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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.
