Blackcurrants May Support Healthy Blood Sugar Balance, Study Says

The results of this new study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, support previous research suggesting the beneficial health effects of black currants. In terms of blood sugar, these little berries can have positive effects due to their relatively high concentration of polyphenols. In particular, the researchers mention anthocyanin, a type of polyphenol found in black currants at a rate of around 150 mg / 100 g currants.

In addition to sugar and carbohydrates, eating black currants has been shown to reduce a spike in blood sugar after a meal, and also delay subsequent immersion. It is worth noting, however, that this was a small study with only 26 participants.

To see the effects of black currant on sugar and ultimately blood sugar levels, participants were asked to make four visits. During each session, they consumed various test products, including water as a control. The participants then gave blood samples at intervals three hours after the meal, which were tested for glucose, insulin and free fatty acids. In all cases where participants ate blackcurrants, the overall glycemic response was minimized – including a delay in blood sugar and a delay in the rise in free fatty acids.