When you leave them in storage for too long, potatoes turn green and begin to sprout, leading to the never-ending debate about whether it’s safe to eat them. On the one hand, you may not take it seriously and cut off the part that has sprouted; Experts say don’t do it!

According to Dr. Dimple Jangra, sprouted potatoes are poisonous and cause food poisoning – and potentially even death. “Please throw them away; do not consume them. This can cause toxicity and toxicity. This is because these particular sprouts are releasing toxic compounds,” she told her followers on Instagram.

Why are sprouted potatoes dangerous?,

Potatoes are a natural source of solanine and chaconine – two glycoalkaloid compounds naturally found in various other foods, including eggplant and tomatoes. When consumed in small amounts, glycoalkaloids provide health benefits that include antibiotic properties and blood-sugar- and cholesterol-lowering effects.

However, they become poisonous and even life-threatening when eaten in large quantities.

experts say green color comes from chlorophyllWhich is not toxic but is an indication that it has additional glycoalkaloid concentrations that need to be dealt with. As potatoes begin to sprout, the amount of glycoalkaloids in them begin to increase, which gives rise to your symptoms, which usually appear within a few hours to a day of eating sprouted potatoes. “Solanine, a toxic compound, in high doses can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even neurological symptoms,” Dr. Jangda said.

Other serious symptoms of solanine poisoning include:

• low blood pressure
• rapid pulse
• high fever
• Headache
• Confusion
• Death

How to reduce poisoning from sprouted potatoes?,

The best way to reduce and remove the toxicity of potatoes is to throw them away, but if the greens and sprouts are concentrated in only a small area, you can remove them with a sharp knife and cook with the rest of the potatoes. However, since cooking does not destroy these compounds, it is not recommended to cook or eat potatoes with sprouts or green parts.

Best Ways to Store Potatoes to Reduce Sprouting

Most people buy potatoes in bulk as they are used mostly in everyday food and cooking. However, to prevent spoilage, be sure to store them in a cool, dark place and always keep them away from onions, which release gases and can cause potatoes to germinate faster.

• Always keep the sack of potatoes in a well-ventilated area such as a pantry or cabinet.
• avoid high temperatures
• keep them away from kitchen appliances
• Make sure the potatoes are away from direct sunlightBecause solanine is formed when exposed to light
• Do not place potatoes in the refrigerator or freezer before cooking, as cold temperatures cause the starch to convert to sugar, resulting in a loss of sweet flavor and color when cooked.

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