Berries can help athletes

A first study of the New Zealand Institute of Plant Sciences and Food Research indicates that chemicals in natural blackcurrant may exercise the balance, the impact on the body.

Researchers have evidence that the extract from New Zealand a blackcurrant - capsule-shaped, before and after exercise - has three potential effects of reduced muscle damage caused by the modulation of oxidative stress, l 'modulation of inflammation and potentially to improve the natural defenses of the body against disease. The results are published in the American Journal of Physiology, which is based on "Regulatory, Integrative Comparative Physiology.

The negative effects of the persistence of sports education is a health problem. During the exercise is generally agreed, in good health, extreme movement - the intensity of training before the event - some drawbacks, including reduced ability of the immune system and increasing the risk of musculo - damage.

The Plant & Food Research study, by Dr Roger Hurst, eyes inexperienced people who exercise moderately. It was found that those who showed blackcurrant extract reduces oxidative stress markers in the context of musculoskeletal injury and inflammation, and strengthening activities as part of the immune response.

"In our research, we have a group of ten healthy people every day with a wide range of age, who regularly and biochemical indicators to assess the impact of the extract of blackcurrant capsules before and after the exercise, "says Hurst.

"We have seen changes in the height of biomarkers, that indicate the antioxidant activity, inflammation and modulation capability to support the natural defense response to potential pathogens."

The positive relationship between the black and the movement has been so far in studying in Japan, where scientists to assess the ability of developing NZ-black to reduce inflammation in the muscle groups as regards sustainable use and the computer keyboard. This Japanese research to reduce the potential of black construction of lactic acid in muscles.

Dr. Hurst said Plant & Food Research is not yet precisely what blackcurrant links to the origin of the observed effects, but he doubted, vitamin C is a factor, since the extracts tested, only a very low level of vitamin.

"We are looking for more on the role of flavonoids inside the fruit. Flavonoids are antioxidants, including anthocyanins, the links between the black and glossy black color red."

New Zealand-be black for a high level of anthocyanins, which may be related to the varieties grown here, or in the environment.

The study was conducted and funded by Plant Food & research to support the search for greater program called "New bays', funded by the Government and the New Zealand blackcurrant industry. The program studies the antioxidant system and immune support properties berry berry fruit and fruit products. It is intended that from this knowledge to grow Elite New Zealand with the health insurance properties bays, the end of several applications, including the development of functional foods.

Plant & Food Business Manager for Food Innovations Karl Crawford said the paper has a keen interest in the industry, and also new areas for further research.

"This is the beginning of research, by their nature, often raises many questions as answers. This is the case here. We know that we are on track in our belief that the extracts of fruits, Combined with the movement, can be a positive effect on human health. In essence, this new study is Predictive - it shows us where we need if we really want a potential for optimal health fruit.

"We know fruits and vegetables are good for us, and science has, of course, a thorough understanding of fruit and composition of the potentially positive benefits of links in the cell. This paper is part of the fastest growing of food and health - a view of knowledge, the relationship of these two fields of science in place. It is exciting for consumers because it is to form new functional foods, which has a particular relevance to their health and well-being.

"We are on the potential benefits of well-being of food. This means a passage, say, large on the allegations of anti-oxidant more information about the benefits and operation behind .