Acai and Anthocyanins

Acai Berries and Anthocyanins

Acai berries are known to possess a wealth of desirable components that aids an individual's quest in becoming healthier, stronger, and motivated during activity. While the high levels of antioxidants found in the fruit are one of the most talked-about characteristics, there are many other components that create beneficial results in the body. One of the lesser-known advantages associated with Acai berries are called anthocyanins – the flavonoid pigments responsible for the vibrant colors of fruits and flowers. What are Anthocyanins? Without anthocyanins, plants, fruits, and flowers would not display the brilliant shades of red, blue, and purple. These pigments are also responsible for much more, including serving as "sunscreen" for plants and making fruits seem more attractive to eat, as seen with a shiny red apple. In the wild, it is this boost in appearance that aids in the spreading of seeds when animals are encouraged to eat appealing-looking foods. In Acai berries, anthocyanins also carry their own set of antioxidant properties. Additional foods containing a high level of anthocyanins include black currents, chokeberries, eggplant, red cabbage, oranges, blackberry, raspberries, cherries, red currents, and red grapes. In each and every item listed, the bright coloring of reds, blues, purples, and oranges are caused by the amount of anthocyanins they contain. A few foods that offer a low amount of anthocyanins include potatoes, pears, fennel, peas, bananas, and asparagus. Outside of food, an unusually high amount of anthocyanins found in the plant world is responsible for cultivating a variety of good-looking species of ornamental plants. The Importance of Anthocyanins A variety of health benefits are associated with anthocyanins – proven through many recent studies. Over the years, scientists have concluded that foods high in anthocyanins have the power to work against cancer, diabetes, bacterial infections, inflammation, the aging process, as well as neurological diseases. Some of the most advanced research has been focused on cancer tumor development, which became affected by anthocyanins in both the initial and progressive stages. Anthocyanin- rich foods, such as Acai berries, have inhibited the growth of tumor cells by slowing down the growth of pre-malignant cells; increasing cell turnover rates that effectively destroy cancer cells at a faster rate, lessening the damage of inflammation; suppressing the growth of new blood vessels that provide nourishment for tumors, and minimizing the overall damage caused by cancer. Anthocyanins and Acai Berries When fruits, such as Acai berries, are exposed to beaming rays of sunshine, stress occurs due to a high level of UV (ultraviolet) light. It is this kind of light that encourages the formation of free radicals, which in abundance becomes rather damaging. Acai berries contain high levels of anthocyanins, which translate into very powerful antioxidants that combat the unwanted effects of free radicals. This influence is able to take place even after someone has eaten the berries. Joining Acai berries in high antioxidant and anthocyanin levels are other fruits that display a brightly colored pigmentation. One of the most notable kinds of foods to consider adding to a diet includes fruits and vegetables displaying red skins and tissues, known as a highly nutritious food source. by Collaborative Authorship. *** Check References here