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ABOUT AUTHOR
Abhilash A*, Prabhu Raj KJ, Hemalatha, Gopi Krishna B. M, Dr. Hindustan Abdul Ahad
B. Pharmacy, Balaji College of Pharmacy, Anantapur, AP, India
*E-mail: [email protected]
Introduction:
This magical variety of corn hails from both the high altitudes and low valleys of the Peruvian Andes. The intriguing purple pigments you see here are some of the healthiest in terms of antioxidant power and also hold cancer-fighting abilities, specifically with tumors and colon cancer. Research is showing that the antioxidant pigments of the purple variety increases circulation, contain anti-aging properties, regenerate connective tissues, inhibit and fight cancer, boost the immune system, inhibit obesity, and increase mental performance (among many other health benefits) by simply adding it to one’s regular diet. The Peruvians used purple corn to prepare an ancient drink called Chicha Morada, which consists of boiling purple corn in water with pineapple, cinnamon, and clove to flavor the healthy beverage. This beverage is still made and served in many places around the world to this day. You can easily find purple corn in Peru and other South American regions when visiting the local merchant stands. You can also find purple corn powder from online”superfood”stor es to get these powerful benefits for yourself or simply to experience the memorable & exotic wonders of Purple Corn in your daily smoothies, juices, sauces, or meal.
Keywords: Purple corn extract, phenolic compounds, antimutagenic activity, antioxidant activity, mechanism.
Description:
Purple Corn, is the purple variety of Zea mays L. is native to Peru. Their traditional culture is restricted to the ancient Inca influence area. The “blue corn” is essentially a plantasubtropical, is grown in the lower valleys of the Andes. He is called “Kculli” (Quechua) and is being used as food for millennia.Kculli line is quite old, found objects in the shape of the ear in particular in archaeological sites of at least 2500 years old in areas of the central coast of Peru, as well as among the ceramics of the Moche culture. This form or variety of corn has been in use by the people of the Andes to color foods and beverages, which the newly industrialized world is exploding. Currently, like the ancient Peruvians, is also preparing a drink from the whole ear and called chichamorada. With this corn is also preparing a very popular dessert called pudding home.
Packed with Phytonutrients and Antioxidants:
Purple corn contains a variety of phytonutrients (plant nutrients) including massive amounts of phenolics and anthocyanin’s. Research shows that crops with the highest phenolic and anthocyanin content also have the highest antioxidant activity. Anthocyaninins are a type of complex flavonoid that produces blue, purple or red colors. Anthocyaninins are anti-inflammatory and encourage connective tissue regeneration. As well as being powerful antioxidants that keep us looking young and protected from disease, they promote blood flow and reduce cholesterol. It appears that anthocyaninins may stabilize and protect capillaries and blood vessels from free radical damage, and they have been shown to promote collagen formation (which is great for our skin) and improve circulation. Purple Corn has a higher antioxidant capacity than blueberries, making it one of the most exciting new super foods of our time.
Purple Corn Uses:
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. A Japanese study at Nagoya University showed that the pigment in purple corn impedes the development of cancer in the colon. A sample group received food mixed with a natural carcinogenic substance which is found in the charred parts of roasted meat and fish, and another group also received 5% pigment of purple corn. In the group that was fed the cancer causing substance, 85% developed colon cancer, compared with only 40% that also received the pigment. As colon cancer is one of the most deadly forms of cancer, adding some purple corn to the diet is a pretty good idea! There are also some people who claim that purple corn can help us open our third eye chakra, since its color is purple. The third eye chakra is responsible for increased intuition, and opening up to spiritual truths.
Conclusion:
Evidence of toxicity from purple corn extract was not found. At the dosage suggested foruse of purple corn as a dietary supplement or ingredient thereof, evidence from animaltests, tests for heavy metals, pesticides, and caffeine levels indicate that purple cornextract may be reasonably expected to be safe.
