What is Anthocyanins?
You probably have heard of anthocyanins,
fruit anthocyanins, or plant anthocyanins associated with red
wine or red berries. But, few people know what anthocyanins
really are.
What is Anthocyanins?
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Anthocyanins
are water-soluble vacuolar flavonoid pigments
that appear red to blue, according to
the pH. Anthocyanins are synthesized by
plants and bacteria. Anthocyanins occur in
all tissues of higher plants, providing vibrant
colors in leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and
fruits. Anthocyanins are sometimes referred to
as plant anthocyanins or fruit anthocyanins.
Anthocyanins are found in fruits, vegetables
and foods with vibrant color such as bright
red, bright blue, or bright orange.
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Uses of Anthocyanins & potential health
benefits
Anthocyanins are compounds which
produce vibrant colors in fruits, vegetables and foods.
That is why anthocyanins have been used extensively as a food
additive. Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants which remain
so even after the food with anthocyanins have been
consumed.
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There have been many research
conducted on the health benefits of
anthocyanins recently. Among many health
benefits derived from the pigments anthocyanins
in berries, potential health benefits of the
fruit anthocyanins and plant anthocyanins
include helping the body fight
against:
- cancer
- aging and neurological
diseases
- inflammation
- diabetes
- bacterial
infections
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Since the acai berry has approximately 33
times the amount of anthocyanins in red wine or grapes, the
acai berry potentially has the most anthocyanins of all the
foods, fruits and vegetables. This hidden gem from the Amazon
Rain Forest, the acai berry, may be the best source of
anthocyanins for everyone.
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