I N G R E D I E N T S
KIWI BLACKCURRANTS PUNCH
ABOVE THEIR WEIGHT
The world first discovery by
Associate Professor Dr Jian Guan
of the University of Auckland
Centre for Brain Research found
New Zealand blackcurrants
contain high levels of cyclic
Glycine-Proline (cGP), a key brain
nutrient that normalises a hormone
which is essential for whole of
body health and wellness.
Dr Guan, who has researched cGP
for nearly 30 years, says low levels
of cGP are commonly found in
older people. cGP can decline with
age so the high natural level of
cGP in New Zealand blackcurrants
can help maintain these levels.
“I like to call it the maintenance
of ageing,” says Dr Guan. “It is a
very exciting finding because it is
something completely natural that
can support your body and mind
to stay healthy as you age.”
Dr Guan came across “the power
of New Zealand blackcurrants” by
chance when researching levels
of cGP in patients who had New
Zealand blackcurrants added to
their diet. She found increased
levels of cGP after four weeks of
consuming blackcurrants.
“It’s unique to see a response
like this in a natural product,” she
says.
Dr Guan has worked with New
Zealand blackcurrant specialists
Vitality New Zealand to develop a
natural blackcurrant supplement
that can be taken daily.
“New Zealand blackcurrants
have a natural, and very high
level of cGP, which is unique to
our locally grown blackcurrants.
This is a major development for
the industry, and we are excited
about the possibilities and what
it might mean for growers and
New Zealand,” says Jim Grierson,
Vitality New Zealand managing
director.
“New Zealand blackcurrants
really are a super fruit,” says
Mr Grierson. “This discovery
comes at a time when the New
Zealand blackcurrant industry
is undergoing a transition as
consumers become more aware of
how good they are for your whole
of body health.
“We are also seeing a growing
interest from the scientific
community in the health
supporting properties found
naturally in our blackcurrants and
we are excited to see what other
benefits that may come to light in
our ongoing research.”
The hormone that cGP normalises
is called Insulin-like Growth
Factor-1 (IGF-1) which is key to
whole of body health and wellness.
Dr Guan has been commissioned
by Vitality New Zealand to
continue and advance her
research into cGP and its
connection to New Zealand
blackcurrants.
A new scientific
discovery by
the University
of Auckland has
found New Zealand
blackcurrants have
high levels of a key
nutrient that can
support the brain as a
person gets older.
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