7 purple foods that prevent serious diseases are named

Purple foods are vegetables and fruits that contain anthocyanins (water-soluble pigments). These include blueberries, plums, acai, purple potatoes, red cabbage, eggplant, and beets.

They prevent diseases of the cardiovascular and digestive systems, have a protective effect against certain types of cancer, improve memory and urinary system functioning, and help delay the aging process.

OBOZREVATEL, together with webconsultas.com, offers a closer look at the beneficial properties of these products.

Blueberries

These small berries contain significant amounts of vitamin C and K, fiber, manganese, and anthocyanins. According to research, blueberries can affect the brain by delaying or preventing neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease or cognitive decline). In addition, it has great potential in the fight against cancer, and thanks to pterostilbene (a natural antioxidant), it stimulates the immune system, protecting against external factors.

Plums

They are distinguished by different shades of color – the more intense and darker, the more antioxidant properties. The peculiarity of this fruit is that most of the anthocyanins are in the skin – 20 times more than in the pulp. The Spanish Nutrition Foundation (FEN) claims that plums can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, as well as improve bone density in postmenopausal women.

Acai

This dark purple berry has become popular because it is an excellent antioxidant. Its properties are directly related to the amount of anthocyanins – 44 grams per 100 grams of acai. It also has the ability to absorb free oxygen radicals (high ORAC value).

Purple potatoes

It is a type of potato tuber. In addition to vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and fiber, it contains 2-4 times more antioxidants than white potatoes. A study conducted in the United States showed that daily consumption of 2 servings of this food reduces diastolic blood pressure by 4.3% and systolic blood pressure by 3.5%, which is explained by its phytochemical properties. Although the color of purple potatoes is different from ordinary potatoes, the taste is very similar, but with a slight flavor reminiscent of walnuts.

Red (purple) cabbage

Red cabbage is high in fiber. According to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture (USA), it contains 36 different types of anthocyanins, and one serving provides 20% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin A. It is also rich in sulfur, and vitamins B1, B3, B5, B6, B9, and C.

German scientists have found that isothiocyanates, phytochemicals that are part of red cabbage, have anti-tumor properties. In addition, the high amount of potassium makes it a diuretic. It is a good choice for lowering blood pressure and controlling blood glucose levels.

Eggplant

The high fiber content allows eggplants to cleanse the body and lower blood sugar levels. They also contain iron, magnesium, and folic acid, which can help you recover from anemia or cover your vitamin B9 needs in the first months of pregnancy. The Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) noted in a study that this vegetable has anti-aging properties, providing effective protection against free radicals. In addition, chlorogenic acid helps to reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol (LDL).

Beetroot

Studies published in the journal Nutrition have shown that beets are effective in lowering blood pressure. It is rich in nitrates, which, when ingested, turn into nitric oxide, a vasodilator that saturates all areas of the body with oxygen. In addition, this vegetable strengthens the immune system, kills bacteria that attack the brain and cause dementia, and controls cholesterol levels.