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  • Healthy-ageing special: Why blackcurrants are beneficial for the over-50s

Healthy-ageing special: Why blackcurrants are beneficial for the over-50s

on March 17, 2021

AS powerful antioxidants1, blood-flow promoters2,3,4,5 and anti-inflammatory6,7,8 agents, blackcurrants offer fantastic health benefits as we age and are an important ‘purple’ fruit to support longevity and wellbeing.

In this fully referenced article, we explain how blackcurrant's potent compounds can activate the human body’s naturally occurring antioxidant and other defence systems, allowing it to better handle everyday stressors, increased activity and age-related health issues.

Here, we run through some of blackcurrant's spectrum of actions that can benefit the over-50s and support longevity41.

 

1. HEART HEALTH

According to Health Navigator NZ9, coronary artery disease and stroke are the number one causes of death and disability in New Zealand and one in 20 adults has been diagnosed with heart disease. That's more than 165,000 New Zealand adults.

Dietary patterns are key culprits in the development of cardiovascular disease10. Studies have suggested that the anthocyanin component of berries11,12,13,14 offer comprehensive protection against a multitude of cardiovascular risk factors. 

Several studies have highlighted that CurraNZ15,16 can offer older adults clinically-relevant cardio-protective effects, by reducing blood pressure, increasing blood flow and making blood vessels healthier.

Just one week’s intake of CurraNZ reduces arterial stiffness16, and can turn back the clock ten years for arterial health. The compounds in CurraNZ naturally help reduce the consequences of ageing on the body’s blood vessels and arteries.

 

2. BRAIN HEALTH

Berries may offer a powerful defence for brain health, with neuro-degenerative decline a huge concern in the ageing population.

Almost 70,000 Kiwis are living with dementia today and more than 170,000 Kiwis will be living with dementia by 205017

Research has shown that the antioxidant properties of blackcurrants, combined with their effect on blood flow and inflammation, are powerful guardians for maintaining memory and cognition44, protecting against cognitive decline in old age and helping keep the brain healthy18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,25,26,27,28,29.

 

3. ACHES, PAINS AND INFLAMMATION

Anthocyanins and flavonoids in blackcurrants are considered nature’s biological response modifiers. They promote beneficial inflammatory events while helping control and suppress harmful, chronic inflammation31,35,35,36,37,38,39,40.

Chronic inflammation is linked to the development of many serious diseases such as heart disease45,46,47, Type II Diabetes42 and neurodegenerative conditions43, but a healthy diet and lifestyle can help keep inflammation under control. 

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of blackcurrants are excellent for reducing inflammatory-associated aches and pains, as well as those associated with exercise30, 32,33, 34. Blackcurrants are outstanding for embracing an active lifestyle, whether you’re a keen gardener, runner, golfer, walker, or just love keeping up with the grandchildren.  

The anthocyanins in CurraNZ also increase blood flow2,3,4,5, and reoxygenate tissues during exercise48,49, meaning muscles don’t have to work so hard, suffer less fatigue and can recover more quickly.

 

4. CIRCULATION

The body’s blood vessel network suffers from wear and tear as people get older, with arteries and veins becoming inflamed, clogged with fatty deposits and suffering from general congestion.

Blackcurrant compounds relax the body’s blood vessels2,4,5, thereby allowing for greater circulation and delivery of blood, oxygen and nutrients to all the extremities of the body.

Anthocyanins also reduce inflammatory markers and help maintain the integrity and healthy function of blood vessels8,12,13,14.

 

5. IMMUNITY

The combination and high concentration of red and blue anthocyanins in blackcurrants activate the human body’s naturally occurring antioxidant and other defense systems30,32,33, allowing it to better handle everyday stressors.

Studies have shown they help maintain circulating neutrophil function33, which are the body’s first responders to infection.


By supporting the immune system, blackcurrants help promote the body’s first-line defences which reduce the chance of picking up opportunistic infections, such as colds and flu51.

 

References 

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  1. Supplementation with orange and blackcurrant juice, but not vitamin E, improves inflammatory markers in patients with peripheral arterial disease.Dalgård C1, Nielsen F, Morrow JD, Enghusen-Poulsen H, Jonung T, Hørder M, de Maat MP. Br J Nutr. 2009 Jan;101(2):263-9. doi: 10.1017/ S0007114508995660. Epub 2008 May 28.

 

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  1. Alzheimer’s NZ statistics https://www.alzheimers.org.nz/our-voice/new-zealand-data 

 

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