Purple corn: the complete guide

Purple corn comes to us from the heights of the Andes Mountains. Surprising because of its strange color, this superfood has a few tricks in its bag.

Long consumed by the inhabitants of South America, it is now used by Peruvians to create a drink recognized as very nutritious: Chicha Morada. The purple corn is also the star element of a cake named La Mazamorra Morada, a specialty of Lima.

But what does this superfood growing deep in South America contain?

Quick navigation :

• The benefits of purple corn
• The origins of purple corn
• Expert opinions
• Adverse effects
• Dosage
• Where to buy?

 

The benefits of purple corn

The anthocyanins (natural pigments) contained in this superfood provide it with antioxidant power. Many benefits are linked to this famous property.

 

Fight against aging

Purple corn promotes the creation of collagen and cell renewal as well as that of connective tissues.

 

Maintaining the health of the cardiovascular system

Purple corn tends to reduce blood clots, to fight against hypertension as well as to lower blood pressure. This superfood could also make it possible to fight against the process of atherosclerosis (loss of elasticity of the arteries).

 

And many other properties…

The Anthocyanins present in purple corn also help regulate and reduce cholesterol, improve blood circulation, eliminate toxins and have an anti-inflammatory effect.

The origins of purple corn

 

Purple corn grows in remote areas at an altitude of 3000m. Being cultivated at the top of the Andes in countries such as Peru, Bolivia, Argentina (etc.), this superfood does not contain GMO and grows thanks to traditional methods of culture. Purple corn gets its famous color from its high anthocyanin content and was consumed by the Incas for more than 2500 years. Used as a food in its own right, as a supplement or simply to give a little color to a dish, purple corn has many properties.

Expert opinions

 

Studies have been conducted in Japan to demonstrate that purple corn had a positive effect against the development of colon cancer. Indeed, this superfood would make it possible to modify its progress and minimize the risks of development. However, these studies have only been tested on rats. So we are not sure that it would have the same effects on humans.

A second study conducted in the United States demonstrated that the anthocyanins present in purple corn kill 20% of cancer cells (in vitro). This rate is much higher than the results obtained with grapes, elderberries, etc. But once again, the effects on humans have not been demonstrated.

Adverse effects

There are no known adverse effects to date. However, purple corn would not be recommended for people with low blood pressure.

Dosage 

How much per day?

To date, there is no recommended amount. Purple corn is suitable for daily consumption.

 

How to consume purple corn?

Purple corn can be found in the form of powder or flour. Its taste is mild, rather with a sweet tendency. That is why it is possible to use it in sweet or savory recipes: smoothies, cakes, bread, puree. It will also give a surprising color to your preparations!

Where to buy ?

Purple corn is difficult to find in organic stores. However, you can find it on the internet.