What are Anthocyanins?
OK, if you’ve been bopping around the Sweet Prairie Haskap website or our social media for a minute, you might have seen this fancy word here and there. So what exactly are anthocyanins?
Anthocyanins are natural pigments that give fruits and vegetables their bright and vibrant colors. These pigments belong to a class of compounds called flavonoids, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Where can anthocyanins be found?
Anthocyanins can be found in a wide range of fruits and vegetables, including:
Blueberries
Blackberries
Cherries
Grapes
Red cabbage
Eggplant
Radishes
Red onions
Red apples
And our favorite… the haskap berry!
The color intensity of these fruits and vegetables is directly related to their anthocyanin content. For example, blueberries have a higher concentration of anthocyanins than strawberries, which is why they have a darker and more intense blue color. And you know what has SIX TIMES the anthocyanins of a blueberry? That’s right, the haskap berry.
So, what are the benefits of anthocyanins?
Protect against chronic diseases: Anthocyanins have been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Improve brain function: Anthocyanins may improve brain function by enhancing memory and reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
Promote eye health: Anthocyanins may help prevent eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
Reduce inflammation: Anthocyanins have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body, which has been linked to many chronic diseases.
How can you incorporate more anthocyanins into your diet?
We think the best way to increase anthocyanins is to include Sweet Prairie Haskap in your meal plan! Just 2 tablespoons of our berry juice concentrate contain 130.5mg of anthocyanins, and 1 teaspoon of our powder concentrate contains 460mg. That’s a whole lotta anthocyanin!
By incorporating more foods rich in natural purple coloring, like Sweet Prairie Haskap, into your diet, you can ensure you're getting a good dose of these beneficial compounds. Your body, and mind, will thank you!
