Snacking on blackcurrants every day could help you shift three stone in one year by burning as much fat as exercising.

In a new study, researchers have found that New Zealand blackcurrant extract can boost fat burning by 60 per cent - and that's while at rest. This means that the fruit, which is also high in antioxidants, could help adults shift pounds without breaking a sweat.

According to professor and lead researcher Mark Willems of the University of Chichester, the "extraordinary" findings show how beneficial the fruit can be to those who carry "excess weight". The findings focus specifically on the fruit sourced from the country, which are high in anthocyanins.

To come to conclusions, researchers tested 16 healthy and active males after they consumed 600mg of the berry extract for 14 days. After this period, the subjects were examined while at rest and scientists found average fat burning increase was 21 per cent with one individual response of 61 per cent.

Three out of four people also improved fat burning capacity during the study, the Mirror reports. The anthocyanins, which are the red, blue and purple pigments that give berries their colour, have been found to be good at enhancing blood flow and, in turn, fat burning.

Mr Willems said in the papers: "This is extraordinary data. If you're trying to increase all your healthy habits and using diet and exercise to lose weight, it can be a significant tool for those seeking fat loss, without doing anything extra. We can seriously start to think that a blackcurrant extract is a very useful supplement for bodyweight management, when used with exercise and a restricted diet.

“These latest results provide yet more evidence that New Zealand blackcurrant extract can deliver greater benefit to people who carry extra weight - particularly in the legs. You don’t have to go to the gym or undertake strenuous exercise for hours at a time – you can enjoy meaningful improvements during normal activities across the course of the day."

"This could be walking to the shop, gardening, or doing housework - any low-to-moderate intensity activity will fall into this category. Most of us do this for a few hours a day naturally – without breaking a sweat. “Even people who make all the correct dietary choices by eating lots of fruit and vegetables will still receive benefit from using this blackcurrant extract."

Weight loss can be achieved in many ways, whether it's through a balanced diet or consistent exercise regime. So are you looking for more tips? Previously, a fitness social media star revealed 10 ways to lose weight without ditching food. Lizzy High, 22, is known for sharing fitness advice online.

She said there are ways you can transform your bod that still allow you to enjoy life, you just have to adapt your mindset a little. The fitness guru said it's more about finding what you can add to your diet to fuel your energy.

Obviously, you can't just binge on foods you love, but it's all about balance. She showed how her bod has toned up in recent months by sticking to a few rules, and she looks amazing.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.