Could British blackcurrents hold the key in the fight against Alzheimer's?

• Wednesday, 3 February 2010
• Alexandra Wenman
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Could this simple British fruit help combat the debilitating disease?

A recent study reveals that the humble British blackcurrant may hold the key in helping to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

"We know that eating a Mediterranean diet rich in fruit, vegetables and oily fish is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of dementia. Early research also suggests that certain compounds in blackcurrants may be particularly helpful in reducing your risk." says Dr Susanne Sorensen, Head of Research at the Alzheimer's Society.

The Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI) is working on a 3-year European Union-funded project that is trying to identify natural bio-active compounds in blackcurrants that are thought to be capable of reducing the advancement of Alzheimer's.These natural compounds are thought to have brain-protecting properties which can aid the treatment of dementia and possibly help to prevent the onset of Alzheimer's.

Dr Derek Stewart of the SCRI commented: "This initiative is exciting in that we are truly maximising the potential of blackcurrants by looking at ways of utilising all of the blackcurrant fruit not only the juice. Dementia is a massively under-funded area, so any exploration relating to Alzheimer's is a step in the right direction."

In light of recent media coverage about a new super-pill which helps to prevent Alzheimer's, the news about natural blackcurrents as a possible aid in the prevention or cure of the disease is good news indeed.

Here are some interesting facts about blackcurrents...

* The blackcurrant was recently heralded the number one superfruit due to its outweighing health benefits.

* Blackcurrants are amongst some of the richest naturally occurring sources of vitamin C, making them great for fighting colds and winter ailments.

* Have a high antioxidant content, which can help protect against ageing, joint inflammation, eyestrain, kidney stones and urinary infections.

* The high levels of antioxidants can also help fight against cardiovascular disease, cancer and ageing.

* British blackcurrants are renowned and bred for their deep purple colour, which indicates a high level of anthocyanins - important disease-fighting antioxidants.