Definition, food sources, supplements, and benefits of anthocyanins

As the saying goes, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," and many years ago, humans discovered that regularly eating colorful fruits and vegetables can promote a healthy life. Fruits and vegetables contain many natural compounds that are beneficial to health, including vitamins, carotenoids, and of course, anthocyanins. This article mainly introduces knowledge about anthocyanins and how they protect us from chronic diseases.

What are anthocyanins?

anthocyaninAnthocyanins are a group of natural compounds found in all tissues of higher plants. You can think of them as the colors of certain flowers and fruits, such as red, blue, yellow, and purple; more than 600 types of anthocyanins have been discovered so far. Scientifically, anthocyanins belong to the flavonoid family. Generally, these pigments protect plants from insects and help attract animals for pollination and seed dispersal.

However, some studies have shown that anthocyanins possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in the body. The benefits of anthocyanins are increasingly recognized. Experiments have shown that these pigments can maintain cardiovascular health and improve vision. Fruits like blueberries and cranberries are major sources of anthocyanins, providing a significant amount in a single meal. Experts recommend a daily intake of 180-215 mg of anthocyanins.

Recently, anthocyanins have also attracted great interest from cosmetics and food suppliers because they can add vibrant colors to products, greatly improve their appearance, and have no side effects.

Food sources of anthocyanins

Berries

Berries are a major source of many anthocyanins in our diet, with a fresh weight content of approximately 300 mg/g. These include strawberries, black raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, red raspberries, bilberries, white currants, and blackcurrants.

花

Flowers are also a rich source of anthocyanins, which have high antioxidant capacity. Some common examples include carnations, tulips, and violets.

grain

Another major source of anthocyanins is grains, such as dark-colored rice grains like black barley, blue barley, and purple barley, where anthocyanins play an important role in protecting health.

vegetable

Vegetables such as eggplant, beans, cabbage, radish, and onion also contain a lot of anthocyanins.

Other fruits and alcoholic beverages

Fruits like figs and apples are dietary sources of anthocyanins. Similarly, one liter of red wine can provide 250-300mg of anthocyanins.

Health Benefits of Anthocyanins

 

Protect cardiovascular health

Anthocyanins play a vital role in cardiovascular health due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Extensive evidence suggests that anthocyanins help fight free radicals in heart cells. These compounds can reduce the oxidation of fats within blood vessels and minimize potential vascular dysfunction. Anthocyanins also promote the production of nitric oxide, a substance that helps relax coronary arteries.

 

Helps manage weight

Generally, foods rich in anthocyanins are low in fat, which helps maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, choose foods or supplements rich in anthocyanins whenever possible.

 

Improve memory and eyesight

Anthocyanins can improve vision and reduce the risk of vision problems. Most experiments on brain cognitive function have shown that the antioxidant effects of anthocyanins enhance the transmission of information between brain neurons and improve the utilization of glucosamine. Therefore, they believe that these pigments can improve memory and maintain brain health.

Anthocyanin supplements

You might think of anthocyanins as a rich ingredient in dietary supplements. Due to their powerful antioxidant properties, manufacturers add anthocyanins to supplements to treat a variety of conditions. This is because anthocyanins can prevent diseases caused by free radicals and the progression of the aging process. With conclusive research worldwide, people may consider using anthocyanin supplements to enhance the immune system, improve vision, and protect the cardiovascular system.

Some anthocyanin supplements include:

• Vibecare – Eye-Brightening and Anti-Aging Concentrated Blueberry Extract + BilberryThis product features a highly effective antioxidant formula rich in anthocyanins to help maintain eye health. It is designed to promote blood circulation around the eyes and protect them from harmful blue light. This product also quickly relieves eye strain and dryness.
• Charenda – Lutein + Blueberry Extract Concentrate Tablets (with Kakadu Plum Addition)This product combines anthocyanins and lutein, providing powerful antioxidant properties. Its formula protects the eyes from harmful blue light and relieves eye strain. It also boosts immunity and helps prevent disease.

Gogo Herbs is a fast-growing online health food shop in Hong Kong, offering quality health products to customers all over Hong Kong. We offer a carefully selected range of vitamins and minerals, herbal remedies and functional foods that are highly effective and pure for the overall health of our customers. These highly effective and pure products are all beneficial to the overall health of our customers.Gogo Herbs shop carries a wide range of quality products from leading brands, and our team of specialists selects supplements for young and old people suffering from mild or severe health challenges. All carefully selected supplements are safe and legally certified.

Related Products: