New research has revealed that New Zealand blackcurrant extract could potentially serve as a powerful, safe, and natural alternative to weight management drugs.
A recent study from the University of Worcester shows that daily supplementation with CurraNZ® significantly boosts fat burning during moderate exercise and reduces blood pressure — benefits that could transform approaches to managing obesity and cardiometabolic health.
Dr Matthew Cook, who led the study, described the findings as a “watershed moment” in polyphenol research and the search for natural metabolic enhancers. “We’ve demonstrated that New Zealand blackcurrant extract reliably increases fat utilisation during exercise in both sexes and improves key cardiovascular parameters,” he said. “These findings are particularly relevant given the global rise in obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and growing interest in non-pharmaceutical solutions.”
The study involved 22 healthy participants who took 600mg of CurraNZ® daily for one week. Results showed an average 29% increase in fat oxidation during exercise, with 90% of participants responding positively. Women with higher body fat experienced the greatest improvements, with some seeing fat burning rise by over 200%. The supplement also reduced systolic blood pressure by up to 11% post-exercise.
GP Dr Nisa Aslam highlighted the importance of these results: “Women who carry more fat saw the highest magnitude of change. This is a high-impact discovery from a large, well-controlled study.”
Dr Cook emphasised the practical implications: “Fat burning typically improves after months of endurance training. CurraNZ® appears to fast-track this adaptation, potentially delivering meaningful health benefits when combined with regular physical activity.”
Derived from New Zealand-grown blackcurrants rich in anthocyanins, CurraNZ® is supported by over a decade of research and more than 60 published studies.
Its unique formulation offers a natural, affordable, and fast-acting strategy to support weight management and cardiometabolic health without the potential side effects of pharmaceutical treatments.
The results are due to be presented at the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Annual Meeting in Atlanta (May 27-30) , during a dedicated symposium on blackcurrant polyphenols and their health benefits.
