Jan 5, 2009

Health - Coming soon, a 'purple' chip that tastes good and prolongs life

London, Jan 4 (ANI): They are famous among all age groups, but health experts dismiss potato chips for being unhealthy, but not anymore, for scientists may now have come up with the perfect chip, which not only tastes good, but could also prolong your life.

However, the only downside is that it is purple.

Plant scientists at the Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI) in Perthshire along with US researchers are currently developing highly pigmented purple spuds with health properties, reports the Scotsman.

The new tattie - based on a variety called Purple Majesty - will be rich in the antioxidants that protect the body against a range of conditions, including cancer and heart disease.

Dr Mark Taylor, senior researcher at the Scottish Crop Research Institute near Dundee, said: "Yes, they will look unusual with their purple skins and purple flesh.

"There is a question about whether people will eat them or not, but if we can convince people they are good for you, then why not?"

Purple and blue-skinned foods, such as grapes, plums, aubergines and blueberries, are known to be rich in anthocyanin pigments that have the antioxidant effect. (ANI)

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