| Blueberries are just one of many blue/purple fruits and vegetables that provide a great source of phytochemicals. Figs, eggplant, purple grapes, red cabbage, blackberries, and plums are other fruits and vegetables belonging to this group.
Phytochemicals are naturally-produced compounds that have been linked to improved health. Flavonoids are one of the phytochemicals found in blue/purple fruits and vegetables. They have antioxidant properties that are very beneficial for maintaining and improving our health. Antioxidants protect the body by “grabbing” onto free-radical molecules. Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause damage to the body’s healthy cells. Free radicals have been linked to a number of diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other diseases that worsen over time. Flavonoids, specifically anthocyanin, have been shown to prevent cardiovascular disease and stroke in a number of studies.
In addition to being a phytochemical, flavonoids are also plant pigments—they are what gives these fruits and vegetable their blue/purple coloring.
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