These days we can’t stop eating purple. Aside from being the food hue “on trend,” according to experts from Whole Foods Market who say purple produce is flying off the shelves, the royal shade is also associated with nutrient density and antioxidants. Yeah! Plus, isn’t a plate of purple just more fun? Here are our favorite purple food picks.
Purple Cauliflower. No, the purple cauliflower popping up in grocery stores everywhere hasn’t been dyed or genetically modified. It gets its color from the presence of the antioxidant anthocyanin, which is also in red wine and purple cabbage. These flavonoids are shown to support brain and liver health, prevent cancer and reduce high cholesterol. Whoa!
Purple Sweet Potatoes. Is it really possible for the already nutritionally astounding sweet potato to up its ante? Yes! Meet the Okinawan potato, which tastes similar to its orange cousin but also delivers anthocyanins (benefits above). Did we mention these flavonoids also aid digestion and have anti-inflammatory properties?
Purple Asparagus. No, it’s not too good to be true. Purple asparagus is a real thing. Originally cultivated in Albenga, Italy, it tastes similar to the green spears we’re used to seeing in the store but is packed with, you guessed it, anthocyanins! And, just like the green variety, purple is asparagus is also an excellent source of B vitamins, iron and copper.
Acai Berries. We can’t write about purple foods and not extol the benefits of this original superfood. While the Amazonian berries have certainly seen their day in the sun, well, er, your fridge or freezer most likely, there’s good reason to keep eating those acai bowls. Acai is packed with fiber, protein and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. The berries are also rich in Vitamin A, calcium and offer the “highest phytochemical content of any fruit or vegetable,” according to an article published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. What’s more, it’s hard to say no to a delicious acai bowl topped with our favorite crunchy coconut and mulberries. Yes, please!
Black Rice. When cooked, Black rice actually looks more, well, purple, but it’s its impressive nutrient profile that puts it on our list. Bite for bite, black rice is more nutritious than it’s white and brown counterparts with 6-times more antioxidants. Black rice is also rich in iron, vitamin E and that purple-food antioxidant anthocyanin. In fact, Black rice is shown to beat blueberries for its antioxidant powers. Plus, it’s hard to beat its delicious mild, nutty flavor. Here’s our favorite way to enjoy it.
