Least Heard Health Benefits of Eating Purple Colored Fruits and Veggies

Doctors often recommend consuming a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables due to their high antioxidant content. Antioxidants are essential compounds that help protect our bodies from the damaging effects of free radicals. Not only do colorful foods offer numerous health benefits, but they also enhance the visual appeal of our meals.

This year, purple-colored fruits and vegetables are gaining popularity as the hottest food trend. Adding them to your diet is a smart choice, as purple foods promote heart health, help fight cancer cells, and are rich in antioxidants known as anthocyanins. These plant pigments are responsible for the vibrant red, purple, or blue hues of various fruits and vegetables.

Purple foods are also a source of indoles—nutrients derived from sulfur compounds that may help slow down the metabolism of carcinogens, which are substances known to increase the risk of cancer.

Purple Fruits to Include in Your Diet:

Purple grapes
Figs
Passion fruits
Raisins
Plums and dried plums
Blackberries
Blueberries
Elderberries
Cranberries
Bilberries
Chokeberries

Health Benefits of Purple Colored Fruits and Veggies

# Combat Stomach Ulcers

Research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry revealed that anthocyanins in blackberries help reduce the development of stomach ulcers. These compounds prevent oxidation and enhance the activity of other vital antioxidants, such as glutathione, which is naturally present in the body.

# Support Heart Health

Purple fruits like blackcurrants and bilberries can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol while raising HDL (good) cholesterol levels. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in arterial walls, restricting blood flow to the heart and body and significantly increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

# Inhibit Cancer Cell Growth

Studies indicate that resveratrol, found in purple foods, can trigger the death of cancer cells in cases of blood, breast, prostate, skin, liver, and lung cancers. Purple sweet potatoes, in particular, have shown strong potential in protecting against colon cancer.

# Enhance Memory

Purple sweet potatoes are known for their memory-boosting properties due to the presence of anthocyanins. These compounds help prevent age-related nervous system decline and improve learning and memory retention.

# Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

Purple vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, and cabbage are effective in fighting urinary tract infections (UTIs). Anthocyanins present in these vegetables help prevent inflammation and ulcers caused by H. pylori, the bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers and UTIs.

# Lower Blood Pressure

Purple grapes, bilberries, cranberries, and blueberries contain resveratrol, a powerful flavonoid that helps reduce blood pressure. Resveratrol works by relaxing arterial walls, improving blood circulation throughout the body.