1. The Power of Colorful Vegetables: Phytochemicals
The vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables come from plant-based nutrients called ‘phytochemicals.’ These act as powerful antioxidants in our body, protecting cells from damage and lowering the risk of chronic diseases. The purple color of the purple sweet potato is also a type of phytochemical with special health benefits.
2. The ‘Anthocyanin’ in Purple Sweet Potatoes
– What is Anthocyanin?: The pigment that gives purple sweet potatoes their vivid purple color is a phytochemical from the ‘anthocyanin’ family. This is a powerful antioxidant also found in other purple plants like blueberries, eggplants, and black beans.
– Effects on Vascular Health: Anthocyanins help prevent atherosclerosis by reducing inflammation within blood vessels, strengthening vessel walls, and preventing the oxidation of bad cholesterol (LDL). Since people with diabetes are at very high risk for cardiovascular complications, this effect is extremely important.
3. Commonalities and Differences with Regular Sweet Potatoes
– Commonalities: Like regular sweet potatoes, purple sweet potatoes are also a good carbohydrate source that raises blood sugar gradually, as they are rich in dietary fiber and have a relatively low glycemic index (GI).
– Differences: While regular orange sweet potatoes are rich in ‘beta-carotene’ (good for eye health), purple sweet potatoes are distinguished by being rich in ‘anthocyanins,’ which are particularly good for vascular health.
In conclusion, any type of sweet potato is a good food for people with diabetes, but by eating different colored varieties alternately, you can consume different types of phytochemicals evenly and enjoy a broader range of health benefits.
Summary: Purple sweet potatoes offer the benefits of regular sweet potatoes, plus additional help in preventing diabetic complications, such as reducing inflammation and protecting blood vessels, thanks to their rich content of the purple pigment ‘anthocyanin.’
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