The miracle food, currants, which many of us encounter only in dishes like stuffed grape leaves and ashure, have been discovered to have numerous health benefits. Currants, which are not only a remedy for high blood pressure but also protect your heart health against arterial blockage, are a true wonder fruit.
Scientists continue to study foods that protect heart health and prolong human life. One of these foods has turned out to be the currant.
Also known as blackcurrant, currants are generally used in traditional dishes and desserts such as stuffed grape leaves, rice pilaf, and ashure in our country. The English name for this fruit is “black currant,” and its Latin name is Ribes Nigrum.
Scientists have uncovered the miraculous benefits of this often-overlooked food. Experts found that this fruit increases blood circulation by 45%, thus fighting against arterial blockage.
The currant, which we consume in dried form in dishes like ashure, zerde, rice pilaf, dolma, and sarma without ever considering its benefits, is a fantastic enemy of high blood pressure. So, what are the specific benefits of currants? What are the effects of currants on heart health? What are the advantages of currants?
CURRANTS: THE MEDICATION FOR HYPERTENSION
Professor Dr. Mark Willems from Chichester University examined the effects of CurraNZ, an extract obtained from New Zealand currants, on heart health and blood pressure.
CurraNZ is the commercial name of a natural health and fitness food supplement made from New Zealand black currants, which have very high anthocyanin levels. This supplement is consumed by fitness enthusiasts to accelerate post-exercise muscle recovery, reduce fatigue, increase endurance, and aid in fat burning.
According to Exercise Physiology Professor Mark Willems, the regulatory effects of this food supplement on overall blood circulation can be observed even after a week of use. The fruit may help turn back the body’s clock by 10 years with regular consumption.
Since 2013, Willems has been researching the effects of CurraNZ, a supplement derived from New Zealand black currant extract. This research even earned him an award. The supplement won first place in the Best Sports Nutrition Product category at the European Sports Nutrition Alliance Awards 2021.
A TREASURE TROVE OF HEALING COMPONENTS: CURRANTS
The study conducted at Chichester University yielded significant findings about the benefits of currants for cardiovascular health. Researchers observed that the intake of currant extract supplement (CurraNZ) increased the main arterial blood flow by up to 45% during muscle contractions. Clinically significant results were observed within four to seven days.
The blood flow-promoting effects of currant extract are largely attributed to anthocyanins, which dilate arteries and thus increase blood flow to muscles, tissues, and other vital organs. Currants top the list of anthocyanin-containing fruits. The extract obtained from New Zealand currants, which are very high in anthocyanin content, has been found to have both rapid and extensive effects on heart and vascular health.
In addition to anthocyanin, currants are also rich in potassium and linolenic acid, both of which have scientifically proven benefits for hypertension and cardiovascular health.
Potassium can lower blood pressure, while GLA helps heart cells resist damage and slows down platelet clustering in blood vessels.
USE BEFORE GETTING SICK
Professor Willems, who stated that “currant compounds make blood vessels healthier and younger,” expressed that the ease of using currant extract could have a noteworthy effect as a preventive medicine element, in addition to providing a healing impact on our blood vessels.
Professor Willems’ research contributes to a series of studies supporting the use of black currant extract to lower high blood pressure in hypertensive patients.
In Conclusion
Currants, often overlooked in our daily diets, have been proven to provide various health benefits, particularly in promoting heart health and fighting against high blood pressure. The extract derived from New Zealand currants, called CurraNZ, has shown promising results in improving blood circulation and overall cardiovascular health.
With the discovery of these remarkable benefits, currants have gained a new status as a miracle food. Incorporating them into our diets may not only help maintain good heart health but also provide preventive measures against potential heart-related issues.
By raising awareness about the importance of currants and their extract, CurraNZ, it is possible to encourage more people to reap the rewards of this wonder fruit, ultimately contributing to a healthier population and a longer, more fulfilling life.
