New Zealand scientists have been looking into the effects of berry consumption on the human mind.

HortResearch, together with a number of co-researchers and support from Blackcurrants NZ, Boysenberry Exports, Just the Berries, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, Broadacres Sales and Marketing, and Barkers Fruit Processors, is conducting extensive studies into the effects of berries on human cognitive function.

There is growing belief among experts and the wider public that consuming dark-coloured berries, or their juices, may boost human mental agility and perhaps even reverse the effects of aging.

Although this has led to a significant increase in global sales, until now, HortResearch said there has been little direct scientific evidence proving the link between berries and their effect on the brain.

Previous research by the group, together with the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, suggested that regular consumption of dark coloured fruit may be beneficial, but human trials were needed to advance the theory.

In July 2004, HortResearch and Massey University, started to monitor real human test subjects as part of a four-year NZ$6.4 million healthful berries programme.

In the trials, more than 60 people, aged over 65, were asked to drink a glass of boysenberry or blackcurrant juice every day for 12 weeks. Tests before, during and after the trial monitored any changes in cognitive function and other physiological parameters.

Results from this particular study, now completed, are expected later this month.

HortResearch food business leader, Karl Crawford, says: “The information gathered is a significant step towards the New Zealand berry fruit industry’s aim to create value-added products with the optimum phytochemical compositions for enhanced health.

“The goal of the healthful berries programme is to enable production of fresh and frozen fruit, juice concentrate, purée and pulp, freeze dried and powdered drinks, plus processed foods with improved health and wellness attributes to meet global market needs.”

Involved at all levels of the program, HortResearch is utilising its skills in fruit breeding, post-harvest handling and processing, as well as functional foods development.

Crawford adds: “The company is using precision breeding techniques to develop new berry fruit cultivars that offer enhanced benefits. HortResearch aims not only to discover connections between food and health, but also to breed superfruit that can enhance that link.”

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