What do red cabbage, eggplants, raspberries, blackberries, red grapes, chokeberry, black currants, elderberry and cranberry in common? Anthocyanins, which catch free radicals, heal the retina, hypertension, and the urinary system.
Anthocyaninsnatural dyes, depending on the pH of the cell juicevegetablesor fruit, can vary in color from red to purple. Some studies show that these pigments play a protective role in plants against bacteria and viruses. Their impact on the human body cannot be overestimated either. The he alth-promoting properties of decoctions from plants rich in anthocyanins (blueberries, cranberries, chokeberries or raspberries) have been used in folk medicine for hundreds of years. Subsequent studies confirmed a large part of the therapeutic effects attributed to them. The beneficial effect of anthocyanins on the human body is related to their ability to scavenge free radicals, anti-inflammatory effect, inhibition of platelet aggregation (clumping) and strengthening of capillary blood vessels. Some studies show that anthocyanins may also promote apoptosis (self-destruction)of cancer cells . Moreover, they are very valuable for the protection and strengthening of the eyes. Blueberry anthocyanins are used in the treatment of retinal diseases and when vision is impaired due to microcirculation disorders. Dried chokeberry juice and infusions are recommended in case of hypertension and in antiatherosclerotic diet. Cranberry, rich in anthocyanins, is an indispensable component of drugs used in the prevention of urinary tract infections.
Anthocyanins don't like oxygen
Anthocyanins are among the unstable pigments. They are particularly sensitive to long processing times at high temperatures. Their amount also significantly decreases under the influence of oxygen, therefore it is worth limiting its access when storing and processing vegetables and fruit. On the other hand, anthocyanins perform well at low temperatures. Therefore, they remain in large amounts in frozen foods. The stability of anthocyanins is also higher in acidic environments.
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