The Benefits of NZ Blackcurrants

Ārepa is all natural and caffeine-free, formulated by a world-leading neuroscientist with Pine Bark Extract, L-theanine, plus Neuroberry Blackcurrants packed with vitamin C to support focus and neurological function as part of a healthy and varied diet.

Due to the high levels of UV exposure and optimal climatic, breeding and soilconditions, New Zealand blackcurrants have 30% more polyphenols than European and North American varieties. NZ blackcurrants are also packed with Vitamin C, which our body needs on a daily basis, and they contain higher levels of Vitamin C than many other fruits. See graph below of NZ Neuroberry Blackcurrant Vitamin C level.

Vitamin C is involved in many parts of the immune system. 

Firstly, vitamin C helps encourage the production of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and phagocytes, which help protect the body against infection. Secondly, vitamin C helps these white blood cells function more effectively while protecting them from damage by potentially harmful molecules, such as free radicals. And vitamin C is an essential part of the skin’s defence system too. It’s actively transported to the skin, where it can act as an antioxidant and help strengthen the skin’s barriers. Studies show that taking vitamin C may even shorten wound healing time.

Can vitamin C prevent a cold?

The most convincing evidence to date comes from a 2013 review of 29 randomized trials with more than 11,000 participants. Researchers found that among extremely active people—such as marathon runners, skiers, and army troops doing heavy exercise in subarctic conditions—taking at least 200 mg of vitamin C every day appeared to cut the risk of getting a cold in half. 

More encouraging: taking at least 200 mg of vitamin C per day did appear to reduce the duration of cold symptoms by an average of 8% in adults and 14% in children, which translated to about one less day of illness. "That could be importantfor some people, since the common cold causes 23 million lost days of work each year," says Dr. Bistrian.
 

Our bodies don't make Vitamin C, but we need it for immune function, bone structure, iron absorption, and healthy skin. We get Vitamin C from our diet, usually in citrus fruits, strawberries, green vegetables, and tomatoes. The Recommended Dietary Intake for adults is 45mg. 1 bottle of Ārepa The Brain Drink for Performance† is a rich source of NZ blackcurrants and contains 200% of the RDI and a scoop of Ārepa The Brain Powder† will get you 100% of the RDI.

To read more on the effects of the New Zealand blackcurrant, check out our blog on The Antiviral and Immune-Boosting Effects of New Zealand Blackcurrants.