A new study performed by the researchers from Pennsylvania State University has revealed that baked purple potatoes contain compounds that might destroy colon cancer stem cells and limit the spread of cancer.

To prove this, the scientists tested the effect of whole baked purple potatoes on mice with colon cancer and found similar results. They stated that there might be several substances in purple potatoes including anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid, and resistant starch that help in killing the colon cancer cells.

The lead researcher Vanamala said that the butyric acid regulated immune function in the gut, suppressed chronic inflammation and might also help to cause cancer cells to self-destruct. He also suggested that purple potatoes could be potentially used in both primary and secondary prevention strategies for cancer.

The study is published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry.

By Lizitha