Top 5 Foods with Anthocyanins

Top 5 Foods with Anthocyanins

You’ve probably heard time and time again the importance of eating your fruits and vegetables. These foods contain vitamins, minerals, fiber, and more, all essential for maintaining a healthy body. In addition to these health benefits, many fruits and vegetables contain incredible compounds called anthocyanins.

Anthocyanins are a subset of a larger group called flavonoids. You’ve most likely heard this term in reference to green tea, red wine, and cocoa. Flavonoids are antioxidants. Anthocyanins are as well, but they are much more powerful. Many studies have shown them to have twice the antioxidant power of vitamin C. There are over 500 individual anthocyanins that have been identified. In addition to giving foods their bright blues, purples, and oranges, they are also a powerhouse of nutritional benefits.

The Benefits of Anthocyanins

There are several incredible benefits of anthocyanins. One of the biggest benefits, much like the benefits of other flavonoids, is that anthocyanins may help to fight cancer. There are plenty of lab and clinical studies that suggest anthocyanins, and foods rich in anthocyanins, can provide anti-cancer effects and can help to stop tumor metastasis.

A 2009 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that supplementation with anthocyanins resulted in a 13.7% increase in good cholesterol and a 13.6% reduction in the bad cholesterol. Lowering bad cholesterol is essential for reducing the risk of heart disease, the number one cause of death in the United States. Other research has found that anthocyanins can help to protect the heart by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation while also helping to reduce blood pressure.

Other benefits of anthocyanins include

  • They may help to fight obesity.
  • Improving vision.
  • Healthy liver function.
  • Boosting cognitive functions.

5 Foods Chock Full of Anthocyanins

There are several types of foods that contain anthocyanins. The top 5 foods that contain these incredible antioxidants include:

  1. Dark berries – blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, elderberries, and more – are ranked top in terms of antioxidant power. Acai berries, small, reddish-purple berries, are even richer in anthocyanins than any other type of berry. The antioxidant content, which is measured by the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Content (ORAC), of 100 grams of Acai is 15,405 where the content of 100 grams of blueberries is 4,669.
  2. There are many different types of cherries. Tart cherries have a higher anthocyanin content than sweet cherries. Typically, the darker the color of the cherry (as with any other antioxidant rich food) the higher the concentration of anthocyanins. Studies have shown that individuals who consume tart cherries regularly experience relief from conditions such as osteoarthritis as well as soreness following a workout.
  3. Purple grapes. Purple grapes are not only an excellent source of anthocyanins, they also help to eliminate uric acid crystals. The skin contains a compound called resveratrol, which helps to fight inflammation. Red wine, made from purple grapes, is also a good source, and has been found to lower cholesterol as well as blood pressure.
  4. The dark purple skin of eggplant is rich in anthocyanins. Anthocyanins taken from eggplant skin have been shown to scavenge free radicals and prevent lipid peroxidation. One particular anthocyanin found in eggplant may also have anti-angiogenic properties and prevent cell DNA damage. Many recipes call for peeling the skin from the eggplant because it tends to be bitter. In order to get the anthocyanins, however, leave the skin on.
  5. Black rice. Black rice is also commonly called “forbidden rice.” It has this name due to the fact that only the emperor of ancient China was allowed to eat it. Black rice has been found to have six times more antioxidants than brown or white rice. Additionally, a single spoonful of black rice bran has the same anthocyanin content as a spoonful of fresh blueberries.

There are many foods that contain anthocyanins. Typically, the darker the color of the skin, the more anthocyanins it contains. In order to get the most health benefits, it’s best to eat a varie

Buy here Mr Ros Acai Juice Berry Powder

Recipe for Acai Bowl with Strawberries & Banana

Acai bowl recipe

Acai bowls…..they’re definitely a hype. But what’s so great about a smoothie that you can eat from a bowl? Well, a lot!

This seemingly minor change-up from glass to bowl, is exactly what makes an acai bowl so special. Because it’s in a bowl, topped with all sorts of goodies, it asks you to take it slow, and spoon and savor each and every bite.

