From carbs and proteins to vitamins and minerals, there are a large variety of nutrients that you are already incorporating into your diet to help your body stay healthy. However, there are some little-known nutrients that you may be overlooking. Namely, phytopigments. These plant-based pigments play a vital role in your overall health. We'll tell you why.
Phytopigments 101
What are phytopigments? See how plants come in all kinds of colors? Well, phytopigments are responsible for that. Basically, they are compounds that are responsible for the color of plants, from the characteristic green of leaves to the dashing red of roses.
These colors aren’t just for us to enjoy looking at, they each have a purpose. For instance, some bright colors like yellows and oranges are used to attract insects to aid in cross-pollination. Other plants have dull colors in order to blend into the environment. Additionally, certain phytopigments are important for plant processes like creating food and energy.
We’d be willing to bet there is at least one phytopigment you remember learning about in science class: chlorophyll. You likely recall that chlorophyll is responsible for the various shades of green in plant life and it is a pigment that is used during photosynthesis-where the plant traps sunlight and uses it to produce the energy it needs for development and growth.
Another group of phytopigments is carotene. This group is known for a broader spectrum of colors such as red, yellow, and orange. Carotene pigments are responsible for helping plants attract animals or insects to help with pollination or seed dispersion.
When you see plants with colors like purple, violet, or blue, it’s because of a group of pigments known as anthocyanins, which also serve an aesthetic function to attract animal pollinators. Betalain phytopigments, on the other hand, bring about deep shades of red, like in the case of beetroots.
Phytopigments are diverse, each with its own chemical make-up and different uses within plant life. However, they aren’t just beneficial to plants, they are also great for your health.
The Benefits of Phytopigments
While they give the different plants their color, phytopigments also hold value for your body. Here’s a quick overview of some of the benefits you can expect to see.
- Antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are important to help protect your body from damage caused by toxins and free radicals. Phytonutrients contain specific antioxidants that are known to protect your cells by quenching free radicals.
- Immune support. Phytopigments have been linked to overall improved immune function. Certain pigments have been found to have this effect more than others. For example, quercetin, which is found in most dark green vegetables, is known to have numerous effects such as blocking histamine and promoting the production and function of immune cells.
- Healthy aging. As you age, it becomes more difficult for your cells to regenerate, which leads to wrinkles and other physical signs of aging. Chlorophyll, in particular, is known for playing a role in promoting cellular regeneration, which makes it an incredible nutrient for those looking to slow the natural aging process.
- Glowing skin. Some pigments can be used in natural skin care products to help you avoid using harmful chemicals while also cleansing and nourishing your skin with antioxidants.
- Energy Production. Another benefit of phytonutrients, particularly chlorophyll, shows itself in the form of improved energy. Research shows that consuming pigments like chlorophyll has a modulating effect on adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which captures energy and uses it to fuel various cellular processes. Without getting into too many details, this modulation essentially means that your body can derive energy from sunlight when you include chlorophyll in your diet.
Where to Get Phytopigments
If you are wanting to enrich your diet with phytopigments, you are probably wondering which foods you need to add to your grocery list. This will vary depending on the particular phytopigment you're after. For instance, with chlorophyll, you can easily introduce it into your diet by consuming green vegetables like spinach, kale, parsley, broccoli, asparagus, collard greens, green beans, and peas. Wheatgrass is also known to be a rich source of chlorophyll. Additionally, you can get it from supplements that contain either chlorophyll or chlorophyllin, which is a water-soluble derivative of chlorophyll that can be easily absorbed by the body.
Carotenoids can be found in a variety of different foods, partially because there are over 600 known pigments that fall into this category. These pigments are categorized into carotenes and xanthophyll, and they can be found in different fruits and vegetables including yams, sweet potatoes, watermelon, papaya, spinach, and mangos.
Purple and blue pigments known as anthocyanins are particularly beneficial for their antioxidant properties. They can be found in foods like grapes, blackberries, and strawberries.
One food source that is rich in a variety of phytopigments is algae, especially those in the blue or green groups. In particular, blue-green algae like organic Wild Microalgae™ is a great source of phytopigments like chlorophyll, phycocyanin, beta carotene, and more.