormone dopamine – within 45 minutes of
consumption of a New Zealand blackcurrant juice, before slowly returning to near baseline levels 24 hours later.
The second study, presented at the Innovations in Food Science and Human Nutrition conference, showed that while
undertaking a gentle walking exercise (designed to not result in any exercise exertion) study participants who consumed
New Zealand blackcurrant juice voluntarily exercised for longer and reported a more ‘positive’ mood during the exercise.
The participants also had reduced levels of MAO-B.
Previous research by Plant & Food Research has found that anthocyanin-rich extracts from New Zealand-grown blackcurrants improve exercise recovery
by managing exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation, improving immunity and minimising muscle damage.
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