Polyphenols are antioxidant plant colors and blackcurrant extract is rich in these natural compounds. According to new animal research published in the British Journal of Nutrition, black currant extract may reduce high cholesterol and high blood sugar.

In a mouse study upon which the above paper is based, total (plasma) cholesterol and glucose levels were significantly lower in the blackcurrant group as compared to the group which received a placebo, or dummy, ingredient.

According to Annie-Rose Harrison-Dunn on Nutraingredients.com, “The researchers said such an ingredient could help reduce disease risk since [dyslipidemia] and [hyperglycemia] were likely to contribute to metabolic diseases,” such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

The study authors found that the extract’s beneficial impact on the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) was similar to that of statin drugs, but without, we may add, the extensive list of side effects.

Wallach Files Take-Away: Yet another example of how nature’s own protective chemicals are in many ways superior to, and safer than, synthetic pharmaceutical drugs.

To read coverage of this study, you can click here.