A new study ‘first’ shows that taking CurraNZ could be the answer to effectively help improve insulin resistance and fight obesity.
This groundbreaking research suggests that the anthocyanins found in CurraNZ®, offer the chance to reduce associated health risks linked to metabolic dysfunction.
In the new study by Liverpool John Moores University, just one week’s intake improved insulin sensitivity - how responsive cells are to insulin.
It also reduced sugar spikes after a meal in overweight/obese individuals to the same extent as four weeks of regular exercise.
The study, published in European Journal of Nutrition, investigated the effect of repeated daily intake of our high-potency blackcurrant extract on metabolic responses in sedentary obese and overweight individuals under ‘free living’ conditions.
Key findings after just seven days of taking CurraNZ New Zealand Blackcurrant extract of 600mg daily;
- Improved insulin sensitivity by a staggering +22%
- Free-living postprandial glucose responses to both breakfast and lunch meals were reduced -9% and -8% respectively
- Reduced circulating levels of the inflammatory marker C-Reactive Protein by 24%
Over 4.3 million people in the UK suffer from metabolic disorders, which are linked to being overweight and having poor lifestyle choices.
With treatment primarily revolving around long-term adherence to diet restrictions and exercise programmes, success rates remain poor.
This latest study joins a plethora of research, including how CurraNZ could reduce the age of arteries by a staggering 10 years.
Dr Sam Shepherd, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Nutrition (left), who led the study, said: “These latest research findings are really exciting, with the potential of New Zealand blackcurrant extract to have an even greater effect in unhealthy people.
“We know that exercise and specific diets can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of metabolic disorders, and CurraNZ may provide another approach.
“The big difference is its implementation, as unlike exercise and diet, taking two blackcurrant capsules a day doesn’t require a lot of effort from the user.”
Study on obese, sedenary individuals was set in 'real world' scenario
The study was a double-blinded, randomised control trial with overweight/obese (BMI> 25kg.m2) sedentary individuals, using continuous glucose monitoring to measure insulin sensitivity and markers of inflammation.
Study participants received either two capsules (600mg) CurraNZ a day or a placebo, for eight days, prior to consumption of a high-carbohydrate, high-fat liquid meal, and continued their normal daily activities and maintaining their customary diets.
Type 2 diabetes sufferer and GP, Dr Gill Jenkins notes: “The results of this study are very interesting and encouraging. This type of research is the first of its kind and is welcome news.
“A change in diet and lifestyle is sometimes a long process, but if this New Zealand blackcurrant extract can also be used as an adjutant in the journey and as a strategy to help reduce insulin resistance, then it is very exciting prospect.”
Mike Wakeman, Clinical Pharmacist, author and ingredient formulating scientist (right) adds: “The data from this latest study is great news. It adds to the weight of evidence that is really building now.
"We are seeing the CurraNZ® extract may deliver a whole host of health benefits from warding off the development of metabolic disorders in overweight and obese people, heart health benefits in older adults, to providing clinically significant cardioprotective effects.
“And, recent studies have shown that this clever extract has unprecedented fat burning effects during activity, while increasing blood flow up to 30% and makes exercising easier. As a result, taking the New Zealand Blackcurrant extract at 72-144p a day is a no brainer in my eyes.”
“And, recent studies have shown that this clever extract has unprecedented fat burning effects during activity, while increasing blood flow up to 30% and makes exercising easier by lowering blood pressure. As a result, taking the New Zealand Blackcurrant extract at 72p-£1.44p a day is a no brainer in my eyes.”
In summary, Dr Shepherd notes: “The additional benefits for fat oxidation and blood flow are all linked to an improvement in insulin sensitivity.
“We’re now starting to build a picture of how New Zealand blackcurrant anthocyanin extract is working to improve health. We’ve demonstrated it can improve whole body insulin sensitivity and further studies will look at whether it’s related to improved fat oxidation, or blood flow, or something else. For now, what we do know is that the effect New Zealand blackcurrant anthocyanin extract is having is great news.”
Reference:
Short‑term, but not acute, intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract improves insulin sensitivity and free‑living postprandial glucose excursions in individuals with overweight or obesity, European Journal of Nutrition, July 2020. Authors: A. Nolan1 · R. Brett1 · J. A. Strauss1 · C. E. Stewart1 · S. O. Shepherd1
