Chances are you’ve heard about the health value of blueberries. With their deep blue color, they’re high in anthocyanins, a form of flavonoids . The flavonoids found in blueberries may provide protection against disease by upping the antioxidant defenses in the body. Like blueberries,
purple corn is chock full of anthocyanins.Research from Texas A&M shows the “antioxidant capacity and anti-radical action were more than twice that measured in blueberries.” (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, May, 2003)
On top of that, “anthocyanins from purple corn and chokeberries not only completely stopped the growth of cancer cells, but also killed about 21 percent of cancer cells without having any effect on healthy cells.”(Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, October 22, 2008) Purple corn and blueberries are not the cure-all in and of themselves, but should be part of a varied diet rich in colorful vegetables. The more color in your vegetables the better. Nothing beats a whole food diet.
For thousands of years, the people of the Andes have soaked Purple Corn to make a refreshing drink called chicha, which is now recognized as a nutritive powerhouse due to its extremely high anthocyaninin content.
Anthocyaninins are miracle molecules found in darkly colored fruits and vegetables. They’re being studied for their ability to improve everything from cardiovascular health to collagen regeneration. There’s also been some very promising studies on their effects on cancer cells.
- Higher antioxidant capacity and free radical fighting ability than any other grain or fruit.
- Substantial amounts of phenolics and anthocyanins, among other beneficial phytochemicals.
- CG3, the anthocyanin found in Purple Corn, is among the most potent antioxidants in existence.
Purple Corn Studies & Benefits
Studies show that a diet rich in polyphenolic compounds is associated with reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. Recent research in both animals and humans have shown that increasing polyphenol intake can:
- Protect against atherosclerosis
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces blood clots
- Elevates antioxidant capacity of the blood
A study by Tsuda et al in 2003 revealed the effects of purple corn on obesity and diabetes. Two groups consumed a diet rich in fats for 12 weeks, but one of the groups also received purple corn pigments. The group consuming the purple corn:
- Didn’t gain any weight
- Didn’t suffer hypertrophy in the adiposities of the fat tissues
- Didn’t show hyperglycemia (low blood sugar), hyperinsulinemia (too much insulin in the blood, which is the beginning of diabetes), or hyperleptinemia (increased serum leptin levels, which is another marker for diabetes).
In comparison, the group that didn’t receive the extract and ate only a fat rich diet, showed an increase in all of those areas, thus showing the incredible benefits for fighting obesity and diabetes.
Purple Cancer Anti-Cancer Studies
In a cancer study, Hagiwara et al., (2001) have illustrated purple corn’s ability to suppress colorectal cancer. When purple corn was administered to mice with colorectal carcinomas, the lesions significantly decreased. Research into the efficacy of Purple Corn to help combat colorectal cancer is promising.
Purple Corn’s Role in Vascular Integrity:
In the vascular system, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) produces nitric oxide. High nitric oxide levels aid in relaxing the blood vessels and is a good indicator of overall vascular integrity. Xu et al., (2004) have shown that cyanidin-3-D-glucoside increases eNOS production which in turn relaxes vascular endothelial cells and indirectly affects blood pressure.
Anti-obesity and Diabetes Studies
Research has shown that purple corn potentially has a significant role in controlling weight and hyperglycemia. In an obesity study, a wide range of experiments validated cyanidin-3-D-glucoside from purple corn function as an anti-obesity and an anti-diabetic agent. Tsudaet al.,(2004) have shown that in animal models adipocytokine production increased when cyanidin-3-D-glucoside was administered.
Adipocytokines, such as adiponectin and leptin, are intricate proteins in the plasma that are valuable markers in glucose homeostasis.
Weight gain was apparent in over-fed mice; however, when over-fed mice were administered cyanidin-3-D-glucoside, they were unable to gain weight. It was also established by Ryan et al., (2003) that in obese or diabetic human subjects, adiponectin levels are substantially low. When weight loss occurs, adiponectin levels are increased and restored to normalcy. Hyperglycemia usually leads to diabetes and obesity.
When weight gain occurs, it is generally followed by excessive glucose levels in the plasma leading to hyperglycemia. Due to excessive glucose levels, glucose is converted to fats/triglycerides and stored in adipose tissue. Tsuda’s team investigated purple corn’s role in fat metabolism and found in mice that weight gain was suppressed, triglyceride (LDL, fatty acids) accumulation in adipocytes (fat cells) was reduced, and hyperglycemia (excessive glucose in the plasma) was reversed as well.
Purple Corn Studies & Benefits
Studies show that a diet rich in polyphenolic compounds is associated with reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. Recent research in both animals and humans have shown that increasing polyphenol intake can:
- Protect against atherosclerosis
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces blood clots
- Elevates antioxidant capacity of the blood
A study by Tsuda et al in 2003 revealed the effects of purple corn on obesity and diabetes. Two groups consumed a diet rich in fats for 12 weeks, but one of the groups also received purple corn pigments. The group consuming the purple corn:
- Didn’t gain any weight
- Didn’t suffer hypertrophy in the adiposities of the fat tissues
- Didn’t show hyperglycemia (low blood sugar), hyperinsulinemia (too much insulin in the blood, which is the beginning of diabetes), or hyperleptinemia (increased serum leptin levels, which is another marker for diabetes).
