Anthocyanins

anthocyanins

Anthocyanins are natural plant pigments that give many fruits and vegetables their red, purple, and blue colors. They belong to a family of compounds called flavonoids and are found in foods like berries, grapes, red cabbage, and eggplant skins. In the body, anthocyanins act as antioxidants and can help protect cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Scientists study them for possible benefits to blood vessels, inflammation, and overall cellular health because those antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions might support tissue resilience. When it comes to eye and vascular health, researchers are interested in whether anthocyanins can help protect tiny blood vessels, reduce oxidative stress, and support better circulation in aging tissues. You can get anthocyanins through a varied diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables or through concentrated extracts sold as supplements, though how well they are absorbed and used by the body can vary. While many laboratory and animal studies show promising effects, human studies often show mixed results, so they are not a cure-all but may be one helpful part of a healthy lifestyle. They matter because they are a simple, food-based way to support general health and because ongoing research could turn dietary approaches into targeted strategies for protecting vulnerable tissues as people age.