Consuming juice of black currant significantly improves the health of our brain and allows him to fight against various diseases, scientists say.
The juice of these small black berries stimulates brain function, according to a study published in the journal "Journal of Functional Foods" authored by researchers from the Research Institute of New Zealand plants and food, and their colleagues at the British University of Northumbria.
The main reason is the anthocyanins, a natural pigment found in black currant and other berries.
To reach this conclusion, the researchers during the three weeks followed 36 people aged between 18 and 35, whose task was to once a week, drink a glass (140 ml) of juice of black currant before they undergo a series of tests.
Experts were quite surprised by the results. In fact, consuming the juice had a very positive effect on the cognitive abilities of the participants, and only an hour after absorption, and blood analysis showed an increase in the concentration of monoamine oxidase. It is known that these neurotransmitters (norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin) affect not only the regulation of mood, but also the development of certain neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson.
Scientists explain this phenomenon influence of anthocyanins that inhibits the activity of a particular enzyme - monoamine oxidase.
"It is likely that all types of currants to the same effect," says Anthony Watson, one of the authors of the study, adding that in the course of another study that aims to determine the duration of this effect.