Scientists have found that a daily glass of blackcurrant juice could make you happier, more mentally agile and even improve symptoms of brain disorders such as Parkinson’s.

Researchers at New Zealand science company Plant & Food Research, teamed up with Northumbria University here in the UK to organise a one-off study. Participants were given either 250ml of blackcurrant juice, 250ml of blackcurrant extract or a placebo drink, before participating in a series of mental performance tests.
The research revealed that the participants who consumed the blackcurrant drinks were more alert, their mood improved and their mental fatigue was reduced.

The juice appeared to reduce the activity of a group enzymes called monoamine oxidases, which regulate the brain’s levels of serotonin and dopamine- both chemicals can affect the brain’s function and mood.
Therefore, the scientists believe that blackcurrants could be used to help those with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s.