Benefits from blackcurrants

Blackcurrants could help athletes recover from the impact of exercise, according to new research.

Nelson grower Phil Leith said it was another selling point for New Zealand blackcurrants, and looked like it had quite a lot of promise.

A preliminary study by Plant & Food Research has found signs that an extract derived from New Zealand-grown blackcurrants, taken in capsule form before and after exercise, could minimise muscle damage and inflammation and boost the immune system.

Researchers led by Roger Hurst have yet to determine exactly which blackcurrant compounds are responsible for the effects, but are looking closely at the role of flavanoids within the fruit.

Flavanoids are antioxidants, including anthocyanins, the compounds that give blackcurrants their black-red colour.

New Zealand-grown blackcurrants are known to contain high levels of anthocyanins.

- © Fairfax NZ News