How to live longer: The fruit to boost blood flow by 45% and turn the clock back 10 years

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There is a multitude of factors that dictate one’s chances of living a long life, but the importance of a good diet cannot be overemphasised. Fruits and vegetables are particularly inclined to boost longevity thanks to their high concentrations of antioxidants. In one study, researchers unlocked important qualities of blackcurrant and their effects on arterial health. According to Mark Willems, Professor of Exercise Physiology, as little as a week’s intake could offer compelling results for overall circulation, helping reverse the body’s clock back by 10 years.

Professor Willems has been studying New Zealand blackcurrant anthocyanin since 2013, drawing on evidence that healthy circulation is the key to longevity for conserving the optimal function of vital organs.

The study, conducted at the University of Chichester made major breakthrough on the compelling benefits of blackcurrants for cardiovascular health.

The researchers observed that intake of blackcurrant extract supplement increased main arterial blood flow during muscle contraction up to 45 percent.

The clinically-significant changes were observed in the space of just four to seven days.

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The blood flow-promoting effects were put down to anthocyanins that widen the arteries, thereby increasing circulation to the muscles, tissues and other vital organs.

“We are just scratching the surface on the meaningful potential of anthocyanin to affect health across the lifespan it seems,” added professor Willems.

“Somehow blackcurrant compounds are making blood vessels healthier and younger,” noted professor Willems.

“It is an important finding that the ease of intake of blackcurrant extract can act as preventive medicine to provide a beneficial effect on our blood vessels.”

According to the professor, these compounds may act as a buffer against cardiovascular defects contributing to high blood pressure.

High blood pressure is often dubbed the ‘silent killer’ because it is one of the leading causes of death around the world.

It is behind countless cases of heart failure, coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease and vascular dementia.

Blackcurrant is a good source of potassium and Linolenic acid, both of which have scientifically proven benefits for hypertension and cardiovascular health.

While potassium may lower blood pressure, GLA helps cells in the heart resist damage and slows down platelet clumping in the blood vessels.

“We see in studies that blackcurrant has little effect on people with normal blood pressure,” noted professor Willems.

“However, in hypertensive adults, the berry is targeting something that is causing high blood pressure. But, if there’s no defect in the system, there’s less for blackcurrant to go after.

“However, the best strategy is not to wait until developing high blood pressure and blackcurrant can help prevention by supporting healthy cardiovascular function.”

Professor Willems’s research adds to a line of evidence supporting the use of blackcurrant juice to lower high blood pressure in hypertensive patients.

“We see in studies that blackcurrant has little effect on people with normal blood pressure,” he added.

“However, in hypertensive adults, the berry is targeting something that is causing high blood pressure. But if there’s no defect in the system, there’s less for blackcurrant to go after.”

He added, however, that the best strategy is not to wait until developing high blood pressure to use blackcurrant, as it may also help with prevention by supporting healthy cardiovascular function.

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