Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
New Zealand blackcurrants – more than a one-hit wonder
New Zealand blackcurrants – more than a one-hit wonder for exercise recovery
It’s further good news for people who exercise regularly. According to a study by scientists at Plant & Food Research, anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrants provide more than one-off benefits for exercise recovery.
Previous studies have shown that consuming anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrants assists with exercise recovery, helping regulate oxidative stress and inflammation and supporting immunity.
“We wanted to know if the benefits associated with a single intake were sustained over time with repeated intake,” says Dr Hurst, Plant & Food Research Principal Scientist, and science leader of the study. “We found that long-term consumption also brings benefits for exercise recovery.”
Regular appropriate exercise is essential to a healthy lifestyle, but if we overdo it excessive oxidative and inflammatory stresses can be detrimental. However, some functional foods, containing bioactives, such as anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrants, might be able to help.
In this study, the scientists looked at whether daily consumption of anthocyanins from New Zealand blackcurrants one hour prior to exercise over an extended period (five weeks) had diminished efficacy (due to desensitisation), compared to a single intake.
The scientists found that daily consumption either maintained or enhanced exercise recovery effectiveness, improving anti-inflammatory and immunity markers. This data builds upon the growing evidence suggesting that the New Zealand blackcurrant extract primes the body, allowing for exercise to switch on antioxidant, inflammatory defences and adaptation.
“This study is one of several we are finalising and hoping to publish revealing the benefits of New Zealand blackcurrant consumption for supporting exercise and an active lifestyle,” says Hurst.
Funding for the study was provided by the New Zealand Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) program (C06X0807).
Related studies:
New Zealand blackcurrants support an active
life
Motivation to adhere to exercise may be
improved by consumption of New Zealand
blackcurrants
New Zealand blackcurrant extract offers
benefits for exercise recovery
Whanganui Regional Museum: Historic Wedding Dress Unveiled, A Piece Of Marton’s Heritage
Donovan Ryan: Local Runner Takes Out Frontrunner Christchurch Marathon
University of Auckland: Tributes Flow For Much Loved Pacific Leader Melegalenu’u Ah Sam
NZEI: Ministry Of Education Cuts Will Disproportionately Affect Pasifika
Day One Hapai te Haeata: Call To Action For Young Filmmakers Against The Backdrop Of Funding Cuts
Toyota New Zealand: Three Races For Top Three To Decide TR86 Title