‘Purple plate’ trick REDUCES colon cancer risk?

When it comes to the litany of cancers that are out there, colon cancer is one of the most aggressive – and deadliest.

In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), colon cancer is now the THIRD leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States!

And the risk of colon cancer only INCREASES as you age…

Routine screenings and checkups are the single best way to detect any issues or abnormalities in your colon.

But according to new research, you may be able to PREVENT colon cancer by trying this simple ‘purple plate’ trick the next time you sit down for dinner.

Let me explain…

An animal study out of Pennsylvania State University found eating PURPLE POTATOES significantly reduces the risk of colon cancer.

Purple potatoes aren’t the common variety of potatoes you usually find… but studies have found that these potatoes do a lot more than add some color to your plate.

Purple potatoes are rich in phenolic acids and anthocyanins – which are antioxidants that have potential anticancer properties.

Researchers discovered that when feeding pigs a diet rich in purple potatoes, they experienced significantly lower levels of an inflammatory marker called interleukin-6 (IL-6).

This is important because studies have found that IL-6 is a pro-inflammatory protein known to increase your colon cancer risk.

But, this study found that IL-6 levels were a whopping 6X LOWER with a diet abundant in purple potatoes.

It should be noted that these findings are based on animal studies, and more studies on purple potatoes and colon cancer in humans continues to be done.

However, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t find a place for these bright, vibrant potatoes on your dinner plate!

Other, human studies on purple potatoes have found that antioxidants in these potatoes (phenolic acids and anthocyanins) can help ward off chronic inflammation – which is the root of many diseases. So there are many benefits to be reaped.

Purple potatoes are sometimes hard to find, but if your local grocery store has an organic produce section, chances are they will be there. You can also find them at local farmer’s markets in your area.

And when it comes to your colon health, regular screenings and exams (especially if you’re over the age of 50) is the best preventive measure you can take to prevent colon cancer.

But adding some purple potatoes to your plate certainly can’t hurt, either!

To stopping colon cancer,

Sarah Reagan

Sources:

Washburn, Joanne. “Purple potatoes may help prevent colon cancer.” https://www.food.news/2022-01-18-purple-potatoes-help-prevent-colon-cancer.html