Purple Power: 7 Advantages Of Purple Potatoes
Purple potatoes are one of the most eye-catching items in the potato aisle. They are similar to other members of the potato family ( Solem tuberosum), and they are derived from a tuber plant that is native to South America’s Andes Mountain region.
They have an outer skin that is almost black and an inner skin that is brilliant purple. Purple Peruvian and Purple Majesty are some of the most popular varieties. They are slightly denser and have a slightly nuttier, earthier taste than white potatoes. Purple potatoes can be a delicious way to add color to your plates while also providing health benefits.
These are 7 amazing benefits of purple potatoes. Pin it!
- High In Nutrients
Potatoes are often criticized for their high starch content. However, they can also be a very nutritious and healthy addition to your diet, says Potatoes USA the authority on potato nutrition.
Purple potatoes have the same nutrient content as other varieties of potatoes within the Solanum Tuberosum family. However, their mineral content may vary depending on where they were grown.
It is commonly believed that potatoes only contain their skin, and all the nutrients they contain are in their flesh. More than half of the nutrients in potatoes are found in their flesh.
- Better For Blood Sugar
Glycemic index (GI), is a measure of how much a food will raise your blood sugar. The GI ranges between 0 and 100. A GI higher than 70 is considered to be high.
In humans, a comparison study found that purple potatoes have a GI of 77, yellow potatoes have a GI of 81, and white potatoes have a GI of 93.
All potato varieties have an impact on blood sugar levels due to their carbohydrate content. However, purple potatoes might exert a less significant effect than other varieties because they contain more lactophenol compounds.
- Antioxidants Packed In Every Package
As with other colors, the bright purple color of purple potatoes is an indicator that they are rich in antioxidants. They have up to three times the antioxidant activity of white and yellow potatoes.
Antioxidants are plant compounds that can protect your cells against the harmful effects of Oxidative Stress.
- May Increase Your Blood Pressure
Purple potatoes may improve blood vessel health and blood pressure. Their higher potassium content may play a part in lowering blood pressure. However, their antioxidant content could also be a factor.
In a small study of people with high blood pressure, a 4-week experiment found that eating six to eight purple potatoes twice daily decreased systolic (the highest and lowest numbers) blood pressure by 3.5% and 4.3% respectively.
- May Lower Your Chance Of Getting Cancer
Some lab studies have shown that certain compounds found in purple potatoes, such as their antioxidants, could help fight or prevent cancer (including breast cancer).
One study found that purple potato extract caused cancer cells to grow slower when treated. The extract may even cause cancer cell death in some cases.
- Fiber Can Help You Fill The Gap
The majority of people don’t follow the Dietary Guidelines recommendation for 14 grams of fiber per 1000 calories. However, adding a few purple potatoes to your weekly diet can help to fill in the gap.
Dietary fiber keeps you full, prevents constipation, and stabilizes blood sugar. It also helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
- Brighten Up Your Plate
Purple potatoes can be used in the same way as white, yellow, and red varieties. You can substitute them for lighter flesh potatoes. This is a great way of adding color and interest to your meals.
Make mashed potatoes or baked potatoes with them. Add your favorite toppings to create a side dish everyone will love.
