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Sprouted Potatoes? Check if They're Safe to Eat
14.05.2024 13:10
Potatoes stored too long begin to sprout small white shoots.
Many people throw it away, fearing that the vegetable has become inedible or even toxic.
However, opinions on this issue are divided. Some believe that it is enough to get rid of the shoots.
Others warn against eating sprouted potatoes, claiming that they can be dangerous to your health. So what should you do in this case?
How does sprouted potato affect health?
Potatoes are a natural source of chaconine and solanine. These glycoalkaloid compounds are also found in other vegetables such as eggplant and tomato.
Glycoalkaloids, when consumed in small quantities, have a beneficial effect on health, in particular, they reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels and exhibit antibiotic properties.
However, their excess is toxic. The level of glycoalkaloids in potatoes increases when they begin to sprout. That is why it is dangerous to eat them in this case.
Symptoms of poisoning caused by eating sprouted potatoes usually appear after several dozen hours with vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. A significant overdose of glycoalkaloid compounds causes headaches, rapid pulse, fever, confusion, low blood pressure, and in extreme cases, even death.
Pregnant women should especially avoid eating sprouted potatoes, as glycoalkaloids have a negative effect on the development of pregnancy, increasing the risk of birth defects in the child.
Or maybe just remove the shoots?
Glycoalkaloids are most concentrated in the leaves, flowers, shoots and dark spots of potatoes. Removing them reduces the toxicity of the vegetable, and frying also helps.
Baking, boiling and microwaving do not give sufficient results. It is strongly recommended to throw away sprouted potatoes if their skin is wrinkled or green.
Germination can be prevented
The most proven way to avoid sprouting potatoes is not to stock up. It is worth buying the product on a regular basis. If there is no time to go shopping often, you need to pay attention to the type of potatoes you buy. Some can be stored longer than others.
There is a theory that storing potatoes next to onions will help them sprout faster, but this has not been scientifically proven.
Previously, we talked about products that do not go well with eggs .