Acai powder adds that bit of oomph to an otherwise more-or-less-standard fruit and nut drink. And don’t get us started about the toppings: the options are endless!

Here is one of our favorite acai bowl recipes for breakfast or brunch.

Acai Bowl with Strawberries & Banana

Ingredients (yield: serves 1)

1 cup of frozen strawberries
1 frozen sliced banana
2 tablespoons acai powder
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tablespoon nut or seed butter
1/2 tablespoon honey (more or less to taste)

Toppings

Your pick of fresh fruit, sliced. We used bananas, strawberries and raspberries in this recipe.
Bee pollen
Clear, runny honey
Granola
Unsweetened coconut flakes
Dried goji berries
Chia or hemp seeds

Directions

Add the frozen fruits, acai powder, almond milk, nut or seed butter, and honey to a blender. Blend until creamy and smooth, adding extra almond milk as needed to get the blender running. Aim for a frozen-yogurt consistency (it should be thicker than a smoothie).

Spoon the acai mixture into bowls and top with sliced fruit, bee pollen, a drizzle of honey, and the optional toppings (if using).

Mr. Ros Wildcrafted Acai Berry Juice Powder

Our non-GMO Acai Juice Powder contains up to 30 times the level of good anthocyanins found in grapes. It’s packed with antioxidants and omega 6 and 9, and promotes skin health, a healthy digestive system and even aids in weight loss.

 

 

Be sure to sign up to our newsletter to receive our free eBook with 13 Superfood Smoothie Recipes.

5 Reasons You Should Add Acai Berries To Your Diet

Mr Ros Acai Berry Juice Powder

If you’re a health food enthusiast, you may have heard of a new kind of berry to enter the market – acai berry.

Acai berries are similar to blueberries in their nutritional value. They can help stave diseases off and make your skin look its best.

However, that’s not all these little “blue” berries can do for your body, especially when consumed on a daily basis. 

What are some of the other ways in which acai berries help the human body?

5 Additional Reasons You Should Include The Acai Berry Fruit In Your Diet

1. They Can Protect You Against Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease

Acai berries are loaded with vitamin C and phenolic compounds, which are helpful in protecting the body against cancer and cardiovascular disease. Researchers carried out a 30-day study on overweight patients. The patients consumed 100 grams of acai pulp two times a day for the 30 days. The study revealed a decrease in certain metabolic disease markers levels. These markers are linked to cardiovascular disease.

2. They Give The Body More Energy.

The acai berry has many important compounds the body needs besides vitamin C including but not limited to:

  • Anthocyanins
  • Antioxidants
  • Calcium
  • Fiber
  • Iron
  • Monounsaturated fats
  • Vitamin A

Each compound provides the body with the energy it needs to face the day. They also help in overcoming overtiredness.

3. They Help With The Detoxification Process

A 2012 Sao Paulo State University study using mice found that 10 weeks of using the pulp of the acai berry could help in treating urothelial bladder cancer, DNA damage and transitional cell carcinoma. The study’s authors felt the positive treatment was the result of the acai berry’s antioxidants.

While there’s been no conclusive test that the treatment will work in humans, it may be something to consider down the line. Antioxidants are important in the detoxification process, as it cleanses the body of harmful toxins.

4. They Can Improve Your Complexion

The acai berry has proven itself to help improve complexion – skin, nails and hair. According to Dr. Lindsey Duncan, the fruit’s polyphenol antioxidants protect and fight the oxidative stress and free radicals that can speed the aging process up.

5. They Help To Boost Blood Flow

In order to stave off serious health problems, the body needs a good flow of blood circulating. Acai berries help in the regulation of blood flow, even boosting how much blood circulates in the body. With daily consumption of the acai berry, you’ll feel far more energetic and alive because the blood is moving as it should.

Acai berries are loaded with nutrients your body needs. They can be eaten fresh, frozen or in powder form – used in smoothies or other recipes. You can also get it in extract form. It’s harder to find fresh acai berries, which is why you should consider the acai berry juice powder if you plan to add the fruit to smoothies.