Go Purple and Look younger!!

Recently after 2 yrs of stay in US , I made a trip to India. Most of my family members and friends were disappointed to see me skinny and were commenting about the way I looked. But simultaneously I was also getting feedbacks like I wasn’t looking my age and looked more like a teenager which was a huge compliment for a girl nearing her 30’s. It really made me wonder, what I was doing different which made me look much younger (almost 10yrs). I have been exercising and eating healthy for more than 7-10 years now but one thing which I did different was ‘blueberries’.

I love blueberries and I have blueberry milkshake everyday for last 2-3 years. Then I started to read more about blueberries and found out that all purple foods are rich in antioxidants. Purple foods are colored by a pigment called anthocyanin, a strong and protective antioxidant which can help reduce the risk of cancer, help improve memory and acts as an anti-aging. Purple foods have been shown to defend the body against stress and to promote healing.

As we all know, antioxidants helps to remove or reduce the free radicals caused by Oxidation in the body. It is similar to the oxidation reaction to an open banana or apple has, once its exposed to the air, its turns down in color and looks. But if we use lemon juice, it will help to protect it for some time. Likewise, the antioxidant which we consume helps us to look and feel fresh when we are exposed to this modern world with all the pollution.

An analysis of the latest data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES), a survey of eating and health habits, found that adults who eat purple and blue fruits and vegetables have reduced risk for both high blood pressure and low HDL cholesterol (the “good” kind); they are also less likely to be overweight.

Research has shown that eating blueberries can help you lose weight by reducing food cravings. In the study, those who consumed an extract of blueberries reduced their food intake by eight percent. Blueberries have also been shown to reduce cholesterol. Tests have also shown that blueberry consumption slows age-related memory loss.

Purple foods contain disease-fighting phytochemicals, including anthocyanins and phenolics. Phytochemicals substances are found only in plants, which help your body fight disease and promote good health.