Purple fruits and vegetables may protect against diabetes

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Red and purple fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries and strawberries, contain pigments called anthocyanins that may help prevent diabetes, according to researchers at the University of Turku in Finland.

Pigments may reduce the risk of diabetes by affecting energy metabolism, gut microbiota and inflammation. The effect seen in the study was even greater among foods containing acylated anthocyanin dye. These include purple potatoes, radishes, carrots, and red cabbage, according to StudyFinds.

“Studies have shown that, in addition to changing physical and chemical properties, acylation affects how anthocyanins are absorbed and metabolized,” the scientists explained.