Colorful Potatoes Pack More Nutrients

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

Dark pigmented potatoes score well on the ORAC anti-oxidant test.

http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/fnrb/fnrb102.htm

Colorful Potatoes Pack More Nutrients

Potatoes are not only are tasty, they also provide a good source of complex

carbohydrates, potassium, vitamin C, folic

acid and iron. Now, studies are being conducted to examine additional health

benefits of dark-pigmented varieties not

often found in the United States. That's because brightly colored orange, red

and purple potatoes might one day provide

health-promoting properties beyond those found in ubiquitous white- and

cream-colored spuds.

So far, the primary benefit likely to be derived from boldly colored potatoes

seems to be heightened antioxidant

activity. Indeed, orange-fleshed potatoes have been developed with up to four

times the antioxidants zeaxanthin and

lutein as white potatoes. In addition, the darker colored potatoes score well

against other foods in a standard test for

antioxidant capacity named ORAC, or oxygen radical absorbance capacity. The red-

and purple-fleshed potatoes achieved

ORAC scores comparable to brussels-sprouts, kale, or spinach.

And the bright colors occur naturally. The researcher identifies and selects

test plants from mainstream potato breeding

programs. Still, more research must be conducted to learn about traits such as

composition and quantity of pigment,

growing requirements, and yields before colorful spuds such a these can be

commercialized.

For more information, contact R. Brown, (509) 786-9252, Vegetable and

Forage Crops Production Research Unit,

Prosser, WA

========================

Good health & long life,

Greg ,

http://optimalhealth.cia.com.au