According to recent studies, purple potatoes can prevent the development of colon cancer. This is possible due to the special substances in its composition, which also have a positive effect on blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
According to researchers at Penn State University, the purple potato or whitlot is a tough, round member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae) rich in antioxidants such as phenolic acids and anthocyanins. Previous research has shown that these antioxidants have anti-cancer properties.
To find out how these vegetables affect colon cancer risk, researchers conducted an experiment: For 13 weeks, they fed three groups of pigs with three different foods — a control group, a high-calorie food, and a high-calorie food with raw or baked purple potatoes.
However, pigs fed purple potatoes had six times lower levels of IL-6 than the control group. Both raw and baked potatoes had the same effect.
IL-6 levels correlate with levels of other proteins such as Ki-67 that influence the development and spread of cancer. It is a protein that increases when cancer cells are actively dividing. The prevalence of Ki-67 is closely related to the growth of tumors in the colon, breast, and lungs.
Of course, more research is needed to determine if the results of this trial will also apply to humans. However, it is indeed promising, especially given that colon cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of death in the United States.
But the prevention of this disease cannot and should not be limited to eating only purple potatoes. Eating other foods rich in essential nutrients, such as proteins, vitamins and minerals, can alter IL-6 levels and reduce the risk of colon cancer, according to Food News.
If you need extra motivation to add Phythalates to your diet, know that the phenolic acids and anthocyanins they contain can help protect the body from other health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. That’s because these compounds help fight the inflammation that is at the root of many chronic diseases.
In a 2015 study, scientists compared purple potato extract with the drug captopril, a blood pressure medication. They found that the vegetable extract significantly improved blood pressure.
In addition to antioxidants, purple potatoes have many other health benefits. For example, they are rich in fiber and vitamin C, which can help you lose weight and strengthen your immune system. It is also rich in potassium which also helps in regulating blood pressure.