Kitchen Exploration:
Food As Medicine with PURPLE POTATOES
Whhhhat – Purple Potatoes? This week we are sharing some beautiful Russian Blue potatoes! They are a vibrant purple on the inside and can make a really mesmerizing dish.
What Makes Them Purple:
Their dark, vibrant colour actually hints to them being much more nutrient dense then your classic potato! Anthocyanins are the pigments in the potato that give it the purple hue. In addition to adding pop to your plate, anthocyanins offer extra health benefits too. The purple pigments are antioxidants that protect your cells from oxidative damage and may reduce your risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Anthocyanins may also offer protection to your brain to prevent cognitive decline. Researchers are still investigating the health benefits of the powerful pigments.They also contain antioxidants and are packed with fiber, iron, vitamin C and potassium, which can help with weight loss, immunity and heart health. Three purple potatoes have 200 calories, 43 grams of carbs, 3 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein. The same serving meets 90 percent of your daily value for vitamin C and 10 percent of your daily value for iron.
If you are interested in different phytonutrient components corresponding to the colour of your food, here is a basic breakdown:
Blood-Building Benefits
Many people, especially women of childbearing age, struggle to get enough iron from their diet. Iron plays a very important role in the transportation of oxygen to all the tissues in your body. Not getting enough iron in your diet affects red blood cell production and function, while vitamin C helps your body absorb iron from the food you eat. As a source of both iron and vitamin C, purple potatoes are a great food choice for getting more iron.
Here is a really unique and delicious recipe for you to try with them this week:
Purple Sweet Potato Hummus
www.rainbowinmykitchen.com/purple-sweet-potato-hummus/
**We will have 5 pound bags of potatoes for sale as well if you start getting inspired – let us know!
