Everything About Purple Potatoes

The purple potato is a whole new breed of potato that’s been genetically modified to contain anthocyanin, the pigment found in blueberries. This compound can reduce inflammation and protect against certain types of cancers. The benefits don’t stop there: it also has antioxidants, vitamins C and B12, and potassium–all for just 30 calories per serving (a little more than one cup).

Purple potatoes are colorful, versatile, and nutrient-dense, making them a must-have for any seasoned potato fan.

Even though potatoes have a bad reputation for triggering weight gain, research suggests that the kind of potato you pick and how you cook it may make a difference.

Start stocking up on purple potatoes instead of french fries, potato chips, or processed potato-based goods, which may assist boost the health advantages of your daily diet.

So, can purple potatoes be grown in the wild? Is purple potato more healthy than white potato, and what dishes can you use to explore this vibrant vegetable?

Continue reading to learn all there is to know about this delectable tuber.

What Are Purple Potatoes?

Purple potatoes are various root vegetables that belong to the Solanaceae family of plants, sometimes known as nightshade vegetables. Other nightshades, such as eggplants, tomatoes, and peppers, are closely related to them.

The purple or blue-violet potato, albeit not always violet in hue, also comes under the vitelotte category.

The purple potato’s origins may be traced back to an heirloom fingerling potato known as the purple Peruvian. This kind of potato was perhaps first recorded in 1817 when it was reported as being sold at the Les Halles market.

Purple potatoes are known by various names, including purple majesty, purple viking, and purple Peruvian, and are available all year.

These golf ball-sized potatoes, which originated in Peru and Bolivia, are extremely popular in South America, where they may grow to be somewhat bigger if allowed to mature fully.

They have a nutty, earthy taste and go well with almost any main entrée as a side dish.

All potatoes, including purple sweet potatoes, blue potatoes, white potatoes, and yellow potatoes, are heavy in carbs, including fiber and a variety of vitamins and minerals.

One glance at the nutritional composition of purple potatoes reveals why they’re so beneficial to your health.

The nutrients in a half-cup (about 75 grams) of diced, uncooked purple potatoes are as follows:

• Calorie Count: 52.5
• Carbs: 12 g
• Protein: 1.4 g
• Fat: 0.1 gram
• Fiber: 1.3 grams
• Vitamin C: 6.5 milligrams (11 percent DV)
• Potassium: 341 milligrams (10% daily value)
• Vitamin B6: 0.1 milligrams (6 percent DV)
• Phosphorus: 45.7 milligrams (5 percent DV)
• Copper: 0.1 gram (5 percent DV)
• Manganese: 0.1 milligrams (5 percent DV)
• Thiamine: 0.1 milligram (4 percent DV)
• Niacin: 0.9 milligrams (4 percent DV)
• Magnesium: 16.5 milligrams (4 percent DV)

Health Advantages

1. Food Coloring Alternatives That Aren’t So Bad

Food coloring is done using potatoes, carrots, and other root vegetables, which are typically produced expressly for the natural color business.

This is fantastic news, particularly since they’re fully natural compared to the myriad artificial food colors now on the market, which have been connected to various health problems.

According to the American Chemical Society, the purple sweet potato is high in anthocyanins, which give health advantages not seen in artificial food colors.

Fruit beverages, vitamin waters, ice cream, and yogurt all benefit from anthocyanins for naturally coloring purposes.

It’s not only their color that makes them stand out. They’re more stable solutions since they don’t rapidly degrade, resulting in a colorful explosion with little to no flavor.

2. Assist in the reduction and regulation of blood pressure

Purple potatoes may reduce blood pressure, according to little research presented at the American Chemical Society. This might be due to the high quantity of chlorogenic acid, a phytochemical related to reducing blood pressure in several studies.

According to research, ordinary purple potatoes, baked or cooked in the microwave, may reduce blood pressure by 3% to 4%, which is likely owing to the antioxidant activity and phytonutrient richness that these brilliant jewels emanate.

Let’s not forget about the potassium they contain, which benefits blood pressure management.

Purple potatoes and other foods like them are thus perfect complements to any high blood pressure diet or treatment plan.

