What Is Purple Corn?

According to The Ohio State University Extension, anthocyanin compounds give purple corn its color. Purple corn has the taste and texture of regular corn, but may have additional health benefits.

Geography

According to Dr. Ray Sahelian, a nutrition expert, purple corn production is native to South America.

Uses

You can cook purple corn like traditional corn or buy concentrated liquid extracts used for nutritional supplementation or food coloring. Locals use this crop to make a drink called chicha morada.

Benefits

Purple corn contains powerful antioxidants, and emerging research shows that compounds found in this crop may be valuable for preventing and treating cancer.

Research

According to The Ohio State University Extension, the anthocyanin compounds found in purple corn have shown to decrease the speed at which colon cancer cells grow.

Controversy

Ray Sahelian states that proponents of purple corn claim that it fights obesity. According to the USDA, a study performed by the Arkansas Children's Nutritional Center found that the anthocyanins in purple corn do nothing to prevent obesity.

References

• Dr. Ray Sahelian: Purple Corn
• Ohio State University Extension: Compounds that Color Fruits and Veggies May Protect Against Colon Cancer
• USDA: Anthocyanins: Do they really prevent obesity?