Nanny Healthy Tip of the Week-Eat Purple

Scientists believe that eating purple fruit may help ward off age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, heart problems, and cancer.  The chances of getting multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease may also be reduced by consuming blueberries, blackberries, blackcurrants or plums, according to a study by the University of Manchester.  Researchers say one or two of the recommended five daily portions of fruits and vegetables should be purple fruit.

A substance in purple fruit helps fight the harmful effects of iron, which can damage cells if it makes its way through the digestive system in the wrong form.  Polyphenols, which make blueberries and other fruits purple, are able to grab iron and keep it out of harm’s way.  Green tea contains a similar compound, as does curcumin, the key ingredient of the curry spice turmeric.