What Are The Benefits Of Blue And Purple Foods?

The blue and purple foods add a unique color to your diet and benefits. Blue/purple foods are brimming with antioxidants, which are ample good for the health of the brain and nervous system. Incorporating these gems into your weekly diet will help combat stress and inflammation.

According to Medical News Today (1) purple food provides vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Purple fruits and vegetables are high in anthocyanin, which positively affects brain health, inflammation, and heart disease.

Health Benefits of Purple/Blue Foods

Purple fruits and vegetables are a nutritious supplement to many people’s healthy diets, with physiological and psychological benefits. Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables may assist in reducing the risk of health issues like obesity, cataracts, and heart disease.

Anthocyanins, antioxidants that prevent and repair cellular damage, are found in purple foods. They are natural plant pigments that give certain plants red and blue colors. Antioxidants may aid in the prevention of cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. They may also protect against radiation, infections, and stress.

The purple color of plants also attracts bees and butterflies, which follow visual cues such as color. Anthocyanins have a protective impact on the plant, assisting in preventing sun damage.

Here are some purple/blue foods that you must eat:

Blueberries

Blueberries are delicious. Add them to your cereal bowls, smoothies, pies or eat them whole—they have versatile benefits that are good for skin and flesh. They are rich in plant compounds, namely, ellagic acid and anthocyanidins. These antioxidants (1) are good for preventing diseases and inflammation (2). Blueberries improve blood flow by fixing the arteries, making them less stiff. They improve eyesight and guard against age-bound macular degeneration.

Blueberry Scones

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 tablespoons stevia
• 1 + 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 5 tablespoons  butter, cold, cut into cubes
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup Plain kefir (blood sugar control(1), gut health(2) and lower cholesterol)
• 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon heavy cream, divided
• 1 egg, beaten

LEMON GLAZE:

• juice of 1 large lemon
• 1/4 cup raw honey

Directions

• Place lemon juice and honey in a cup
• Fill a small saucepan with a small amount of water and bring to a simmer.
• Place the measuring cup filled with the lemon juice and honey into the simmering water. Stir until the honey melts into the lemon juice.
• Keep the honey-lemon glaze slightly warm until you are ready to use. Pour over scones as instructed in the recipe

Scones Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, stevia, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add butter and, using your hands, mix the ingredients. Add the blueberries. 
3. In a small bowl, combine Kefir and 1/2 cup heavy cream.
4. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, then pour in the liquid mixture.
5. Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, adding more flour as needed if too sticky to work with. Press down into a small rectangle, about 6 inches by 8 inches. Cut the dough in half, once horizontally and twice vertically, to create 6 equal rectangles. Slice each rectangle in half diagonally to form 12 triangle-shaped scones. 
6. Transfer scones to a large half-sheet baking pan lined with parchment paper.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together egg and 1 tablespoon heavy cream. Brush the tops of the scones with egg wash, then bake for 20 minutes
8. While the scones are cooling, make the lemon glace and drizzle lemon glaze on the scones.

Beetroot

This root vegetable is ample good for improving the taste of your dishes and the health of your body (3). Beetroot is loaded with well-known nutrients such as fiber, manganese, folate (vitamin B9), iron, potassium, and vitamin C. Blend them into a juice and upgrade their benefits. Beetroot juice improves blood flow, increases overall muscle performance, and lowering blood pressure.

Eggplant

Are they vegetables or fruits? Eggplants are a hot topic of debate. Regardless of their unhinged classification, they are a rich source of minerals and nutrients good for your body.

They have anthocyanins, a pigment responsible for their color, and antioxidant properties that protect against cellular damage. Eggplants combat heart diseases and blood sugar levels due to their rich fiber intake.

Purple Grapes

Juicy and loaded with benefits, purple grapes are a must-have. They contain vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium. These antioxidants help boost immune systems, lower blood pressure, reduce cancer risk, and maintain blood pressure and cholesterol. They are good for bone health and brain health.

Purple Potatoes

These eye-catching gems are one of a kind in the potato section. They are far richer in potassium than bananas and equally suitable for skin and flesh. Purple potatoes are known for their high nutritional value. They are loaded with plant compounds that help dissolve the starch in the intestines, reducing blood sugar levels. Purple potatoes are packed with antioxidants, which reduce inflammation as they contain anthocyanins. These antioxidants improve eye and heart health. Say goodbye to chronic diseases by adding sweet potatoes to your diet.

Adding these four colored foods to your diet will add color, flavor, and nutritional benefits to your weekly diet. Eat these foods and see the difference!

Colorful foods