DavidWolfe.comPurple potatoes aren’t just fun to eat because of their color. They’re also loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants and phytonutrients. Originating in Peru and Boliva, purple potatoes are nightshade vegetables, along with tomatoes, peppers and eggplants. Their nutty, earthy flavor makes them a delicious and nutritious side dish for any meal. Purple potatoes contain Vitamin C, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, among other nutrients. Purple potatoes benefits include the ability to regulate blood pressure, prevent blood clots and provide the body with a healthy dose of fiber. (1)
Purple Potatoes Benefits
1. Works as a Healthy Food-Coloring Alternative
Chemical food dyes have been linked to cancer and other major health problems. Purple potatoes benefits include the ability to color foods naturally. They can be used to add a purple coloring to products such as fruit drinks, vitamin water, yogurt and ice cream. Purple potatoes also contain anthocyanins, antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients that provide plenty of health benefits that aren’t in artificial food colors.
2. Help Regulate Blood Pressure
Purple potatoes benefits include the ability to naturally regulate blood pressure. They have a similar nutritional profile to broccoli, spinach and Brussels sprouts. Purple potatoes contain potassium, which works to fight high blood pressure. They also contain a phytochemical called chlorogenic acid, which can help naturally lower blood pressure levels.
3. Help Prevent Blood Clots
Purple potatoes benefits include the ability to prevent blood clots. They contain chlorogenic acid, which can help naturally improve cardiovascular health by breaking down blood clots. Studies have shown that chlorogenic acid has anti-thrombotic effects, suggesting that purple potatoes benefits may include the ability to naturally treat and prevent blood clots. (2)
4. Provide the Body With Antioxidants and Phytonutrients
Purple potatoes contain a healthy dose of disease-fighting antioxidants and phytonutrients. They work to reduce inflammation and prevent free radical damage. Purple potatoes benefits also include the ability to fight hypertension and improve eye health. Like bilberry, purple potatoes contain anthocyanin pigments, which have been linked to a reduces risk of eye diseases and infections. (3)
5. Provide the Body With Fiber
Purple potatoes benefits include the ability to provide the body with a healthy dose of fiber. The body utilizes fiber to help ensure that the digestive system runs smoothly. As a high-fiber food, purple potatoes benefits include the ability to help relieve constipation, irregularity and discomfort caused by intestinal distress. Consuming purple potatoes on a regular basis can help improve digestive health.
6. Provide Endurance for Athletes
Purple potatoes benefits include the ability to provide runners and other athletes with extra endurance. The fiber in purple potatoes helps energize the body at a steady rate, allowing athletes to maintain high energy levels for long periods of time. Purple potatoes also contain potassium, which contains important electrolytes for hydration and energy maintenance.