The question of whether eating raw potatoes is bad for you is a popular topic of discussion. Some people think that it is unhealthy, while others say that it is healthy. It is important to know the facts before you decide. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Solanine
Solanine is a glycoalkoloid compound, and it is found in potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants and other nightshade plants. It is a natural pesticide and deterrent to insects, but it is also a potential hazard. Eating potatoes with high levels of solanine can result in serious illness and even death. Symptoms include nausea, headache, vomiting, abdominal pain and loss of sensation.
To prevent solanine poisoning, avoid eating green potatoes. Also, avoid potatoes that have sprouts. These are usually associated with high solanine content. Generally, if the potato is cooked, the solanine will not be a problem. However, if it is eaten raw, it may pose some risks.
Although solanine is present in all potatoes, it is typically in low concentrations. The levels of solanine in potatoes can increase dramatically when the potatoes are stored for long periods of time.
If you eat raw potatoes, you should remove the peel to reduce solanine. This is because the peel is one of the main sources of antinutrients, which inhibit enzymes in the body. When these antinutrients are removed, it is easier for the body to absorb nutrients from the rest of the food.
Potatoes are a good source of starch, vitamin B6, and potassium. Having these nutrients in your diet is important for many physiological functions. Vitamin B6 is vital for the brain’s ability to communicate with the other parts of the body. For example, it helps in the formation of hemoglobin, a protein that enables the body to carry oxygen.
Solanine is produced by potatoes when they are exposed to extreme heat or light. This is why potatoes turn green when they are in storage for a long time. But potatoes that are cooked or stored in an airtight container will have lower solanine levels than those that are not. Moreover, cooking improves the taste of potatoes.
Getting sick from eating solanine-rich potatoes is rare. Some cases of solanine poisoning have been reported in people, dogs, and farm animals. Since these occurrences are rare, it is hard to know the exact risk of solanine poisoning. One of the most common causes of solanine poisoning is ingesting green potatoes. In these instances, the onset of symptoms can be delayed up to a day. Symptoms include abdominal pain, dizziness, dilated pupils, vomiting, and fever.
As with any dietary choice, the amount of solanine you consume is dependent on your individual tolerance. Generally, about 0.6 mg of solanine is considered to be the safest level of solanine to ingest. A person who weighs about 110 pounds would be expected to vomit about 3.5 ounces of solanine-rich potatoes.
Although the benefits of eating raw potatoes are numerous, it is always wise to cook the potatoes before consuming them. Raw potatoes contain antinutrients that inhibit the absorption of other nutrients in the food, and they are particularly concentrated in the peel.
Anti-nutrients
Potatoes are rich sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are important to health. But they can also contain compounds known as anti-nutrients. These substances act as enzyme inhibitors, making it difficult for your body to absorb the nutrients it needs.
Some of these compounds are toxic. They can cause a variety of symptoms, including stomach aches, bloating, and cramps. You should only eat potatoes in moderation. If you experience adverse symptoms, consider peeling them before eating.
While the majority of potato tubers are relatively safe when eaten uncooked, others are highly poisonous. One type of toxic compound is glycoalkaloids. Research suggests that higher levels of these compounds in your bloodstream can lead to more serious problems. Several cases of human poisoning have been linked to potato consumption. Among them are 30 deaths and 12 cases of hospitalization.
Another type of compound is solanine. This compound can cause drowsiness and itchiness in your intestines. It can also cause fevers and headaches. The presence of solanine in raw potatoes increases your risk for foodborne illness.
Other types of anti-nutrients are lectins and protease inhibitors. Lectins are proteins that bind to carbohydrates. When present in large amounts, they interfere with the absorption of minerals and other nutrients. In addition, they can cause an allergic reaction. A protease inhibitor can block digestion of protein.
Anti-nutrients can also affect the way we absorb nutrients from other foods. For example, they inhibit the production of acetylcholinesterase, a substance needed for nerve impulse conduction. When potatoes are cooked, their lectin content decreases. However, this reduction is not enough to completely eliminate their impact on your body.
There are a number of ways you can reduce the amount of anti-nutrients in your food. For instance, you can eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, you can avoid consuming potatoes that are sprouted. Sprouts can be a source of contaminants.
Potatoes are rich in vitamin C, which is an essential water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin C helps your immune system function. It also serves as a key antioxidant. Vitamin C is also important for wound healing. To maximize your intake of vitamin C, choose potatoes that are steamed or baked.
Unlike other types of starch, resistant starch is not broken down during cooking. It is fermented by the flora of your large intestine. Once this process occurs, the resistant starch is transformed into a type of sugar, called butyrate. Several studies have suggested that butyrate can improve insulin sensitivity and enhance weight loss. Those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome have also reported favorable effects from using butyrate therapy.
To avoid anti-nutrients, you should wash your potatoes thoroughly. You should also make sure to slice them in a way that allows you to remove the skin. Lastly, you should make sure they are well roasted.
Digestive issues
While eating raw potatoes can be fun and satisfying, there are also some possible risks. Among them is a chemical known as solanine. This compound is toxic in large doses, and can cause serious health problems if ingested. Even a small amount can cause nausea and vomiting.
Potatoes are an important food source for humans. They provide vital vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, potassium, folate, and phosphorus. Additionally, they contain a special type of starch called resistant starch. Resistant starch passes through the digestive tract unnoticed and is absorbed by the gut microbiome. It can be a good thing, because the bacteria in our intestines transform this starch into useful metabolites. However, this process can cause gas and bloating.
Potatoes should not be stored in the refrigerator or near sunlight. They should be washed thoroughly and peeled to prevent soil bacteria from entering the potato. If you do eat potatoes, it is best to make sure they are cooked. Cooking will remove the lectins that can be found in raw potato skin. These lectins are water-soluble proteins that attach to carbohydrates.
Potatoes that have been stored for a long period of time are prone to sprouting. