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Writer's pictureCalvin De Jong

What are Anthocyanins?


Anthocyanins are part of a group of six flavonoids found in a wide range of plants. There have been 600 plus distinct anthocyanins found in nature. They are water-soluble vacuolar pigments that will change colour depending on their pH levels. The higher the acidity of the soils the redder will appear in the fruit or vegetables, and the more alkaline the soils the more purple and blue will appear.


What foods have anthocyanins?




Some foods that are rich in anthocyanins are Blueberries, huckleberries, rose hips, Oranges, raspberries, black rice and many others. Anthocyanins are responsible for the colours Orange, red, purple, and blue that are found in some fruit, vegetables and flowers. Berries, currants, grapes, and some tropical fruits, typically red, purplish, blue-coloured leafy vegetables, grains, roots, and tubers, that are edible vegetables contain high levels of anthocyanins as well.


Why are anthocyanins good for you.

Anthocyanins are good for your health in many ways with their potent antioxidants and the ability to lower blood pressure, help with visual acuity, cancer cell production, inhibit tumour formations, prevent diabetes and works as an anti-inflammatory. Anthocyanin-rich foods may help to boost overall health by offering an array of nutrients.



History

Anthocyanins were commonly used as natural dies for clothes and paintings oils. Until recently the scientific health community has linked anthocyanins to many health benefits.


Anthocyanins had been observed for centuries as “coloured cell sap.” In 1835 the German botanist Ludwig Marquart gave them their name, deriving anthocyanin from the Greek anthos, meaning flower, and blue.


The best way to get anthocyanins in your body is to eat a wide variety of raw and cooked vegetable flowers, roots and berries. Try to eat them a minimum of 3 times a week. It's easiest to incorporate the foods in your regular meals but it's also nice to enjoy them all by themselves knowing that you're getting a huge dose of healthy plant compounds.



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