Anthocyanins

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Anthocyanins are the largest group of water-soluble color pigments, whose color spectrum is red-blue-black. They are found in all higher plants, especially flowers and fruits, but also in the leaves, stems and roots of plants.

The color of anthocyanins depends on the structure and acidity of the individual fruit. Anthocyanins have long been studied by botanists and other specialists in the field. Nowadays, the interest in these pigments is huge because they bring a number of health benefits as very strong antioxidants. There are over 300 anthocyanins that are found in nature.

Benefits of anthocyanins

To form, anthocyanins bind to sugar molecules. Besides chlorophyll, anthocyanins are the most important group of plant pigments. Studies show a number of health benefits that anthocyanin-rich products bring. One of their most important advantages is the strong anti-inflammatory properties, which have an extremely positive effect. They have the ability to protect both large and small blood vessels from oxidative damage. In addition, anthocyanins have a beneficial effect on the damage caused by high blood sugar.

In the course of inflammation, inflammatory damage is caused to the connective tissue of the capillaries, which causes complications. Anthocyanins work in several ways - first, they neutralize the enzymes that damage connective tissue and second - they regenerate the damaged parts in the walls of blood vessels. Animal experiments show that anthocyanin supplements are effective in preventing various inflammations and subsequent vascular damage. They slow down blood clotting and limit the accumulation of platelets in one place.

Anthocyanins can slow down allergic reactions, and have already been shown to have the strongest anti-inflammatory effect of all flavonoids.

Anthocyanins have a positive effect on the nervous system. They can protect the body from neurological damage. Their very important quality is the ability to strengthen large blood vessels. Thus, they greatly reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

Anthocyanins are believed to protect people from the most serious disease - cancer. They protect the stomach from ulcers, strengthen the power of thought and reduce the effects of diabetes. As is known, this insidious disease causes a number of lesions - one of which is impaired vision and even blindness.

Anthocyanins strengthen damaged capillaries and significantly improve visual acuity. As it turns out, anthocyanins are indispensable because they protect the body from some of the most serious diseases that people know.

Sources of anthocyanins

The best sources of anthocyanins are berries - blueberries, cranberries, cherries, raspberries, blackberries, blackcurrants, mulberries, chokeberries, elderberries. They are contained in the skin of eggplants, red grapes, red cabbage, red oranges, red olives. Of all the fruits, chokeberry has some of the largest amounts of anthocyanins - 1480 mg in 100 g of fresh chokeberry. High amounts of anthocyanins are found in red wine, red onions and radishes.

Anthocyanins as a food additive

Anthocyanins present as a food additive, designated as E 163. The substance in this form is not considered to be dangerous to human life and health and is therefore authorized for use in the food industry in all countries of the world. It is a colorant used to color confectionery, processed fruit products, wines, soft drinks, sauces, mayonnaise, some hard cheeses.

The maximum permissible daily dose in the human body of this supplement is 2.5 mg per 1 kg of body weight. This means that the additive is completely safe / according to the manufacturers /. There are even claims that E163 has health benefits, namely prevention of esophageal and colon cancer, as well as other milder diseases of the digestive system. Naturally the best way to get our valuables anthocyanins is through the consumption of fresh fruits that contain these invaluable substances.