Cigarette smoking is one of the biggest causes of cardiovascular, coronary artery disease and death.
But a new study has shown that blackcurrant could offset the effects of smoking on cardiovascular function.
So, if you’re looking to quit in the new year, then CurraNZ could help reverse the damage caused by smoking on your cardiovascular health.
More than 15% of over 18s in the UK smoke and the highest proportion of male smokers are aged between 16 and 24 years old.
The World Health Organization predicted that deaths related to cigarette smoke will increase up to eight million individuals per year worldwide.
The study in young adults has shown that just one dose of blackcurrant before smoking can significantly reduce the damaging impact it has on blood vessel function and circulation. The dose was equivalent to half a capsule of CurraNZ.
Smoking leads to a disease process called endothelial dysfunction, which reduces the function of the body’s blood vessel network and is an early sign of cardiovascular disease.
Blackcurrant anthocyanins improve endothelial function, as well as widening the arteries and increasing blood flow around the body. In essence, they are ‘gold’ for improving your cardiovascular health.
Another major disease driver caused by smoking is it’s effect on driving oxidative stress, making antioxidant intake even more crucial for smokers. Blackcurrant is a potent source of antioxidants and proven to help reduce oxidative stress in the body.
The researchers who conducted the study concluded: ‘It is intriguing that a single administration of blackcurrant anthocyanins just prior to smoking attenuated the decrease in flow-mediated dilation (reduction in blood flow) in young subjects.
“Our trial with a blackcurrant supplement has added further weight to the evidence that a favorable change in endothelial function can be achieved using a controlled nutritional intervention within a healthy young population that smokes and takes no medication for cardiovascular disease risk factors.”
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