WHAT IS PETUNIDIN?
Petunidin is one of the many anthocyanins that can be found in plant based foods and is part of the phytonutrient family (a group of chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants and have multiple health benefits but are not considered essential to human health). In this article I will be discussing petunidin in greater detail.
WHEN WAS PETUNIDIN DISCOVERED?
Petunidin was discovered in 1938 by the Hungarian biochemist Albert Szent-Györgyi as part of the flavonoid family. He initially referred to the flavonoids as vitamin P but it was later discovered that they are not essential to human health and therefore not technically vitamins.
HOW DOES YOUR BODY USE PETUNIDIN?
Petunidin is a powerful antioxidant which protects the body’s cells from damaging free radicals (harmful by-products that are released during oxygen related reactions). Due to its high concentration in berries, petunidin may also contribute to the health benefits associated with eating berries which include preventing cancer, preventing diabetes and reducing your heart disease risk. However, no research has been done to validate this.
HOW MUCH PETUNIDIN DO YOU NEED?
Petunidin is not considered essential to human health so no recommended daily allowance (RDA) has been established.
WHICH FOODS CONTAIN PETUNIDIN?
Bilberries and blueberries are an extremely good source of petunidin. However, some other plant based foods also contain good levels of petunidin. The table below outlines some of the best food sources of this anthocyanin:
| FOOD | MILLIGRAMS (MG) OF PETUNIDIN PER 100 GRAMS (G) |
| Black Beans | 9.57 |
| Bilberries | 51.01 |
| Blackcurrants | 3.87 |
| Blueberries | 26.42 |
| Cowpeas | 27.82 |
| Red Grapes | 2.11 |
| Red Wine | 0.93 |
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GETTING TOO MUCH PETUNIDIN?
Currently there are no reported overdose symptoms associated with petunidin consumption.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF NOT GETTING ENOUGH PETUNIDIN?
Petunidin is not classed as an essential nutrient so there are no reported deficiency symptoms associated with its consumption.
PETUNIDIN SUMMARY
Whilst the only definitive health benefit of petunidin is its antioxidant properties, there are still many more reasons to make this anthocyanin part of your diet. All the foods listed are rich in many other phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals which means they support almost all of your body’s cells and vital organs. So fill up on these natural foods and give your body the nutrients it deserves.
Sources:
List of Phytochemicals in Food (Wikipedia)
What is Phytochemical? (Juicing For Health)
USDA Database for the Flavonoid Content of Selected Foods