Other aspects attributed to Purple Corn according to Hugo Malaspina, M.D. are:
- Favors skin tissue regeneration having an anti-wrinkle effect.
- Slows down general degenerative processes due to high concentration of antioxidants.
- Prevents cardiovascular diseases.
- Increases and stimulates blood, diuretic and digestive circulation.
- Purple Corn Extract and Purple Corn Drink – Chicha Morada are also used in weight loss programs throughout the USA and Latin America.
- As nutritional supplements, they are consumed as antioxidants to help minimize the damage induced by free radical.
- As diuretic supplements, Purple Corn is widely used for regulating urine production and assisting the digestive system.
In comparison, the group that didn’t receive the extract and ate only a fat rich diet, showed an increase in all of those areas, thus showing the incredible benefits for fighting obesity and diabetes.
A Japanese study at Nagoya University showed that the pigment in purple corn impedes the development of cancer in the colon.
Purple Corn also known as Chicha Morada, Purple Corn Drink is considered for most the national Peruvian soft drink that generations have enjoyed due to its multiple benefits. This refreshing natural beverage with herbal flavor has been traditionally served with everyday meals, on special occasions, simply chilled to quench the thirst after an exhaustive workout, in smoothie version, and more recently in combination with other alcoholic drinks such as Pisco or Sangria.
Although scientific studies in the past were almost non-conclusive or inexistent, Purple Corn (Zea Mays L.) was also cultivated as medicine by the Native People of Peru. Purple Corn, the main ingredient of Purple Corn Drink – Chicha Morada, has proven to be a powerful natural antioxidant due to the Anthocyanin pigments that provide the full dark texture to the beverage. Anthocyanin pigments are also responsible for keeping blood pressure and cholesterol in normal range.
In 2003 researchers from Doshisha University in Kyoto reported that when scientists gave mice high-fat diets augmented with an Anthocyanin-pigmented extract from Purple Corn the animals maintained normal weights. Mice on the same diet but without the extract became obese. Moreover, only the latter group of animals developed excessive sugar and insulin concentrations in their blood.
In 2004 the same Japanese team (“Tsuda′s”) showed that Purple Corn Extract increased the activity of a gene that regulates the function of fat cells. “This is the first food component to do so” the scientists reported in the March 26, 2004 according to Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. They also recommended that Anthocyanin, the basic component of Purple Corn, be explored as nutritional supplements for “preventing obesity and diabetes”.
Recent studies at the Ohio State University mentioned that Anthocyanin was found to play an important roll in preventing the degeneration of cells in organs of humans and animals. According to Nutraceuticals World Magazine “it has also been verified that drinking Purple Corn Drink – Chicha Morada inhibits bad cholesterol, protects the retina, stimulates blood circulation and prevents the development of colorectal cancer”.
The major anthocyanins isolated in Purple Corn and believed to play a pivotal role in
fighting these diseases are as follows:
- Cyanidin-3-D-glucoside
- Pelargonidin-3-D-glucoside
- Peonidin-3-O-D-glucoside
- Cyanidin-3-D-(6-malonyl-glucoside)
- Pelargonidin-3-D-(6-malonyl glucoside)
- Peonidin-3-D-(6-malonyl-glucoside)
Recent studies on the anti-oxidant/anti-inflammatory and other disease fighting activities have emphasized the relative potency of cyanidin-3-D-glucoside. Compared to other anthocyanin rich fruits and vegetables, Purple Corn has one of the highest concentrations of cyanidin-3-D-glucoside levels leading to a significant interest among the scientific community.
Purple Corn Drink Benefits
- Purple Corn Drink – Chicha Morada is a 100% natural beverage that comes in filter bags.
- Purple Corn Drink – Chica Morada contains zero calories, sugar, acid, additives or preservatives. It also helps upset stomachs, gastritis and acidity symptoms.
- Anthocyanin pigments, found in Purple Corn (Zea Mays L.), are considered a powerful antioxidant and a great ally in the fight against diabetes, obesity and colon cancer.
- Anthocyanin is also responsible for keeping blood pressure and cholesterol in normal range.
- Purple Corn is a potent diuretic that regulates urine production and assists the digestive system.
- Purple Corn Drink can be enjoyed at any time. It only takes 8 minutes to prepare 2 liters.
- The aroma and flavor of this antioxidant beverage has been described as”herbal essences”.
For Weight Loss and Detox Chicha morada is a summer drink made from purple corn or maiz morado. Its origins date back to the Incan Empire and it’s still a popular drink among modern Peruvians.
Not only is it refreshing, it also curbs your appetite and has incredible antioxidant levels – even higher than blueberries!
In addition, Chica Morada may also have anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties, promote blood flow, reduce cholesterol and play a beneficial role in supporting healthy blood sugar levels.
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