The Vision Benefits of Anthocyanin-Rich Berries

There are many different plant compounds that protect our eyesight and strengthen our visual health. Some of these plant compounds include phytonutrients, carotenoids, flavonoids, lipoic acid, and polyphenols, to name a few. Many of these have the ability to fight disease and provide our bodies with a variety of health benefits including protection against heart disease, diabetes, prevention of cognitive decline, and cancer. Another example of a common type of plant compound that fights disease is called anthocyanins. What exactly are anthocyanins? Anthocyanins are plant compounds that consist of pigments found in plant tissues, leaves, stems, and flowers that give fruits and vegetables various colors ranging from red to purple to blue. Many of these pigments are found in different fruits and vegetables. Some of the main food sources of anthocyanins are various fruits of the berry family. These include blueberries, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, to name a few. Some additional food sources of anthocyanins also include black currants, red grapes, pink grapefruit, pomegranates, and asparagus, to name a few. The anthocyanins in berries play an important role in improving visual health and also improve eyesight. So, here are some benefits of anthocyanins in berries for better vision:

Eye Health Benefits of Anthocyanins in Berries: The plant nutrients anthocyanins are abundant sources of antioxidants. One of the main causes of degenerative diseases such as macular degeneration is related to an increase in the activity of free radicals that causes damage to the healthy cells of the eyes. Berries consist of anthocyanins that are rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants can reduce the negative effects of free radical cells in our eyes. These antioxidant-rich foods fight these stubborn cells that cause DNA breakdown in healthy cells. Therefore, they are useful in protecting the eyes from age-related vision disorders such as macular degeneration.

Anthocyanins Protect Heart Health: Scientific research studies show that there is a link between regular consumption of foods rich in anthocyanins and protection against cardiovascular disease. A study was conducted that evaluated the effects of anthocyanins on heart health in 87,000 participants. The study evaluated the health progress of more than 46,000 women and 23,000 men. Study results concluded that study participants who consumed anthocyanin-rich foods like strawberries and blueberries even once a week saw a significant reduction in their risks for heart disease. The study also noted that participants who ate these types of foods saw a significant improvement in their blood pressure numbers, even despite factors related to age, family history, and physical activity and nutritional habits associated with hypertension.