Anthocyanin’s are flavonoids that are contained in foods that give them their pigment, however what scientists are starting to find out is that they may contain many more health benefits than previously thought.
Heart Disease – According to a 2010 report from ‘Nutrition Reviews’ Anthocyanin’s may increase heart health. They do this by improving cholesterol levels and blood sugar metabolism according to the report. It can also fight what is known as oxidative stress, a type of stress that is known to play a role in heart disease.
Also according to a 2011 study from the ‘American Journal of Clinical Nutrition’ anthocyanin may also help prevent high blood pressure.
Obesity – In a 2008 study from the ‘Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry’ they found research to believe that Anthocyanin fights obesity. The experiment found that mice that were fed an anthocyanin-enriched high-fat diet for eight weeks gained less weight than mice who were fed the same diet without anthocyanin.
Cancer – ‘Phytotherapy Research’ conducted a laboratory study in 2010 on how Anthocyanin may help with the prevention of breast cancer. Anthocyanin that was extracted from blueberries and put into test tubes were noted to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells.
Luckily there are a number of foods that contain plenty of Anthocyanin to help you gain the health benefits that they offer.
Blackberries Other Berries – Berries in general have high amounts of Anthocyanin, whether its raspberries, blueberries, cranberries they’re all great sources, though blackberries tend to be the highest. Blue, purple, or red-skin usually translates into a high amount of Anthocyanin since they are very dark pigmented colors, the darker the color of the berry the better.
Grapes and Red Wine – While concord and muscadine grapes are considered the best virtually any type of grape is a great source of Anthocyanin. Since most of the Anthocyanin is found in the grapes skin white wine is not a good source since it is made without the skin of the grapes, while the red wine is.
Bananas – Researchers have been surprised to learn that even though bananas are not known for their dark rich color they still contain high amounts of Anthocyanin.
Eggplant – You may have heard eggplant be referred to as ‘brain food’ before. That is because the Anthocyanin found within the eggplant help protect the lipids in the brain.
A wide assortment of grains, vegetables and fruits all contain respective amounts of anthocyanin
Anthocyanin is a great source of antioxidant health benefits, and takes very little effort to include it into your everyday diet. While not much is known about these newly discovered flavonoids they’re already found in some of the healthiest foods out there, with just a little bit of effort taken to eat them they can help improve your everyday life and make you even healthier with every bite.
Source: diradiocast.com
