The Andean Superfood and Its Antioxidant Properties
Purple corn (Zea mays L.) is a unique variety of maize distinguished by its deep, violet color. This coloration comes from an exceptionally high concentration of anthocyanins, a class of flavonoids that function as powerful antioxidants. These compounds are the same ones found in other richly colored foods like blueberries and acai berries, but Zea mays L. possesses one of the most potent concentrations known in the plant kingdom.
Antioxidants play a vital role in maintaining cellular health by helping to neutralize free radicals in the body. Our extract is made using both the kernel and the cob, ensuring a full spectrum of the plant’s beneficial compounds is present in every capsule.
The Kʼculli Variety and Its Andean Terroir
Our purple corn traces back to the kʼculli landrace, a Quechua-named variety cultivated in the Peruvian Andes since before the Inca. The heartland sits in the Cusco growing region and the Sacred Valley corridor near Urubamba, at roughly 13.53° S, 71.97° W. Cool days, high altitude, and mineral-rich soil concentrate the pigment in both the kernel and the pericarp of the cob. The dominant pigment is cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), the single anthocyanin most studied for its biological activity. Independent measurements place the anthocyanin content of purple corn near the top of any cereal grain, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture cataloging its concentrations among common foods (USDA ARS anthocyanin data).
Support for Cardiovascular Health
The anthocyanins found in purple corn extract have been the subject of studies focusing on their relationship with cardiovascular wellness. These natural colorants contribute to the body’s ability to maintain healthy blood vessels and support overall circulatory function. Including this dietary supplement in your daily routine is a way to align with traditional practices that have long valued this plant for its health-supportive qualities.
Anthocyanins, Nitric Oxide, and Healthy Circulation
Researchers have looked closely at how anthocyanins and their metabolites act inside blood vessels. One area of interest is the endothelium, the thin lining of every vessel that helps regulate blood flow through nitric oxide signaling. A 2015 study reported that phenolic metabolites of anthocyanins modulate mechanisms of endothelial function (Edwards et al., 2015, PMID 25686009). This is why C3G-rich foods like purple corn draw attention from people focused on supporting normal circulation and healthy blood flow as part of an active lifestyle. These statements describe areas of ongoing research, not a treatment for any medical condition.
How Purple Corn Compares to Other Antioxidant Supplements
Most antioxidant supplements lean on berries. Purple corn offers a different route to the same family of pigments. It is a grain-based, non-berry source of anthocyanins, and its profile is unusually concentrated in cyanidin-3-glucoside rather than the mixed pigments found in many berries. On a fresh-weight basis, elderberry and wild blueberry carry more total anthocyanins, yet purple corn stands out as one of the richest cereal sources and uses both the kernel and the pigment-dense cob. For shoppers rotating their antioxidant intake, that makes it a useful addition rather than a duplicate of a berry capsule.
| Feature | BTYRH Purple Corn Capsules | Generic Berry Antioxidant Capsule |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Anthocyanin | Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), single-pigment focus | Mixed berry pigments, variable |
| Plant Source | Andean purple corn, kernel and cob | Often unspecified berry blend |
| Origin | Cusco region, Peru (specified terroir) | Unspecified |
| Form | Full-spectrum extract, vegetarian capsule | Powder blend or extract, varies |
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Purple Corn (Zea mays L.) Extract |
| Serving Size | 2 Capsules |
| Amount Per Serving | 500mg |
| Container | 60 Capsules |
Purity in Every Capsule
We believe in providing a clean and effective product. The only ingredient is pure purple corn extract, delivered in a simple, high-quality vegetarian capsule.
Key Product Attributes:
- Sourced directly from the Andean region of Peru
- Made with Non-GMO purple corn
- Contains no artificial fillers, binders, or preservatives
- Formulated and packaged in a GMP-certified facility
The purple corn capsules from Back To Your Roots Herbs are contained within Vegicaps, which are all-natural and free from animal by-products, starch, wheat, dairy, preservatives, ethylene oxide, and sulfites.
Frequently Asked Questions about Purple Corn
How should I go about taking purple corn capsules?
For adults, the suggested use is to take two (2) capsules daily, preferably with a meal, or as directed by your healthcare professional.
When is the best time to take purple corn capsules?
Consistency matters more than timing. Many people take their two capsules with breakfast or lunch so the dose pairs with food. Anthocyanins are water-soluble, so a glass of water helps. Taking them alongside a vitamin C-rich meal, such as citrus or peppers, is a simple way to round out your daily polyphenol intake.
What are the main health benefits of purple corn?
Purple corn is primarily recognized for its high antioxidant content, specifically anthocyanins. These compounds are associated with supporting cardiovascular health, promoting a healthy inflammatory response, and protecting cells from oxidative stress.
How is this different from the corn I buy at the store?
Standard yellow or white corn does not contain the high levels of anthocyanins that give purple corn its signature color and antioxidant capacity. This specific variety is a traditional Peruvian superfood cultivated for these unique properties.
How does purple corn compare nutritionally to regular corn?
The headline difference is pigment. Purple corn carries a dense load of anthocyanins, mainly cyanidin-3-glucoside, that yellow and white corn essentially lack. It also delivers a broader set of plant polyphenols. Because our product is a concentrated extract rather than a culinary food, each capsule provides a focused dose of those compounds without the starch load of corn on the cob. Published food surveys place purple corn among the higher-anthocyanin foods catalogued by the USDA.
Are there any side effects?
Purple corn is generally well-tolerated when taken at the recommended dosage. As with any dietary supplement, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before starting a new regimen, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a pre-existing medical condition.
Legal Information: The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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