Potatoes are one of the most consumed foods in the world, but despite being so popular, many people don’t know that eating a potato that has already started to sprout can be dangerous. You might be wondering: “But can a potato with sprouts really be that bad?” The answer is yes, and the reason lies in a toxic substance that, if not treated properly, can cause serious health problems.
When a potato starts to sprout, it not only changes shape, but also goes through a chemical process that causes the concentration of solanine to increase. Solanine is a natural toxin found in potatoes, mainly in the sprouts and green parts of the potato. If ingested in large quantities, it can cause several problems in the body.
Symptoms that may appear after consuming solanine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and even severe cramps. In more severe cases, solanine poisoning can affect the nervous system, causing dizziness and even difficulty breathing. Sounds scary, right? And the worst part is that people don’t always notice the symptoms right away, which can make the situation even worse.
Many people believe that cutting off the sprouts or removing the green part of the potato makes it safe to eat. However, this is not always true. When the potato has already sprouted a lot, the toxin may have spread throughout the flesh, making it unfit for consumption, even after peeling. In other words, there is no point in thinking that it will be safe to eat just because you cut off the sprouts.
If the potato is very wilted, has green spots or even large sprouts, the best thing to do is to throw it away. Frying or boiling the potato will also not eliminate the solanine, because this substance resists heat. This means that, even after being prepared, the potato can still be dangerous to your health. Therefore, the recommendation is to avoid eating potatoes that already show these signs of deterioration.
Signs of Poisoning: How Do You Know If You Have Sprouted Potato Poisoning?
If you’ve eaten a sprouted potato and then started feeling sick, be aware of the signs. Nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, weakness, and even headaches are all symptoms that could indicate solanine poisoning. If you notice any of these symptoms after eating a potato, the most important thing is to drink plenty of water to help flush the toxin from your body and, of course, seek medical attention. Never underestimate food poisoning, especially if it involves a substance as dangerous as solanine.
A personal experience…
I remember one time when, without realizing it, I ate a potato that had some sprouts in it and it made me really sick. I thought I would just feel mildly unwell, but I ended up in the hospital because the pain in my stomach was so bad. The doctors said that, in this case, the treatment is basically to control the symptoms until the body gets rid of the toxin. Since then, whenever I see a potato with sprouts, I immediately throw it away, without any qualms! It’s better to be safe than sorry.
So, here’s a tip: when buying potatoes or preparing them at home, keep an eye out for signs of sprouts and green parts. Taking good care of your food can prevent serious problems.
