Anthocyanin is a plant compound and water-soluble vacuolar pigments that emerge in dark purple, red and blue colors of many fruits and vegetables depending upon the pH levels. They belong to a parent class of molecules named as flavonoids which acts as a powerful anti-oxidant within a body. Anthocyanins are odorless and flavorless by nature, its taste like a somewhat astringent sensation and most occur in all cells of higher plants, including leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and fruits like Blackberries, Cherries, Black Currant, Grapes and Wine, Plums, Pomegranates, and Bananas.
Here are 8 health benefits of anthocyanins.
Cancer Prevention
Anti-oxidants are viewed as to be excellent combatants towards free radical within the body. One study found anthocyanins to be the most powerful anti-oxidant of 150 different flavonoids. Lab tests have also show that anthocyanins restrict the growth of cancers and breasts cancers tissues.
Anti-Inflammatory
The research with animals has shown that anthocyanins also have anti-inflammatory property due to this they helps to prevent blood-vessel damage. Studies also suggest that, they may be useful for treating chronic inflammation, which is related to cardiovascular illness, arthritis joint disease, type 2diabetic issues, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and many other health illnesses.
Diabetes
Anthocyanins increase blood sugar metabolic rate and research has shown that, they may have a positive impact on irregular collagen production, a complication of diabetic issues that leads to inadequate blood sugar control. One study also recommended that anthocyanins may be effective in avoiding retinopathy, a diabetic condition that can lead to loss of sight. The anthocyanins not only prevent an overproduction of protein but were also shown to repair leaking, broken capillary vessels.
Allergy Relief
The research discovered that anthocyanins had the most powerful impact of any flavonoids on allergic relief. This means that anthocyanin-rich foods help reduce inflammation in sinuses and nose passages and reduce the blockage that results in headaches and uneasiness while sleeping.
Better Eyesight
The study recommends that anthocyanins may help night vision and enhance your overall visual acuity. One research revealed that consuming bilberry and black currant anothocyanin supplements momentarily improved the vision of 36 sufferers.
Heart Health
Various research shown that anthocyanins may help to decrease blood cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure levels, increase blood flow, enhance capillary strength and fight oxidative stress, all of which benefit cardiovascular health and help prevent heart disease.
Weight Loss
This is still an unproven efficient weight-loss supporter. The analysis on lab- rats fed a high fat anthocyanin rich diet, revealed less body weight gain in rats given that of anthocyanin supplement than those without.
Ulcer Treatment
Anthocyanins may be useful for abdomen and ulcer problems because they protect the abdomen by increasing stomach mucus and gastric juice secretion. This is a reason why, bilberry has been used as a traditional medicinal treat abdomen and ulcer problems.
Cognitive Function
One study found that mice fed anthocyanin rich diet and were less likely to experience from memory loss and motor function deterioration. It is considered that anthocyanins helps to reduce the loss of brain fat, a marking in brain ageing. However, human trials and additional research are necessary to validate the link between consuming anthocyanins and improved cognitive function.
Age-related Neurodegenerative Disease
Anthocyanins have been acknowledged with the capacity to regulate cognitive and motor function, to improve memory and to have a part in avoiding age-related decreases in neural function. Research have exposed that is likely due to the point that anthocyanins are extremely bioavailable in endothelial cells which has proven such positive results on atherosclerosis
Here are 12 foods that contain anthocyanins.
Blackberries & Other Berries
Many berries have good amounts of anthocyanins. Strawberry, blackberry, Raspberry, bananas, bilberry, elderberry, cranberry, and almost any blue, purple or red-skinned berries, are likely to have a high levels of anthocyanins. In general, blackberries have the biggest anti-oxidant potential of any fruits. The specific degree of health advantages of each fruits may vary.
Cherries
Sour cherries have a greater amount of anthocyanins than sweet cherries. Tart cherries contains low amount of sugar, beside this it is more beneficial for health and it can help people with gout, arthritis, diabetes, and prevent cancer.
Black Currant
Blackcurrants contains high concentrations of anthocyanins, polyphenolic, other antioxidants and bioactive thus it is used for treating general fatigue, arthritis, kidney stones, gout, mouth inflammation, stomach and bowel, lung and cough aliments.
Grapes and Wine
Concord and muscadine grapes are ripe with anthocyanins, but all grapes are a good source. Anthocyanins are found mostly in the skin of grapes. Since white wine is made without grape skins, thus the red wine varietals are best source of anthocyanins than white varietals.
Plums
Thus it helps to protect from heart health, reduce stroke risk, lower blood sugar, boost bone health and many more
Pomegranates
Pomegranate one of the oldest known fruit for anthocyanins and antioxidant has been respected as a symbol of health, fertility and eternal life.
Bananas
Many scientists have been amazed to understand that bananas is not mentioned for their black color but then also they are a wealthy source of anthocyanins.
Eggplant
Sometimes generally known as a “brain meals,” due in aspect because the anthocyanins discovered mostly in the eggplant skin, help secure the body fat (fats) in mind cell membranes.
Asparagus
The study also says that purple asparagus contain high amounts of anthocyanins.
Red Cabbage
The research has found that 36 different types of anthocyanins found in red cabbages that have been linked to cancer protection.
Red Fleshed Peaches
According to studies it is found that fruits with red flesh contains almost same amount of dark berries thus because of this it also contains high amount of anthocyanins.
Black Beans & Kidney Beans
Black beans and kidney beans have large amount of anthocyanins thus it is more beneficial for cardiovascular health, cancer, chronic inflammatory and many more.
Other Foods
Many other foods also contain anthocyanins. Remarkable amounts have been identify in Purple corn, pears, peas, black rice, fennel, potatoes, black olives, purple carrots, purple onions, and purple yam.
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