Respuesta :
The given statement that colored fruits and vegetables, seeds and nuts are high in important antioxidants is true.
The substances which prevent or slow down the damage to the cells caused by free radicals or the unstable molecules produced by the body are antioxidants.
There is a wide range of antioxidants available and each has its own function which cannot be interchanged or replaced by another source of antioxidant.
The colored pigments in plants and vegetables have multiple roles such as protection from the damage by UV rays, enabling photosynthesis and act as endogenous antioxidants.
Anthocyanin is a type of flavonoids and commonly poly phenol. Plant products with blue or purple color have anthocyanin.
The colored pigment in the plant product is actually the antioxidant compound.
Some of these examples are:
• Blueberries- rich in anthocyanin and has a role in improving cognitive functions and memory.
• Blackberry- rich in flavonoid pigments and protects against bone loss and neurological degeneration.
• Cranberries- The bioavailable anthocyanin after consumption helps to improve vascular functions.
• Red Cabbage- Sulphur rich.
• Carotenoids such as beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, gamma-carotene, and beta-zeacarotene can be partially converted to retinol which is the active form of vitamin A in animals.
