7 Ways Anthocyanin Rich Foods Help Your Health

Posted by Superberries Team on 4/29/2023 to Health Tips

7 Ways Anthocyanin Rich Foods Help Your Health

A lot of health experts advise us to eat colorful foods, but they rarely tell us why. Sure, they look pretty on the plate and taste nice, but what do they do for us? Rich red and purple fruits and vegetables contain anthocyanins, a water-soluble pigment that belongs to a class of compounds called flavonoids. They are commonly found in fruits and vegetables such as red onions, tomatoes, eggplants, and, of course, berries, like the Aroniaberry. Here are 7 ways anthocyanin-rich foods help your health.

1. Reduce Inflammation

Antioxidants have been shown in study after study to decrease the inflammation markers in the bloodstream of people who have high cholesterol, heart disease, obesity, and other chronic conditions. Since inflammation is linked to several long-term negative effects on the body, consuming delicious fruits and vegetables is one enjoyable way to protect yourself.

2. Lower Risk for Cancers

Though not as many studies have been conducted on anthocyanins and cancer, the studies that have been done give doctors hope that they are a powerful ally in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Some health care providers are using these flavonoids in combination with other cancer treatments.

3. Improve Heart Health

Several studies have shown that consistent consumption of moderate amounts of anthocyanin-rich foods can help decrease blood pressure, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol (the bad one). They can also reduce your risk of developing heart disease by almost 10%.

4. Reduce the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes 

Since inflammation affects the development of Type 2 Diabetes, it only makes sense that reducing inflammation would help prevent it. Consuming moderate amounts of anthocyanins can lower your risk by 15%. Eating only 1-2 ounces of anthocyanin-rich foods, such as Aronia berries, daily can reduce that risk by 5%.

5. Improve Brain Function 

Studies are showing positive effects on memory and processing in the brains of children and adults, as well as adults with cognitive impairment such as memory decline or dementia.

6. Prevent UTI’s 

The flavonoids help prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract, effectively preventing bacteria from creating an infection.

7. Weight Loss

Effect weight loss. One study showed that women who consumed the most anthocyanin-rich foods retained significantly less body and belly fat than women who consumed the lowest amount.

Eating anthocyanin-rich foods may be the tastiest health advice we ever receive, and it is so easy to add a bit of these foods to every meal. Have a handful of berries at breakfast, some tomatoes and pickled red onions at lunch, and some black beans, black rice, or eggplant for dinner and you have a full day of flavonoids for your body to use. Aronia berries contain more anthocyanins per 100 grams than most other fruits. Adding Superberries Aronia berry products to your day is an easy way to help your body protect itself. Frozen Aronia berries are versatile and can be added to any sweet or savory dish.