Blackcurrant good for aches after exercises

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WELLINGTON: According to the studies conducted by Dr. Roger Hurst and colleagues of New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research, the compounds called flavonoids in berries has the ability to protect the body from work stress.

They did their experiment on selected 10 healthy people who exercised regularly. They measured their biochemical indicators to evaluate the effects of blackcurrant extract capsules, containing two ounces of berries, before and after exercise. They discovered that those who took the pill before and after exercise had few signs of oxidative stress, muscle damage and inflammation, compared to those who did not take pill.

Jo Hilditch, chairperson of the Blackcurrant Foundation in Great Britain, noted that blackcurrant has been used for centuries to treat gout, arthritis, kidney problems, tiredness and lung problems, due to its premium source of antioxidants and vitamin D.

Hurst believed that the high vitamin C and flavonoids content of the fruit were the attributing factors of lessening oxidative stress and inflammation.