Health Benefits of Anthocyanins

Health Benefits of Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins are a class of flavonoids, biologically active compounds found only in plant foods. Anthocyanins are pigments that give plants their bright purple, red and blue colors. The health benefits of anthocyanins come from their role as antioxidants, which help fight inflammation through neutralizing free radicals that cause damage to cells. Food sources of anthocyanins include blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, red grapes, pomegranate, red cabbage, red onions, red radishes and plums.

Five simple recipes with food sources of anthocyanins:

• Blueberry Chocolate Smoothie

• Strawberry Almond Overnight Oats

• Shredded Cabbage Slaw

• Quick Pickled Red Onions

• Roasted Spring Radishes

Pro tip: buy frozen berries to use in smoothies, chia pudding, yogurt parfaits and chia seed jam.