Black currants have lately been making headlines and a true comeback to the health and fitness industry. And it’s no surprise! They’re truly something you can call a superfood. Black currants are one of the best sources of vitamin C and antioxidants. Its seeds contain lots of gamma linolenic acid (GLA). So how can black currant oil help with weight loss? Continue reading to find out.

What is Black Currant?

The black currant plant, a relatively small shrub, is widely known for its deep purple sour berries. It’s native to Europe, northern Asia and New Zealand, where the highest quality black currants are being grown.

Black currants have been used as a traditional herbal medicine in Europe for many centuries to treat different health issues and support good health. Because of the high content of vitamin C and antioxidants, black currants are ideal for supporting the function of your immune system.

You can eat raw black currants, use them in cooking or consume them as supplements. Most common forms of black currant supplements on the market are black currant oil and black currant extract.

What is Black Currant Oil?

Black currant oil is extracted from the seeds of black currants. Higher quality oils have been extracted using cold-pressed, chemical free method. However, there are many products on the market that are extracted using hexane. This is a highly flammable chemical commonly extracted from petroleum and crude oil. That doesn’t sound really healthy, does it? (PS! NutriONN Black Currant Oil softgels are cold-pressed and no hexane or other chemicals have been used!)

Black currant oil is an amazing source of gamma linolenic acid. This is an omega-6 fatty acid that regulates your body’s hormonal balance. Plus, it’s a great anti-inflammatory agent. About 70% of black currant oil is made up of essential fatty acids that have an important role in regulating your hormones. Not to mention all the antioxidants and high amounts of vitamin C that make sure your immune system is strong and ready to fight whatever comes its way.

Can Black Currant Oil Help with Weight Loss?

So, what are black currant weight loss benefits? Firstly, the high amounts of gamma linolenic acid a k a GLA has various health benefits that can attribute to a healthy weight.

Study published in “Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology” in October 2000 showed that GLA helped decrease the accumulation of body fat. Another study published in “Journal of Nutrition” in June 2007 showed that people who have undergone a major weight loss, will regain a lot less weight when using GLA than the people who didn’t take additional GLA.

Furthermore, according to a new study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology in April 2018, black currants enhance fat oxidation during exercise, meaning that black currants help your body burn more fat while you’re working out. The study showed that taking 600mg of black currant extract for 7 days helped female participants burn an average of 27% more fat while exercising! Dr Sam Shepherd, who conducted the research, told that this kind of increase in fat oxidation usually happens after 3-4 weeks of regular endurance training. This is definitely something noteworthy!

Conclusion

In addition to all of the amazing health benefits black currants can offer, multiple studies have shown that they can be a great way to support healthy weight. As most of us already know – (unfortunately) there is no miracle pill for weight and fat loss. But, taking a good quality black currant supplement accompanied by moderate exercise and healthy diet will probably help you shed that stubborn fat much quicker than without it.

Interested in trying it out yourself and see if it’s worth it? Try out our high quality, cold-pressed and hexane-free Black Currant Oil softgels.