What pigments give some prickly pear fruits their deep red or purple color and possess antioxidant activity?
Answer
Betalains
Betalains are a specific class of nitrogen-containing pigments responsible for conferring vibrant colors, such as deep red or purple hues, to certain varieties of prickly pear fruit. Beyond their role in coloration, these compounds are scientifically recognized for possessing valuable biological activities, notably antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This means that fruits exhibiting these intense colors offer an additional layer of biochemical defense for the body, supporting the overall protective profile of the prickly pear by targeting inflammation and neutralizing oxidative threats, complementing the action of other compounds like phenolics and flavonoids present in the fruit matrix.
Related Questions
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