Health
Today, Okinawa is one of the regions of the world with the most centenarians, possibly due in part to their diet. The Okinawan sweet potato plays a central role. It’s rich in anthocyanins, giving it a deep purple color, and anti-inflammatory compounds. These compounds may help to protect against age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and cancer. Purple sweet potatoes are also a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, known to lower blood pressure and boost the immune system. Despite being sweet, these purple tubers have a surprisingly low glycemic index, lower even than regular potatoes, and much lower than rice. They are thought to be a safer alternative for diabetics.
