Anthocyanins, members of the phytochemical group known as bioflavonoids, give blueberries and other brightly colored fruits and vegetables their characteristic pigmentation. More importantly, these coloring agents possess powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that promote overall health. If you’re concerned about blotchy, dull or sun-damaged skin, eating blueberries or other anthocyanin-rich plant foods on a regular basis could help clear up problem areas and leave your skin looking clearer, firmer and younger looking.
Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins are a family of plant coloring agents, totaling more than 600 in number. They supply the pigments characteristic of a wide array of fruits and vegetables, including not only blueberries but also blackberries, cherries, cranberries and raspberries. Their name comes from the marriage of two Greek terms meaning “plant” and “blue,” according to Debra Fulghum Bruce, Ph.D., and Murray Grossan, M.D., authors of “The Sinus Cure.”
In an overview of anthocyanins and their health benefits, Mary Ann Lila, the director of the Plants for Human Health Institute at North Carolina State University, observed that anthocyanins have demonstrated an ability to protect against a wide array of diseases. However, she points out that because they interact synergistically with other phytochemicals, it’s not always easy to pinpoint the way in which anthocyanins provide these health benefits. Lila’s overview on the medicinal properties of anthocyanins appeared in the Dec. 1, 2004, issue of the “Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology.”
Blueberries Rich in Anthocyanins
Although anthocyanins lend color to a number of red, blue and purple fruits and vegetables, few of these plant foods contain as much of these bioflavonoids as can be found in blueberries. In “Feed Your Skin, Starve Your Wrinkles,” holistic nutritionist Allison Tannis says that contrary to popular belief, blueberries are a far more bountiful source of healthy anthocyanins than red wine. In fact, blueberries contain 38 percent more anthocyanins than red wine, offering plenty of antioxidant properties with considerably fewer calories. For these reasons, writes Tannis, it comes as little surprise that blueberries appear near the top of most lists of so-called superfoods.
Causes of Blotchy Skin
There is no single cause of blotchy skin, which most often is a symptom of an underlying illness or external damage to the skin’s outermost layers. The sun’s ultraviolet radiation and drying effects account for a large percentage of the cases of blotchy skin. Other causes include allergic reactions, inflammation associated with internal infections or disease, the toll of aging and hormonal imbalances, according to Tannis.
How Anthocyanins Help
The powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of anthocyanins work to promote skin health in a variety of ways, according to Tannis. They promote circulatory integrity, which boosts the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the skin, giving it a healthy and radiant glow. Anthocyanins also help to stabilize the collagen matrix, the main support structure of your skin, thus creating a firmer and more youthful appearance. Since much of the blotchiness and other discoloration of the skin can be traced to inflammation and free radical damage, the ability of anthocyanins to combat these forces can help to repair the damage and clear up such skin problems.
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