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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