Purple foods are great, the darker the food the higher the antioxidant level.
Purple foods have physiological and psychological benefits. Studies have shown that purple fruits and vegetables can help lower the risk of many health conditions, including obesity, cataracts, and heart diseases.
Purple foods are rich in anthocyanins, a compound responsible for the coloring pigment in fruits and vegetables.
Previous research cited that purple food has a wide variety of health benefits. From increased longevity to better cardiovascular health, lower risk of cancer and dementia to neuroprotective effects, purple foods are magic medicines.
7 health benefits of purple foods
1. Purple foods fight obesity
Studies suggest that purple foods can play a crucial role in weight management and glucose control. In addition to rich antioxidants, they are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
2. Purple foods boost your brain
Research says that purple fruits and vegetables can help promote calmness and boost mood. Being rich in polyphenols they have a positive impact on brain health and cognitive functioning. Anthocyanins are great for brain regions responsible for learning and memory.
3. Reduces blood pressure
Purple foods contain flavonoids that can help decrease blood pressure. It contains resveratrol, a flavonoid that relaxes the arterial walls, decreases pressure in the arteries, and allows better circulation.
4. Purple foods kill cancer
Research suggests that the resveratrol in purple foods can inhibit the spread of colorectal cancer, which is the third most common cancer. It can further induce cell apoptosis and can curb the risks of prostate, breast, skin, liver, lung, colon cancer, and blood cancers. A 2017 study quoted that purple onions contain quercetin and anthocyanin, which make them powerful cancer fighters.
5. Purple foods for the heart
Research says that purple foods can lower bad cholesterol by up to 13%. Regularly consuming purple foods can improve cardiovascular health, reduce artery stiffness, and lower blood pressure. Resveratrol in purple foods helps in promoting blood circulation and relaxing the heart.
6. It can prevent UTIs
Studies show that purple foods like purple carrots, purple cabbage, and purple cauliflower, contain anthocyanin. Anthocyanin is found to fight E. coli, which is a bacterium responsible for causing UTIs.
7. It’s great for your skin
Purple foods are all rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help combat free radical damage and aids in reversing signs of aging. Purple cabbage has 36 different types of antioxidants.
Best purple foods
Berries
Berries are super-rich in antioxidants. Particularly, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, bilberries, black currants, and mulberries are excellent food choices to boost your brainpower and your mood. Research shows that eating blackberries can prevent many chronic conditions, such as diabetes, certain cancers, and heart disease.
Purple Potatoes
Purple potatoes are super-rich in antioxidants. They are loaded with potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, provitamin A, potassium, and B vitamins and fiber which makes them an excellent food for weight loss.
Purple Grapes
These juicy gems are rich in resveratrol, which is known to beat inflammation and prevent cell damage.
Purple Cauliflower
Purple cauliflower is rich in phytonutrients, vitamin C, and minerals. Steam, stir-fry, or microwave — or eat it raw — to preserve the most nutrients.
Purple Carrots
Find them at your local farmers’ market or supermarket. Try them roasted, pickled, or broiled. You’ll get their extra anthocyanins as well as the beta carotene and other carotenoids found in orange carrots that may help improve your immune system.
Beets
Beets are good for the heart and brain. They are also an excellent addition to the diet if you are looking for weight loss or controlling blood sugar. Super rich in antioxidants, beets protect your cells from oxidative damage and reduce inflammation.
Eggplant
The list of purple foods can’t be complete without the eggplant or brinjal. Eggplants are high in antioxidants and manganese. Antioxidants fight cell damage and manganese is essential for bone health and metabolism.
Health Benefits of Purple Foods: Your Takeaway!
Most people see healthy eating as the exclusion of many food items from their diet, but eating healthy actually means including the right foods on your menu. There is a wide range of scientifically-proven benefits of purple foods and they are a must-add to your diet chart!
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