A variety of New Zealand blackcurrant, the blackadder, is said to have beneficial effects on people suffering from Parkinson disease, ofanxiety or depression. This is revealed by a study carried out by researchers from Plant and Food Research in New Zealand in collaboration with the University of Northumbria (United Kingdom) and published in the Journal of Functional Foods.
Black currant to prevent depression
Scientists have discovered in this type of Cassis parts capable of improving certain mental performances such as attention, mood and accuracy. The blackadder compounds would act by reducing the activity of enzymes (monoamine oxidase) which regulate the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain.
However, many studies have proven that these two molecules are involved in the occurrence of Parkinson disease, stress, anxiety and various forms of depression. The blackadder could thus be used to fight against these diseases.
Improved attention, mood and mental fatigue
Scientists asked 36 healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 35 to drink 250ml of blackcurrant-free juice, berry juice with blackcurrant, Deyclan, or blackadder cold-pressed juice. . The participants then took a battery of tests to assess their mental performance.
Result: “evaluations showed that after consuming Delcyan and blackadder juice, attention and mood were improved and mental fatigue was reduced”, explains Arjan Scheepens, scientist specializing in research on plants and food and responsible for the study.
A previous study, conducted by the same team, had already highlighted the health benefits of certain red fruits. But this latest study clearly opens interesting research perspectives. Something to delight food lovers!
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