Purple Berries Can Contribute to Weight Loss, New Research Found

Researchers from Arkansas have recently gathered a new proof that eating fruits, berries and other plants with natural purple pigments can prevent weight gain and protect against obesity. Their animal-based study has shown that a liberal consumption of whole fruits and veggies that have different shades of purple, blue or reddish colour, as well as supplements derived from these plants, can effectively contribute to weight loss.

The research conducted by a team of scientists led by Dr. Ronald Prior has found that the natural purple pigment of plants, which is called anthocyanin, effectively fights obesity in mice, even when they are fed a high-calorie, high-fat diet. Anthocyanins are especially plentiful in blueberries, dark-skinned grapes (alongside with red wine!), purple corn, strawberries, and blackberries.

During the study, the laboratory animals were fed a rich diet for a period of two months. They also received water extracts of purified anthocyanins derived from whole, colourful fruits and berries. As a result, the mice which diet was supplemented by anthocyanins had a lower body mass index than a control group of mice which ate high-calorie diet without anthocyanin supplementation. The “fruit group” also gained significantly less weight than the controls, which made the scientists conclude that purple pigments of berries and other plants could become a powerful weapon against obesity in humans, as well.

Therefore, fresh berries harvested in their peak of ripeness not only taste heavenly – now they are also proven to protect us from becoming overweight! In addition, there are numerous other reasons to indulge in eating colourful fruits, berries and veggies. They are great sources of valuable minerals, carotenoids, and vitamins, particularly vitamin C. Organically-grown and wild berries will also supply powerful anticancer substances of the B-vitamin family, called nitrilosides.

Red and purple berries, especially raspberries, strawberries, gooseberries, and blackberries, as well as dark-skinned grapes and red wines, are rich not only in fat-burning anthocyanins but also in a compound called ellagic acid – one of the strongest known antioxidants that can detoxify and neutralize various cancer-triggering chemicals. Scientists have found that ellagic acid is able to block the activation of carcinogens and protect cells from cancerous mutations.

Healthful berries, fruits and veggies should be consumed daily, especially by those who wish to shed off excess poundage. They can be eaten fresh or made into delicious beverages or preserves.

Kim Suffolk

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