Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins, whose name derives from the Greek words "cave kyanos" = blue flower, colored pigments are found in various flowers and fruits common.
From the chemical point of view we speak of anthocyanin glycosides. A glycoside is a substance resulting from the union of a sugar, said Glyco, with an organic molecule of any other nature, said aglycone. Anthocyanins in the sugar portion of the molecule is not commonly called anthocyanidin.

AntocianiIn nature there are different types of anthocyanidins, among which the six most important calls, respectively, pelargoidina, cyanidin, delphinidin, peonidin, and malvidin petunidin.

As mentioned at the beginning of article, anthocyanins are found in almost all fruits and vegetables found in nature, such as to give the shades of red and blue. Their coloring is linked with vacuolar pH (vacuoles are vesicles containing reserve materials, including anthocyanins and other secondary metabolites). Similarly to litmus paper in acid anthocyanins take on a reddish hue on the contrary when the pH is high (alkaline conditions) express the various shades of blue.

Before explaining why anthocyanins are so important to human health, it is good to say a few words on their function in the plant kingdom. In this regard, have been put forward several hypotheses, some, for example, believe that the anthocyanins are essential to attract pollinating insects on the flower first, and then the animals on the fruit. Some authors attribute these pigments the ability to filter out harmful solar radiation, others extend this hypothesis attributing to anthocyanins a protective function by drought in times of high illumination.
The antioxidant anthocyanins

Anthocyanins, although not essential for human nutrition, have a positive effect on the whole organism. Thanks to their strong antioxidant properties, are by some compared to a real natural antidote against aging. Streamlining the miraculous terms of this statement, the most interesting property of anthocyanins regards the protective action on microcirculation. For this reason, cranberry juice, which is the main natural source of anthocyanin glycosides, is often recommended to combat capillary fragility (cellulite, varicose veins, hemorrhoids), and, thanks to its anti-edema action, it is very useful to solve problems water retention. Blueberry anthocyanins are also important for the treatment of capillary permeability and fragility of the eye.

Anthocyanin glycosides are attributed anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet that, together with the action vasodilator and antioxidant, are a blessing for the entire cardiovascular system. Adequate consumption of foods rich in anthocyanins represents one of the most valuable protection against the negative effects dall'ipercolesterolemia.

Finally, anthocyanins have scavenger action (locates waste) on free radicals and are therefore important for the general well being of the body (protection against carcinogens) and to slow down the inevitable biological phenomenon of aging.

The richest natural sources of these substances are the berries, eggplant, grapes and dark red beet. Anthocyanins are also abundant in the flowers of mauve and sorrel, as well as in oranges, in cherries, apples, strawberries and pears. In general, the more their color (reddish or bluaceo) is intense and the greater the precious cargo of anthocyanins.

see anthocyanin food product
Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins, whose name derives from the Greek words "cave kyanos" = blue flower, colored pigments are found in various flowers and fruits common.From the chemical point of view we speak of anthocyanin glycosides. A glycoside is a substance resulting from the union of a sugar, said Glyco, with an organic molecule of any other nature, said aglycone. Anthocyanins in the sugar portion of the molecule is not commonly called anthocyanidin.
AntocianiIn nature there are different types of anthocyanidins, among which the six most important calls, respectively, pelargoidina, cyanidin, delphinidin, peonidin, and malvidin petunidin.
As mentioned at the beginning of article, anthocyanins are found in almost all fruits and vegetables found in nature, such as to give the shades of red and blue. Their coloring is linked with vacuolar pH (vacuoles are vesicles containing reserve materials, including anthocyanins and other secondary metabolites). Similarly to litmus paper in acid anthocyanins take on a reddish hue on the contrary when the pH is high (alkaline conditions) express the various shades of blue.
Before explaining why anthocyanins are so important to human health, it is good to say a few words on their function in the plant kingdom. In this regard, have been put forward several hypotheses, some, for example, believe that the anthocyanins are essential to attract pollinating insects on the flower first, and then the animals on the fruit. Some authors attribute these pigments the ability to filter out harmful solar radiation, others extend this hypothesis attributing to anthocyanins a protective function by drought in times of high illumination.The antioxidant anthocyanins
Anthocyanins, although not essential for human nutrition, have a positive effect on the whole organism. Thanks to their strong antioxidant properties, are by some compared to a real natural antidote against aging. Streamlining the miraculous terms of this statement, the most interesting property of anthocyanins regards the protective action on microcirculation. For this reason, cranberry juice, which is the main natural source of anthocyanin glycosides, is often recommended to combat capillary fragility (cellulite, varicose veins, hemorrhoids), and, thanks to its anti-edema action, it is very useful to solve problems water retention. Blueberry anthocyanins are also important for the treatment of capillary permeability and fragility of the eye.
Anthocyanin glycosides are attributed anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet that, together with the action vasodilator and antioxidant, are a blessing for the entire cardiovascular system. Adequate consumption of foods rich in anthocyanins represents one of the most valuable protection against the negative effects dall'ipercolesterolemia.
Finally, anthocyanins have scavenger action (locates waste) on free radicals and are therefore important for the general well being of the body (protection against carcinogens) and to slow down the inevitable biological phenomenon of aging.
The richest natural sources of these substances are the berries, eggplant, grapes and dark red beet. Anthocyanins are also abundant in the flowers of mauve and sorrel, as well as in oranges, in cherries, apples, strawberries and pears. In general, the more their color (reddish or bluaceo) is intense and the greater the precious cargo of anthocyanins.