- anthocyanins are particular antioxidants, related to a number of health benefits; they are mostly found in purple foods, but what's so special about these products?
All colored fruits and vegetables contain many antioxidants, compounds that play a key role in protecting our body, but purple fruits and vegetables contain a natural pigment, called anthocyanin, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health and the prevention of cancer and dementia.
What foods contain anthocyanins?
Anthocyanins are found in high concentrations in black currants, blackberries and blueberries, as well as in the eggplant, in purple cabbage, in redberry and cherries and many other foods.
- Blueberries: Blueberries are a useful source of vitamin C, which helps protect cells and promotes iron absorption
- pomegranate: good source of fiber, it also provides vitamin C, A, E, iron and other antioxidants such as tannins
- Purple potatoes: a curiosity about this tuber is that it is widely consumed on the island of Okinawa, in Japan; this island is home to an incredibly long-lived and healthy elderly population with rates of dementia reduced by up to 50% compared to the West
- Beets: the intense purple color of this vegetable derives from vegetable substances called betalaines, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; beets contain a good source of vitamins and minerals, including folic acid, iron, manganese, and potassium
- More: contain vitamins, fiber and micronutrients, including vitamin C, sheet acid, magnesium, potassium and manganese
- Black rice: black rice is a variety of rice that takes on a purple color when cooked; this product is highly pigmented and is an excellent source of anthocyanins
- Aubergine: they are rich in antioxidants and manganese, a mineral essential for health and metabolism of bones
- Purple cauliflowerNot only does this vegetable add color to any dish, it also offers a variety of anti-inflammatory benefits
- Purple carrots: they are crunchy vegetables rich in polyphenolic antioxidants, including anthocyanins, cinnamic acid and chlorogenic acid
- Red cabbage: red cabbage contains powerful antioxidants including quercetin and p-coumaric acid; it is often used as a decorative plant, but it is absolutely edible and highly nutritious
- Passion fruit: the passion fruit has a purple skin and contains a sweet pulp inside, rich in crunchy seeds; it contains a polyphenolic antioxidant called piceatannol, which has been shown to have several beneficial properties for health and especially for the skin
- Purple asparagus: although they are most often associated with the color green, they are also found in the white and purple varieties; they are rich in minerals, vitamins and powerful plant compounds. Purple asparagus is the variety with the highest concentration of rutin, a natural pigment that may have protective properties of the heart
- Berries of acai: these berries are small red fruits that help increase the antioxidant content in the blood, reduce cholesterol and levels of cup sugar in the blood
Purple foods offer a number of health benefits and add a pop of color to the diet; Incorporating purple foods into your diet ensures that you are consuming a powerful dose of antioxidants, anthocyanins, and plenty of nutrients.
How many purple foods do you consume in your diet? Let us know in the comments and follow us on our telegram channel 
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