Blackcurrants May Help Post-Prandial Blood Sugar Response

Blackcurrant berries have high concentrations of anthocyanins, antioxidants, and vitamin C. Previous research has found that 150 grams of blackcurrants may help improve postprandial glucose response. Now a new study suggests that just 75 grams of blackcurrants may help post-prandial blood glucose response just as much.

Twenty-six healthy adults participated in the study. They consumed four different test products on four separate occasions. The test products were blackcurrant puree with added sugar, blackcurrant puree with a fermented quinoa base, fermented quinoa base, and a placebo. The researchers took blood samples at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and 180 minutes following consumption of the products to analyze concentrations of glucose, insulin, and free fatty acids.

Both products containing blackcurrant resulted in reduced glucose and insulin concentrations during the first 30 minutes after consumption. They also resulted in a delayed rise of free fatty acids. Elevated free fatty acids have been linked to insulin resistance.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Eastern Finland.It was published online ahead of print on November 9, 2020 in the British Journal of Nutrition.