Story:
Green Potato: are very dangerous for health, Strictly Avoid This!
Potatoes are uses as a primary ingredient in many dishes. Do you know about green potatoes? These green potatoes are green due to high amount of chlorophyll. But food lovers, that green potatoes are very dangerous for health.
The scientific researches are say that green potatoes have high amount of a poisonous chemical called solanine that can lead to nausea, headaches diarrhea, vomiting & many other ailments, if it is consumed by fault. The green colour of a potato is mainly due to high amount of chlorophyll, which is basically not harmful for health. But in fact it is a signal that the amount of solanine, which is manufactured at that time when the chlorophyll is also produced, has raised too.
A current report is presented by Alexander Pavlista, who is a professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincon. In the report it was told that — a 100 pound man would have to consume nearly 16 ounces of a totally green potato to fell ill.
It was noticed that the green potatoes were never send to the market for sale. And to prevent the production of solanine, it is always suggested that potatoes should be stored in cool and dim light places, remove the green areas before its consumption.
If the taste of the green potato — is found to be bitter, than don’t consume it. This green diet would prove to be harmful so just avoid it.
Analysis:
The message states that green potatoes contain a poisonous chemical called Solanine and are very dangerous for health, warning people not to eat them. It is a fact. As potatoes turn green, the concentration of Solanine, a glycoalkaloid poison, increases, making them poisonous for human consumption.
What is Solanine
Solanine is a poisonous substance naturally occurring in potatoes and other members of the nightshade family, like tomatoes and eggplants. Solanine can be toxic even in small amounts, and in very large doses, it can also be fatal.
The Solanine poison is found throughout the potato plant, especially in green potatoes and the new sprouts. Potatoes produce small amounts of solanine as a natural defense against insects, disease and predators. But as the levels increase with prolonged exposure to light and warm or cold temperatures, it turns the potatoes green and makes them poisonous for consumption. This green color is actually the result of increased levels of chlorophyll, which by itself is harmless. But it is also a sign of increased solanine in the tuber, as it is produced at the same time as chlorophyll.
Symptoms of Potato Poisoning
Although potato poisoning is rare, it does happen from time to time. There are few reports of poisoning because of eating green potatoes or drinking potato leaf tea. Mentioned below are signs and symptoms of potato poisoning that can turn fatal in large doses:
- Delirium (sudden severe confusion and rapid changes in brain function).
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Headache
- Loss of sensation
- Lower than normal body temperature (hypothermia)
- Paralysis
- Shock
- Slow pulse
- Slowed breathing
- Stomach or abdominal pain
- Vision changes
- Vomiting
How to Prevent Solanine Poisoning
Exposing the potatoes to light, especially the fluorescent light triggers the production of solanine. This can also happen in very cold or warm temperatures. So it is always best to store them in cool, dim, or dark place, preferably between 50°F and 65°F. If they must be stored in a lighted place, they can be kept in a brown paper bag which is loosely closed for air circulation.
So remember:
- Not to eat potatoes that are spoiled or green below the skin.
- Potatoes that are not green and have had any sprouts removed are safe to eat.
- If the taste of a potato is found to be bitter, then it is better not to consume it.
Hoax or Fact:
Fact.
References:
Potato plant poisoning – green tubers and sprouts
What is Solanine? Or, Why Do Potatoes Turn Green?
The Claim: Green Potatoes Are Poisonous
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