Prevent Heart Disease With Delphinidin

Delphinidin is a powerful anthocyanin and phytonutrient (a group of plant based nutrients that are not essential in humans but offer numerous health benefits). It has been provisionally linked with preventing heart disease and various other health disorders. In this article I will be discussing delphinidin in greater detail, outlining the main health benefits and focussing on the richest food sources.

1) DISCOVERY:

Delphinidin was discovered in 1938 by Albert Szent-Gyorgyi along with the other flavonoids (a group of phytonutrients which include anthocyanins). Upon discovering the flavonoids, Albert Szent-Gyorgyi believed they were vitamins and named them vitamin P. However, it was later discovered that flavonoids were not essential in humans and not technically vitamins.

2) MAIN FUNCTIONS:

Research has shown that delphinidin is a powerful antioxidant and can protect the body’s cells from damaging free radicals (harmful by-products that are released during oxygen related reactions and can contribute to the development of cancer, contribute to the development of diabetes and damage the body’s cells).

Early studies also suggest delphinidin may act as an anti-inflammatory (a substance that reduces inflammation in the body), prevent atherosclerosis (a condition where hard plaques form in the artery walls and restrict the flow of blood), prevent cancer (a disease which causes cells to grow in a rapid, uncontrollable way) and heart disease.

3) FOOD SOURCES:

Berries are 1 of the best sources of delphinidin around with bilberries containing 161.93 milligrams (mg) per 100 grams (g), blueberries containing 47.4mg per 100g and cranberries containing 7.66mg per 100g. Other fruits and vegetables such as black beans (11.98mg per 100g), cowpeas (94.6mg per 100g) and eggplant (13.76mg per 100g) are also a very good source of this anthocyanin.

4) DELPHINIDIN SUMMARY:

Although the majority of research available on delphinidin is still only provisional, the early signs are very promising. So start taking advantage of this powerful anthocyanin today and eat more berries. Not only will this give you all the benefits discussed in this article but it will also supply you with a healthy dose of other vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.

Berries are a very versatile fruit so even if you are not currently eating them they can be easily incorporated into your diet. They can be mixed with yogurt to create a healthy breakfast or snack, placed in a bowl with fruit juice to create a berry based fruit salad or eaten on their own between meals.

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