Wellness Shot: Purple is Good For Your Brain

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Did you know that purple produce is actually really good for your diet??

Purple or blue-hued plant foods help fight inflammation, they are good for your heart and may help keep your memory sharp. They are also filled with anti-cancer benefits. 

Here are six purple picks you should add to your cart

1. Purple Asparagus

 Purple asparagus is less bitter and more nutritious than traditional green asparagus. Rich in vitamin C, a serving of purple asparagus (or five spears) has just 20 calories and 4 grams of protein. The purple varieties contain two primary anthocyanins and have strong antioxidant scores. 

2. Purple Potatoes

It's hard not to notice the eye-catching varieties of purple potatoes and sweet potatoes. Like all potatoes, purple varieties are rich in potassium, vitamin C and filling fiber. However, U.S. Department of Agriculture researchers revealed that purple varieties have two to four times the amount of antioxidants of their paler spud counterparts. Those beneficial antioxidants might also be partially responsible for purple potatoes' positive influence on blood pressure, suggests one small study with 18 mostly overweight participants. In it, researchers at the University of Scranton found that participants who ate two servings of purple potatoes daily reduced their blood pressure without gaining any weight.

3. Blueberries

Blueberries are the most researched deep purple-blue food, with more than 10,000 published research papers detailing the potential health properties of these tiny treasures, including benefits to heart health, blood sugar control, and mental health and cognition. The berries also seem to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. A cup of blueberries has just 80 calories, nearly 4 grams fiber and about 25 percent of your daily vitamin C needs. Remember, frozen blueberries are available year-round, nutritionally on par with fresh blueberries and an economical way to eat more of these gems every day.

4. Purple Cauliflower

Technically, purple cauliflower is a type of broccoli, but whether you call it broccoli or cauliflower, it's a nutritional all-star and is in season right now. Both broccoli and cauliflower are part of the cruciferous vegetable family that is known to have potent anti-cancer properties. Purple cauliflower has the added health benefits of anthocyanins, which contribute to its vibrant color.

5. Concord Grapes

Concord grapes were first cultivated in Concord, Massachusetts, in 1849 and, unlike other types of grapes, their thick deep purple skin and (edible) crunchy seeds are concentrated sources of beneficial polyphenols like anthocyanins. A half-cup of Concord grapes has about 30 calories and contributes manganese, vitamin K, potassium, certain B vitamins and vitamin C to your diet. Nearly 20 years of research reveals that 100-percent grape juice made from Concord grapes helps support a healthy heart and may provide mind and memory benefits, too.

6. Figs

Figs are an ancient staple of the classic Mediterranean diet, but modern research is revealing how healthful they are – especially the dark purple black mission figs grown in California. A serving (about four) of fresh or dried figs has 5 grams of fiber and is a good source of blood pressure-lowering potassium. Studies show that dried figs are rich in beneficial anthocyanins, which contributes to their strong antioxidant capacity.


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