Purple Foods are Packing a Punch

BOSTON, Mass. (KFSN) -- Some are calling purple the new black, or new green when it comes to fruits and vegetables.

From purple asparagus, purple carrots, even purple sweet potatoes, purple is popping up everywhere, and experts say that's a good thing!

In a dessert, a smoothie, or in a salad, purple food is packing a healthy punch.

Certified holistic health coach and author, founder of New Day One Life Nutrition Mary Mcalary pinpoints the power of purple.

"It's a new rage because of the antioxidants that are contained in them," said Mcalary.

And the darker the purple, the better.

Mcalary explained, "An anthocyanin is an antioxidant that gives the food the purple color. That purple color is what is so healthy."

But is purple really better? According to the USDA, purple potatoes have four times the antioxidant potential than other potatoes. And there's more good news...

"I think the more pigment the sweeter the potato, they are delicious," Mcalary said.

Research scientist Visanti Malik from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health says purple food may be a disease fighter.

"Antioxidants are good for you because we believe they can reduce risk of cancer." Malik shared.

It's another reason Kathy Moramarco likes purple food. Both her mother and father suffered cancer.

"So I've realized that choosing blueberries and pomegranate in attempt to ward off chemo and radiation is a much better alternative," said Moramarco.

Need another reason? Drop some pounds.

Moramarco continued, "I've had my husband on a heavy fruit and vegetable pathway and he's lost 16 pounds, and he's looking pretty good so we're gonna keep adding purple foods into our diet."

And while purple is royally good for you, don't forget about your other colors...the greens, yellows and reds all have big nutritional rewards too.