- Anthocyanins are natural compounds responsible for the red-orange and blue-violet colors in many fruits, vegetables, and tubers.
- Research has shown that anthocyanins have beneficial effects on the gut microbiome, energy metabolism, and inflammation.
- A recent overview of the literature highlights how purple vegetables and tubers may help prevent and manage type 2 diabetes by their action on energy metabolism, inflammation and gut microbiota.
- The research also indicates that acylated anthocyanins—which are found in vegetables such as red cabbage and purple sweet potato—may be superior to nonacylated anthocyanins—found in blackberries and blackcurrants—in terms of anti-diabetic properties.
According to the CDC, over 37 million Americans—about
Normally, a hormone called insulin moves glucose (sugar) from the blood into cells, where it’s used for energy. But in type 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t use or produce insulin properly, and glucose builds up in the blood instead of being used by cells.
If diabetes is not managed properly, it can cause many health problems over time, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, nerve damage, eye damage and vision loss, kidney disease and foot problems.
While various factors can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, including a family history of diabetes, research has shown that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can delay or prevent the onset of diabetes and enhance the well-being of individuals with diabetes-related health problems.
The benefits associated with fruits and vegetables are attributed to their high concentrations of polyphenols. One particular class of polyphenols—anthocyanins—are responsible for giving red-orange to blue-violet colors in plants.
Studies in the
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