Purple—it’s the color of royalty. But, did you know it’s also the color of foods that are full of anthocyanins? Anthocyanins are a pigment, or coloration, found in plants. Studies have shown that foods rich in anthocyanins can help with brain health, reduce the risk of cancer, reduce inflammation, and protect against heart disease. And, that’s not all!

Purple foods can also:

-Help the body to use certain nutrients, like calcium.
-Lower cholesterol levels.
-Improve eye health.
-Make the digestive system work better.

If your senior parent’s diet doesn’t currently contain much purple food, it might just be time to add some in. But, what are some purple foods beyond grapes? And, which ones are the best for your parent? Read on to find out.

Purple Asparagus

Purple asparagus tastes pretty much the same as the white and green varieties, but it has the added benefit of those healthy anthocyanins. It also rates high as a good source of antioxidants.

Prunes and Plums

Plums contain vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and vitamin B2. Plums also contain lots of fiber and may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Though you may not be able to find plums year-round in your local grocery store, you can find their dried form, prunes, which are also a great choice.

Eggplant

Eggplant is low in calories and can be used in all sorts of dishes. It contains over a dozen different kinds of antioxidants and could help lower cholesterol.

Purple Carrots

Purple carrots can be helpful for controlling blood sugar levels, possibly even reducing the risk of developing diabetes. In addition, purple carrots contain antioxidants.

Purple Cauliflower

Purple cauliflower isn’t really cauliflower at all – it’s a kind of broccoli. Misnomer aside, it’s a great source of sulfur and antioxidants, which are important for fighting cancer. They help the body to purge toxins that can harm healthy cells. And, it has the added benefit of being fun to prepare because it changes color as it cooks. It turns green!

Purple Potatoes

Centuries ago, only Incan kings who lived in Peru, where the purple potatoes come from, were allowed to eat purple potatoes. But, today, anyone can have them. In fact, many people grow them right here in the United States and they come in many varieties. The darker the color of the potato, the more antioxidants they contain. They’re also a good source of iron, potassium, vitamin C, and folic acid.

A home care provider can help your parent to eat more purple foods. Home care providers can take your parent grocery shopping and help them to make healthy purple choices. Home care providers can also prepare meals containing purple foods or assist your parent to prepare the foods themselves.

If you or a family member are in need of hiring home health care in Deerfield Beach, FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770.
Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.

Sources:
aarp.org
doctoroz.com
ahealthiermichigan.org

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Stephen Sternbach

CEO at Star Multi Care Services

With over 35 years of experience, Stephen Sternbach has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Star Multi Care Services since 1987. After the sale of the New York and New Jersey operations of Star Multi Care Services, Sternbach brought the company private where he remains President and CEO of this 40-million dollar company. With Sternbach at the helm, Star Multi Care Services employs more than 650 employees, in six offices throughout Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York.

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