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Purple potatoes are more than just beautiful. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables are packed with health benefits because of the antioxidants and nutrients they contain, and these vibrant potatoes are no exception.
Like other potatoes, purple ones come from a tuber plant and originated in South America, according to Healthline and there are several varieties. They all have a dark-purple outer skin, bright purple flesh, and a denser texture than white potatoes.
So besides adding color to your plate, purple potatoes are adding health benefits to every to forkful. Here are six good reasons to add them to your diet.
Nutrient Rich
These vibrant colored potatoes are nutrient dense like all potatoes. Some people avoid potatoes because of their starch content but that’s a misconception. A 3.5 ounce (100 gram) unpeeled cooked potato contains 2 grams of protein, 3.3 grams of fiber, Vitamins C and B6, as well as a host of important minerals including potassium, copper, manganese, and iron. Purple potatoes also contain antioxidants – powerful plant compounds – that protect your cells from oxidative stress.
Loaded With Antioxidants
Purple potatoes contain two to three times the antioxidants of white or yellow potatoes due to their bright hue. In fact, they are very rich in polyphenol antioxidants that are called anthocyanins. Eating foods with anthocyanins has been linked to lower cholesterol levels, eye health, a reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes, as well as a lower risk of some cancers.
In addition to anthocyanins, purple potatoes also contain other antioxidants including carotenoids, selenium, vitamins C and A, and polyphonic compounds that can help reduce inflammation and may boost your immune system.
Promotes Heart Health
Eating purple potatoes is also good for your heart health. That’s due to their high potassium content that helps to reduce blood pressure, and the high antioxidant content also plays a role. Eating polyphenol-rich foods could also help to strengthen and relax your blood vessels, according to EatingWell which lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Could Reduce Cancer Risk
The same antioxidants that are good for your heart could also reduce your risk of some cancers including colon and breast cancer. In a 2015 study published in National Product Research, cancer cells that were treated with an extract from purple potatoes grew slower. In some cases, the extract caused cancer cells to die.
Good For Your Gut
Purple potatoes are good for your gut. That’s because they contain prebiotics that can help regulate gut microbiota (good bacteria) and improve overall gut health, according to WebMD. The high fiber content of this root vegetable is a mix of soluble fiber that helps to lower cholesterol and insoluble fiber that helps precent constipation.
Helps Balance Blood Sugar
Eating purple potatoes can also help diabetics balance blood sugar. Even though they contain starch, this vibrant veggie is in the medium range of the glycemic index, so they do cause blood spikes. Purple potatoes are lower on the glycemic index than yellow or white ones. Another plus is that the fiber in the spuds naturally slows down sugar absorption in your blood stream.
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