Do any of us eat enough of purple coloured fruits and veg, and why do we need to add more to our diet. Thats some of the things we discuss in this weeks podcast.
About Fleur
Health Currancy Ltd was founded by New Zealander Fleur Cushman, who grew up under the life-shaping influence of her father, natural health pioneer and visionary Mike Cushman, who changed the face of the natural healthcare industry in the Southern Hemisphere with his ‘Clinicians’ range of vitamin and mineral supplements.
Mike brought the quickly-developing New Zealand blackcurrant story to Fleur’s attention and, as a result, Health Currancy was launched, with CurraNZ the flag bearing first-to-market product of the NZ blackcurrant kind in the UK, launched in February 2014.
Fleur has lived in the UK for over 20 years and until forming Health Currancy, was a sports journalist and editor on a leading national newspaper based in London.
How her father’s journey impacted on her supplement range.
Fleurs father was a pioneering force who championed the use of natural formulations over manufactured and artificial compounds.
What is so special about New Zealand Blackcurrants?
We have all heard of the health benefits of blueberries, but blackcurrants actually have higher levels of polyphenols and antioxidants. The problem is that they are not as easy to transport as blueberries and are only available for a short amount of time.
But New Zealand blackcurrants are even higher in these beneficial compounds. The soil and growing conditions are perfect, they are harsh enough that the berries have to produce the high levels of these natural compounds to make them power houses of nutrients. Fleur likes to call them biological boosters.
Blackcurrants are also an adaptogen, meaning that they help boost our bodies resilience to stress. They have several modes of action and can provide benefit where needed in each individual.
Are they just for athletes?
Our modern lives are filled with stressors and challenges, and antioxidants help mop up that damage to improve our health and longevity.
And whilst CurraNZ has been championed by the New Zealand All Blacks team, they can be of benefit for more modest athletes such as you and I. Taking them prior to exercise can help boost performance, but more importantly aids recovery.
Fleur is confident that you will be able to feel both the boost from your post exercise recovery and in your energy levels in just 1 week. She encourages you to try them out and then push yourself a little harder than usual to see how you recover.
What kind of research is there available about blackcurrants?
The research is growing constantly around blackcurrants and purple fruits in general, Current research has shown that we consume around 20-70mg of the active compound in our daily diet, but the amount needed is 100 – 200mg to have the health benefit required. Thus meaning we have a dietary deficit.
Fleur is keen to point out that the range is a supplement to a healthy diet, and we should all follow a food first approach, ensuring we get the widest and most varied range of foods first, and using targeted natural supplements secondary.
Immune Supporting Blackcurrants.
Due to the high antioxidant status blackcurrants are excellent at supporting the immune system. They also have antiviral properties. This let Fleur to create their immune range which are designed to be a bolt on to the original extract capsules.
Containing blueberry and elderberry extract as well as vitamins and minerals to support our natural immune system, they would be a great addition for anyone who is concerned about their resilience during winter months.
Quick fire!
- Jeans
- Pizza
- Cocktail – anything with gin
- Beach
- What have you got for tea? Stuffed mushrooms with lentils and salad – delicious!
Fleur’s links
Fleur has kindly offered podcast listeners 20% off their first order – just use code HILLSTART at checkout.
My links
What do you think of this episode? Let me know!
Want to know more about ways to work with me?
There are many ways that you can work with me to balance your hormones and improve your health and wellbeing.
I have a fabulous free community on Facebook Fab Female Nutrition Club I offer lots of support and advice on female health and wellbeing. I also love to cook and create recipes and I’ll often be seen in the group cooking live and sharing all the wonderful health benefits of the ingredients used.
Several times a year I work with groups of ladies to transform their health and wellbeing. Appropriately called The Transformation Program they can help with many different issues and have had hugely impressive results – including up to 100% reduction in symptoms. If you suffer with IBS, fatigue, inflammation, hormonal imbalances or just want to spend some time concentrating on your health and wellbeing they are fabulous value and great fun.
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