Anthocyanins are the largest group of water-soluble color pigments whose color spectrum is red-blue-black. They are found in all taller plants, particularly 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 the subject of study by botanists and others skilled experts. Nowadays, the interest in these pigments is huge, because they carry a number of health benefits, servingh as a very powerful antioxidant. More than 300 in number are the 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 suggest a number of health benefits that rich in anthocyanins products carry. One of the most important advantages is the strong anti-inflammatory properties that affect you very positively. They have the ability to protect both large and small blood vessels from oxidative damage. Furthermore, anthocyanins act favorably on damages arising from high blood sugar.
In the course of inflammation, inflammatory damage in the connective tissue of the capillaries is caused, causing complications. Anthocyanins act in several ways - firstly, they neutralize enzymes that degrade connective tissue and secondly - regenerate damaged parts in the walls of blood vessels. Animal experiments have shown that supplementation of anthocyanins effectively prevents various vascular inflammation and subsequent damage. They slow bleeding and reduce platelet aggregation.
Anthocyanins may delay allergic reactions, as has already been completely proven to have the strongest anti-inflammatory effect of total flavonoids.
Anthocyanins have a positive effect on the nervous system. They can protect the body from neurological damage. Very important quality is their ability to strengthen the large blood vessels. They greatly reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
It is believed that anthocyanins protect people from the worst 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 range of lesions - one of which is able to bring about impaired vision or even blindness.
Anthocyanins strengthen damaged capillaries and significantly improve visual acuity. As is clear, anthocyanins are essential 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, cassis, mulberry, chokeberry, elderberry. They are contained in the skin of eggplants and in red grapes, red cabbage, red orange, red olives. Of all the fruits, chokeberry is the one with the largest amounts of anthocyanins - 1480 mg per 100 g fresh chokeberry. A high amount of anthocyanins is found in red wine, red onions and radishes.
Anthocyanins as a food additive
Anthocyanins are present as a food additive, denoted as E 163. It is believed that the substance in this form is not dangerous to the life and health of people as it is allowed for use in the food industry all over the world. This is a dye used to color confectionery, processed fruit, wines, soft drinks, sauces, mayonnaise, some hard cheeses.
Maximum tolerable daily intake in the human body of this supplement is 2.5 mg per 1 kg of body weight. This means that the supplement is completely safe. There are even allegations that the E163 brings health benefits, namely the prevention of cancer of the esophagus and colon, as well as other less serious diseases of the digestive organs. Of course, the best way to get some valuable anthocyanins is through the consumption of fresh fruits that contain these precious substances.
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