New research highlight benefits of Anthocyanin rich foods

Based on a new systematic review and meta-analysis published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, higher intake of anthocyanins, a class of naturally-occurring bioactive compounds found in red, blue, and purple foods, was associated with cardiometabolic benefits in otherwise healthy adults.

In the present study, the authors evaluated data from 18 prospective cohort studies reported in 27 publications and 65 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) among healthy populations. All studies were conducted among adults who were free of diagnosed disease at baseline, and the associations were observed in adults with higher habitual compared to lower habitual anthocyanin intakes.

In addition, the RCTs showed that supplementation with anthocyanins led to improvements in vascular function and insulin concentrations in healthy adults at doses of 50 mg/day. The authors noted that 50 mg/day of anthocyanins is achievable with anthocyanin-rich foods.

Anthocyanin-rich foods fit into the Indian diet

The findings of this study are especially pertinent to India, where cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension are of great public health concern.

Adding more naturally colorful foods such as USA blueberriesinto the daily diet is one way to improve dietary intake. USA blueberries can be added to the diet as fresh, frozen or dried berries, and used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes including yoghurt, oats, smoothies, breakfast items, salads, desserts, and certain Indian dishes.

“As India is suffering with rising burden of lifestyle diseases, this study adds to the growing body of evidence on the cardiometabolic benefits of consuming a rainbow of naturally colored foods that are good for the heart,” said Raj Kapoor, India Representative, US Highbush Blueberry Council.

“The findings of the study suggest that cardiometabolic benefits are achievable with simple dietary changes using foods rich in anthocyanins,” said Prof. Aedín Cassidy, lead researcher of the study.

The study tells that while no single food can prevent or cure disease. Following a heart-healthy eating plan that includes naturally occurring phytonutrients such as anthocyanins, along with exercise, sleep, and medical care, will reduce therisk of chronic disease.

Higher intakes of anthocyanins were associated with a reduced risk of:

• Cardiovascular disease by 26%

• Myocardial infarction or heart attack by 18%

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus by 11%

• Cardiovascular mortality or death by 9%

• Hypertension or high blood pressure by 8%.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The Hans India