THE VALIDATED BENEFITS OF EUROPEAN BLACKCURRANT EXTRACT
Blackcurrants are rich in anthocyanins, polyphenolic substances, antioxidants, and vitamin C. The status of the dark purple, almost black, berries originally grown in Europe as a superfruit has been cemented in recent years through clinical studies that have confirmed their benefit in areas including eye health, cognition, sport performance and cardiovascular health.
1. Eye Health
Researchers have identified the anthocyanins found in blackcurrant as a potentially promising and safe supplement for suppression of the visual field deterioration in people with glaucoma. The eye health potential of blackcurrant was validated in a two-year clinical trial that demonstrated positive effects on the progression of glaucoma.
2. Cognition
Clinical studies in humans have shown blackcurrant has beneficial effects on brain health. The studies found blackcurrant supports markers of cognitive performance such as positive affective responses in healthy adults. Researchers have also linked the superfruit to reduced anxiety and fatigue, increased alertness, and small improvements in reaction times during cognitive exercises. Neuropeptides found in blackcurrants can potentially be used to treat neurological disorders.
3. Sport Performance
Studies have linked blackcurrant to positive effects on multiple aspects of sport performance. Specific exercise studies found the berries accelerate the replenishment of oxygen in muscles. Other studies have shown blackcurrant improves performance and fat oxidation in climbers and cyclists. There is also evidence that blackcurrant has beneficial effects on cardiovascular parameters during exercise.
4. Cardiovascular health
Another body of evidence supports the use of blackcurrant in cardiovascular health outside of the athletic arena. Studies have shown that blackcurrants, which are rich in anthocyanins, help improve cardiovascular function, while reducing blood pressure and arterial stiffness in older adults after just short-term use. The superfruit is also known to increase vasodilation and, in doing so, improve microcirculation.
