Researchers say New Zealand blackcurrants can keep people mentally young and agile, and aid in managing the effects of depression and Parkinson's disease..
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A study conducted by scientists at New Zealand's Plant & Food Research, in collaboration with Britain's Northumbria University, showed the compounds found in New Zealand blackcurrants increased accuracy, attention and mood.
The research also found juice from a specific New Zealand blackcurrant cultivar, Blackadder, reduced the activity of the enzymes which regulate serotonin and dopamine concentrations in the brain.
The study saw healthy adults drink blackcurrant juice or a placebo before conducting a set of demanding mental performance assessments.
Doctor Arjan Scheepens said attention and mood were improved after drinking the juice, while mental fatigue was reduced.