According to an animal study of scientists from Arkansas, natural pigments responsible for the blue/purple/red colors in some fruits, vegetables and berries, may help prevent against obesity.




Yeah, obesity - America's "epidemic"?

Speaking of obesity, it isn't just because of the diet. Let us not forget the lifestyle in general, involved in obesity - exercise, habits, etc.

Going back to the above fruits and berries, I do love berries. It's just that, they're rarely available where I am. The preserved ones in bottles, sold commercially, are often annoyingly too expensive.

Hey, I love topping my pancakes or oatmeal with strawberry slices on honey. Wow. And Hello blueberry cheesecake?!!

Anyways, this is why such fruits, veggies and berries may prevent against obesity:

Ronald L. Prior and colleagues, who did the new study, note that past research has shown that the pigments - called anthocyanins - prevent obesity in laboratory mice fed a high-fat diet. Anthocyanins are found in grape skins, blueberries, blackberries, purple corn, and other foods. The mice also had other healthful changes in disease-related substances found in the blood.

In the new study, researchers found that mice fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks plus drinking water with purified anthocyanins from blueberries and strawberries gained less weight and had lower body fat levels than a control group.

BUT. Topping my pancakes with fresh strawberries may not be a good idea, after all.

The above study reported that anthocyanins fed as the whole blueberry did not prevent and may have actually increased obesity - but may actually work when feeding purified anthocyanins from blueberries or strawberries.

Hey, anthocyanins in dosage form wouldn't be as pleasureable than eating fresh berries. ;-)

Find more details from Science Daily.