No, blue potatoes are not spuds from outer space. Actually, they are native to South America, in particular Peru — the reason why they’re also sometimes referred to as “Peruvian potatoes”.
What’s even more surprising about blue potatoes is it’s not just their skin that’s blue, but also the flesh! This is wonderful news because the reason for such is the presence of blue-colored antioxidants called “anthocyanins”, which possess amazing anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and antimicrobial properties. And dig this: you can find anthocyanins in no other type of spuds but the blue ones. It cannot be denied that blue potatoes are indeed one of a kind!
Texture- and taste-wise, there is not much difference between blue potatoes and those that everyone is accustomed to. However, blue potatoes are not as starchy as other spuds, and it’s for this reason why they’re not really suited for making chips and fries. But still they can be mashed, boiled, broiled, sautéed and baked.
So if you happen to spot some blue potatoes, uh, out of the blue, go grab and take home some. Here are some of the many reasons why doing that can give your health a huge, huge favor:
Lowered Cancer Risk
Earlier, it was mentioned that the reason why blue potatoes look that way is because of the presence of anthocyanins, which are proven scientifically to possess impressive cancer-fighting properties. By including blue potatoes in your diet on a regular basis, your odds of battling cancer may be considerably reduced.
Eased Joint Pain
Do you often suffer from joints that are achy and swollen? Then try to consume more blue potatoes. One of the nicest things about anthocyanins in these eye-catching spuds is that they are superb fighters of inflammation. Instead of popping an NSAID in your mouth, it’s a much better idea to simply have more blue potatoes.
Controlled Blood Pressure
Spuds are phenomenal sources of potassium, and blue potatoes are included. And this is why regularly eating these blue-colored gems from South America can help in keeping your blood pressure from going through the roof. Maintaining a normal blood pressure is one of the secrets to lowering heart disease, heart attack and stroke risk.
Increased Immunity
Blue potatoes also contain impressive amounts of vitamin C, a nutrient so important for making the immune system a lot stronger. So instead of feeling blue because it seems like you are always catching a cold or coughing like a dog, what you need to do is include more vitamin C-rich foods like blue potatoes in your diet.
Optimized Energy Levels
Aside from vitamin C, you can also obtain loads of B vitamins from blue potatoes. Nutrition experts say that B vitamins are important for providing your body with energy. What’s more, B vitamins are superb at fighting off stress because they’re needed for healthy and optimally-functioning nerves.
Reduced Weight
It’s no secret that fries and potato chips are fattening, but it’s not really the fault of spuds — it’s due to the way they’re prepared or cooked. Provided that you consume them in moderation, blue potatoes can actually help you shed off unwanted pounds as they are very low in fat and very high in fiber that’s heavy on the tummy.
Lowered Constipation Risk
And speaking of fiber, consuming blue potatoes on a regular basis can actually help in making you regular. So in other words, these exceptionally-colored spuds can keep constipation from pestering you. A diet that’s high in fiber, say experts, may also lower your chances of having hemorrhoids and especially colon cancer.
Have you already seen blue potatoes in person and have you tried them? If so, feel free to share your experience with them in the comments section below. And also, kindly share this article on social media to let your family and friends know about these super nutritious blue-colored South American beauties!
