We all know we should eat lots of berries. But why? Well, the magic is in the purple color. Purple fruits fall into a food group known as anthocyanins. Anthocyanins have a wide range of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Fruits that contain high levels of anthocyanins include blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, plums, cherries, and grapes.
But don’t worry if your favorite purple fruits are out of season. Below I will go over some options that won’t require you to eat an entire bowl of blueberries and can be found year-round. But first, let’s go over the benefits of the purple color.
PURPLE FRUIT Health Benefits
Studies have shown that purple fruits improve vision and brain health. These fruits are high in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients essential for good health. Fruits with high levels of anthocyanins are high in antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, which can help protect cells from damage.
Most berries contain anthocyanin levels ranging from 100 to 700 mg per 100 g. Elderberries have the highest content and have been gaining popularity for immune support. There are purple vegetables that also contain anthocyanins. However, berries have been found to be the most potent.
PURPLE Supplements
Now you know more about why purple fruits are so beneficial. You may be asking yourself—how can I get the benefits without eating a pint of blueberries every day? Here are some excellent supplements that can help with that.
BioPure makes a product called Deep Purple. It comes in a powdered formula that mixes with water. It is easy to take on the go and doesn’t require refrigeration. BioPure’s formula is comprised of organic freeze-dried acai, organic freeze-dried pomegranate, and dried plum powder.
Dr. William Mitchell’s Fruit Anthocyanins liquid formula is another great option. It contains a blend of red grape, elderberry, blueberry, Aronia berry, pomegranate, and red raspberry. It must be kept refrigerated. This product has a thick syrup consistency and can be taken directly or diluted in water. Dr. Mitchell’s mixture adds a vibrant flavor to a blueberry smoothie. I included my favorite smoothie recipe below.
These are just a few of the many anthocyanin supplements on the market. What’s your favorite way to get purple in your diet?
Purple Power Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 ripe banana
- 1 cup whole milk or almond milk
- 1 teaspoon fruit anthocyanins
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until smooth.