There are over 60 varieties of potatoes in the world, and we don’t know much about all of them.
Besides the white and pink potato that is grown over here, in Great Britain has been discovered a new range, the purple potato.
For those who do not know, the purple color is found in other vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and cauliflower.
Purple potatoes belong to the botanical family Solanum Andigenum and are a result of interbreeding two species of potatoes.
Researchers have determined that the purple potato is very good, tasty and healthy. Purple potatoes started to be sold in Great Britain about ten years ago, but demand was not very high because the population was not well informed about the therapeutic properties of these vegetables. Currently, purple potatoes are grown mainly in Scotland.
Purple Potato Properties
Purple potatoes are a very healthy fashion 🙂
More than any other variety of potato, they contain an extraordinary amount of antioxidants.
The color purple of these type of potato come precisely from these powerful substances that have the same attributes found in blackberries, blueberries, and other purple fruits.
Purple potatoes are also very rich in vitamins, healthy phytochemicals and have very few calories.
Health Benefits
Specialists say that purple potatoes can prevent cancer. They are ideal in diets because they have very few calories. Furthermore, hypertensive patients can consume them to adjust blood pressure.
The curative potential of purple potatoes is similar to the oatmeal, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli.
- Protect healthy cells
- Defend the body from free radicals
- It helps lower blood pressure
- Maintain a healthy heart
- Combat malignant cells development
- Prevent aging
Studies on purple potatoes have revealed a surprising fact: the antioxidants in these vegetables lower the blood pressure without any side effects!
We know that antioxidants are essential for the immune system. They are designed to protect the body from a molecule that can damage cells.
A study was made on a group of people who consumed two portions of purple potatoes cooked in an oven every day for 30 days. Most of them have shown a 4% drop in blood pressure.
The study has shown that the myth which says that by eating potatoes you gain weight is false.
The subjects who have eaten purple potatoes for a full month have not gained any weight at all. By contrary, it appears that these vegetables can help overweight or obese people to shed a few pounds.
In this context, you can eat 6-8 small purple potatoes per day. Usually, they are consumed without peeling them. There are no adverse effects on cholesterol.
Purple Potatoes Prevent Cancer
Besides the powerful antioxidants, purple potatoes contain a substance called anthocyanin, which reduces the risk of cancer, especially colon cancer. Furthermore, the chemicals in purple potatoes are slowing the development of disease and fight against aging.
How To Cook Purple Potatoes
Like any other potatoes, purple potatoes lose their beneficial properties if cooked with oil, butter, margarine or any other fats.
The essential factor is that purple potatoes retain their color pigment even after cooked.
The best recipe is based on boiled purple potatoes. Boil the potatoes with half a teaspoon of salt, without peeling them.
You can add red onion, the juice from half lemon, olive oil, and chopped dill. Best served hot!
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