3. It has the potential to prevent blood clots

Thrombosis, or blood clots, are a significant cause of mortality all over the globe. Fortunately, they may be avoided by including a little amount of purple potato in your diet.

The purple potato, as previously stated, contains chlorogenic acid. This chemical compound has been found to dissolve blood clots and block procoagulant proteins and peptides’ enzymatic activity.

Chlorogenic acid was discovered to delay the formation of blood clots in mice in a study published in the Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology, suggesting that it might be used to treat and prevent blood clots.

4. Antioxidants and phytonutrients in plenty

The purple potato is high in antioxidants and disease-fighting phytonutrients, which work together to provide incredible health advantages, including inflammation reduction.

The anthocyanin, which gives the potato its vivid purple color and functions as a strong antioxidant, is one of the ingredients in this potent cocktail.

For centuries, anthocyanin pigments have been utilized to remedy liver malfunction, high blood pressure, and eye illness in traditional medicine.

5. Make Fiber Available

Unfortunately, most of us do not consume enough fiber.

What is the significance of fiber? One of the most important benefits is that it keeps things going smoothly through your digestive system, reducing constipation, irregularity, and pain.

Purple potatoes, like other vegetables, are a great source of fiber, with one gram every half-cup portion.

Increased fiber consumption has been shown in studies to help reduce heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and digestive diseases such as hemorrhoids, GERD, and diverticulitis.

6. Endurance athletes will love it

Another advantage of insoluble fiber is that it has a time-released impact, which helps endurance athletes maintain high energy levels for lengthy periods. For example, it’s not uncommon to see potatoes sitting at an aid station during a long-distance run.

According to Runner’s World, although the ever-popular carb-heavy pasta seems to take center stage, the potato may perform better on race day by supplying more energy-delivering complex carbs.

Potatoes are not only simple to cook, but they’re also simple to digest, which is a significant worry for most sportspeople.

They’re also high in potassium and other electrolytes. For example, the purple potato has 341 milligrams of potassium per half-cup portion, which is 10% of the daily required amount.

Recipes and How to Use

Purple potatoes are a versatile and tasty component that can be used in various dishes.

Apart from producing purple potatoes at home, there are various places to acquire purple potatoes, ranging from local farm stands to health food shops and supermarkets.

Despite their rich, brilliant violet hue, their taste is more delicate than some other potato cultivars. As a result, unlike the sweet potato, which is wonderful on its own, the purple potato is frequently cooked with spices.

Purple potatoes may be cooked in various ways, and they can be used as a replacement for ordinary potatoes in almost any meal.

They may be boiled, mashed, roasted, or baked and seasoned with herbs and spices of your choosing because of their mild flavor.

Remember that boiling or baking is preferable to deep frying, which destroys many essential nutrients. Instead, combine a little coconut or olive oil with some salt and pepper for a delicious compliment to any meal.

Side Effects and Risks

Purple potatoes may be a tasty addition to most people’s diets. They are, however, quite heavy in carbs and calories, which may be a significant factor for certain people.

Although the glycemic index of purple potatoes is lower than that of ordinary potatoes, consuming excessive quantities may still affect blood sugar levels.

As a result, if you have diabetes, you should limit your intake to maintain blood sugar management.

Purple potatoes should be avoided if you’re on a keto or other low-carb diet. Instead, keep serving sizes minimal and combine with a range of other non-starchy veggies as part of a balanced diet for the greatest benefits.

Last Thoughts

• Purple potatoes are a kind of root vegetable that is linked to eggplant, tomatoes, and peppers. They are part of the nightshade family.
• Is it true that purple potatoes are excellent for you? Purple potatoes can lower blood pressure, prevent blood clots, and provide long-lasting energy for endurance athletes.
• You may experiment with various purple potato recipes to include this healthy food into your diet.
• Purple potatoes are delicious mashed, roasted, or cooked in your favorite dishes. Purple potatoes may also be roasted as a tasty alternative to deep-fried french fries.

Frequently Asked Question

What color potato is the healthiest?

A: A white potato is said to be the healthiest type of potato.

Related Tags

• purple potatoes nutrition data
• purple sweet potato benefits and side effects
• purple potatoes calories
• purple potatoes recipes
• purple potatoes vs. sweet potatoes