7 Benefits of Purple Potatoes

Purple potatoes:

Like other members of the potato family (Solanum tuberosum), they come from a tuber plant native to the Andes mountain region in South America.

They have a blue-purple to almost black outer skin and an inner flesh that’s brilliant purple, even after cooking.

They have a denser texture and slightly nuttier, earthier flavor than white potatoes.

Purple potatoes are a tasty way to add a pop of color to your plate while enjoying a serving of health benefits.

Here are 7 surprising benefits of purple potatoes.

1. Highly nutritious

There is a misconception that all of the nutrients in potatoes are found in their skin. In fact, more than half of their nutrients are found in their flesh.

A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of cooked potato with the skin provides:

Calories: 87

Protein:2 grams

Carbs: 20 grams

Fiber: 3.3 grams

Fat: less than 1 gram

Manganese: 6% of the Daily Value (DV)

Copper: 21% of the DV

Iron: 2% of the DV

Potassium: 8% of the DV

Vitamin B6: 18% of the DV

Vitamin C:14% of the DV

Interestingly, potatoes have more potassium than banana.

In addition, a serving of potatoes provides 3 grams of fiber, from both the flesh and skin, and they’re naturally low in sodium.

They’re especially rich in minerals and boast more potassium than a banana.

2. Better for blood sugar

Eating purple potatoes instead of white potatoes is a good move when watching your blood sugar. While the starch in purple potatoes increases blood sugar, it does so to less of an extent than the starch in yellow or white varieties.

3. Packed with antioxidants

Eating purple potatoes can boost your antioxidant intake and reduce inflammation. They’re especially rich in anthocyanins, which are antioxidant compounds linked to improved eye and heart health, as well as a lower risk of chronic disease.

4. May improve your blood pressure

Purple potatoes have been found to improve blood pressure. This effect might be related to their polyphenolic antioxidant compounds, which work in a way similar to that of some blood-pressure-lowering medications.

5. May reduce your risk of cancer

Some of the compounds in purple potatoes may slow the growth of — or even kill — certain cancer cells. The current research is limited to lab studies, so it’s unknown whether adding purple potatoes to your diet affects cancer risk.

6. Can help fill your fiber gap

Adding purple potatoes to your diet can help increase your fiber intake and add some gut-healthy resistant starch to your diet. To reap the greatest fiber benefits, eat them with the skin on and cook them ahead of time, eating them chilled, such as in a salad.

7. Brighten up your plate

Boil, mash, or roast purple potatoes just like you would any other light-fleshed variety. They don’t take any additional time to cook and add interest and a bright pop of color to your meals.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/purple-potatoes

https://womensgolfjournal.com/food-and-drink/healing-powers-purple-potatoes/