• B.Cassis

Cassis was originally grown in Europe, particularly in France, where it got the Cassis name and reputation as the healthiest of the berries. The cultivation of Cassis in New Zealand began in the 1820s. Early settlers from Europe brought Cassis seedlings with them. Cassis, rich in nutrition, effective for maintaining health, and rich in flavor, were perfect for eating fresh, as a juice, or as jam or jelly and were a very precious fruit for these early arrivals.

As New Zealand’s climate and geographical conditions proved optimal for Cassis cultivation, Cassis spread widely and became a popular food. Over the years, different breeds were developed, and now New Zealand Cassis varieties are the world’s most nutritious, flavorful, and represent the highest quality. Thus, the term King of the Berries was established.

This reputation quickly spread to other parts of the world, and New Zealand adopted this berry as its own. Because of the dark purple, almost black colour of the berries, Cassis became known as blackcurrants outside of France, including in New Zealand.

High Levels of Anthocyanins

High Levels of Anthocyanins

The strong interest in Cassis is largely due to the fact that Cassis, and in particular New Zealand Cassis, has very high levels of anthocyanins.  Anthocyanins are the red and blue coloured compounds in fruit, for example strawberries and the red skin of apples, and the blue of bilberries and blueberries. The anthocyanin content in New Zealand Cassis is the highest amongst commonly consumed fruits and vegetables, three to four times that of strawberries, apples, blueberries and bilberries, and higher even than levels found in Cassis grown elsewhere. However, New Zealand Cassis is even more exceptional as not only does it contain these special anthocyanins at levels that are higher than any other fruit, but New Zealand Cassis also contains a unique combination of these anthocyanins, a combination that is not found in other fruits or berries, or in Cassis grown anywhere else in the world.

Anthocyanins have long been considered as antioxidants that on consumption help the body protect itself against oxidative stress-dependent damage.  However, the body is well equipped with its own array of powerful antioxidants to protect itself from oxidative stress and we are now beginning to understand that it is the activation of the body’s own antioxidant and other defense and adaptive systems that is important to maintain an active and healthy body. Recent research has shown that consumption of anthocyanins, and particularly the unique combination of anthocyanins in New Zealand Cassis, is able to activate the body’s own array of antioxidant and other defense systems.  This activation adapts and improves your body so that it can handle the stresses of everyday living, periods of increased activity and aging.

In particular the consumption of the unique combination of anthocyanins in New Zealand Cassis has been shown to:

  • Lowered incidence of heart disease, diabetes and weight gain with age.
  • Prevention of the loss of lung function associated with age.
  • Maintenance of mental capability.
  • Improve blood flow.
  • Prevent the deterioration of eyesight.
  • Improve mental alertness and clarity, giving a feeling of well being and motivation.
  • Increase the rate at which the body burns fat during moderate exercise.

Dark Circles Disappear

Dark Circles under the Eye Disappear

The anthocyanins in New Zealand Cassis are also helpful for beauty. Consumption of anthocyanins from New Zealand Cassis has been shown to improve blood flow to the face, giving a more young, glowing complexion.  Dark circles under the eyes give the impression of exhaustion and tiredness and are the enemy of busy women everywhere. New Zealand Cassis has been shown to rapidly decrease the intensity of dark patches under the eyes, resulting in a more youthful and brighter look.

High Levels of Vitamin C

High Levels of Vitamin C

New Zealand Cassis also contain abundant vitamin C. Among all of the commonly available fruits and vegetables on the market, it has the highest amount of vitamin C. A single serving of New Zealand Cassis contains 100% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C with just 39 calories.

Vitamin C is an important nutrient for maintaining general health. New Zealand Cassis contain high levels of vitamin C. In fact, New Zealand Cassis has the highest level of vitamin C of all regularly available fruits and vegetables. Studies have shown that New Zealand Cassis has three times the levels of vitamin C of oranges and significantly exceeds the levels of Vitamin C found in kiwifruit and blueberries.

New Zealand Cassis truly is the most royal of all the berries – The King.

Nutrition Content

Vitamin C Content

New Zealand Cassis has been traditionally known with its high density of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that can strengthen our body’s natural defenses. Antioxidants are molecules that boost the immune system. They do so by protecting cells from harmful molecules called free radicals. Vitamin C can also improve the absorption of iron that is poorly absorbed, such as iron from meat-free sources. It may reduce the risk of iron deficiency.

Zinc Content

New Zealand Cassis has this important Zinc at very high density. Zinc is an essential trace element, necessary for sustaining all life. It is a key factor in prostate gland function and reproductive organ growth. Our body needs zinc to make proteins and DNA, the genetic material in all cells. It helps the immune system fight off invading bacteria and viruses. Zinc also helps wounds heal and is important for proper senses of taste and smell.

Magnesium Content

New Zealand Cassis is very rich in Magnesium. Magnesium is a nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy. It is important for many processes in the body, including regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure and making protein, bone, and DNA.

Phosphorus Content

New Zealand Cassis contain large amounts of phosphorus. Our body needs phosphorus for many functions. We need phosphorus to keep our bones strong and healthy. In addition, phosphorus helps to filter out waste in our kidneys, maintain a regular heartbeat and facilitate nerve conduction. Phosphorus also helps our body make ATP, a molecule the body uses to store energy.

Potassium Content

New Zealand Cassis is a great source of potassium. Potassium is a vital mineral and electrolyte for our body. It helps maintain normal blood pressure, transports nutrients into our cells and supports healthy nerve and muscle function. A shortage of potassium in body fluids may cause a potentially fatal condition known as hypokalemia, typically resulting from diarrhea, increased diuresis and vomiting. Deficiency symptoms include muscle weakness, paralytic ileus, ECG abnormalities, decreased reflex response and in severe cases respiratory paralysis, alkalosis and cardiac arrhythmia.

B.Cassis

  • Brand: B.Cassis
  • Product Code: B.Cassis-1
  • Availability: In Stock
  • RM138