Description
Purple corn is becoming a rising star in the novel ingredients market as a “healthy” food. A Little Background on Purple Corn Geography/History Purple corn dates back to the time of the Incan Empire in 3000-2500 BC. It originated in the mid-altitude region of central Peru, then spread to the Peruvian coast and eventually to the high-altitude Andean areas. Purple corn’s use in making natural dyes and beverages has sustained throughout the ages, from the Incan Empire era to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century and all the way through to today. Description/Taste Purple corn is in shape and form very similar in appearance to common corn, consisting of a long cob containing numerous edible kernels wrapped tightly in layers of husks. It is unique in that its husks showcase a lime green and dark purple color combination. Its kernels can also be a combination of white, purple, or completely purple, depending on specific variables. Seasons/Availability Fresh Purple corn is available in the summer months. Nutritional Value Purple corn offers phytonutrients, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. It has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and is studied for its ability to help prevent obesity. Deep blue, red, and purple-hued produce gets its colors from water-soluble pigments known as anthocyanins. What is an Anthocyanin? Anthocyanins act as antioxidants in the body. Purple corn offers one of the highest anthocyanin levels in fruits and vegetables. Purple corn is abundant in anthocyanin C3G or cyanidin-3-glucoside, the most common anthocyanin found in nature. Additionally, anthocyanins are one of nature’s strongest antioxidants, offering various health benefits. North American Indians, Europeans, and the Chinese used anthocyanins in traditional herbal medicines. Purple corn phenolic compounds have been shown in numerous studies to have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, and anti-angiogenesis properties. They were also found to ameliorate lifestyle diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, based on their strong antioxidant power involving biochemical regulation amelioration. Health Benefits of Purple Corn Here we will tell you about the characteristics of purple corn: Colon Health/ It prevents colon cancer. One of the benefits of purple corn is that it can help prevent cancer. Corn has anthocyanin. This substance causes the purple color and is also a source of antioxidants that can help to prevent colon cancer. Antioxidants protect cells, so they prevent the development of this disease. It slows down aging the anthocyanin in this corn can slow down aging, regenerate tissue and promote collagen production, which prevents wrinkles. Healthy Blood Sugar Levels Help reduces the risk of developing diabetes. Purple corn can help prevent diabetes, and the antioxidant properties of corn can prevent glomerulosclerosis. It fights obesity/ Anti-Obesity / Weight Management. Eating purple corn can help with weight loss, thanks to anthocyanin. It improves sight /Vision Health. Another of the benefits of purple corn is that it can help improve sight. This food contains lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants related to eye health. Eating purple corn prevents cataracts or muscle degeneration, the leading cause of blindness. Heart Health / Cardiovascular Health Beyond their powerful antioxidants, purple corn anthocyanins may also support cardiovascular health. Antioxidant Defense System this vibrant purple hue indicates the kind of antioxidants it contains – anthocyanins. One anthocyanin found in Purple Corn – CG3 is to be one of the most powerful antioxidants, coming out top when tested against 13 other anthocyanins in the ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) assay, which tests for antioxidant activity. Another antioxidant making waves in nutritional circles is a hydroxybenzoic acid in purple corn – protocatechuic acid – which has been recently linked to the strong antioxidant activity in this corn variety. Healthy Inflammatory Response May pigment also suppress the inflammatory response in diseases marked with inflammation. Lowers Blood Pressure The anthocyanins in Purple Corn lowered hypertensive rats’ blood pressure and heart rate. Kidney Health It may prevent the hardening of the blood vessels in the kidneys – a process called “glomerulosclerosis” – often associated with diabetes. This can cause kidney failure if left unchecked.
Barbar Starke –
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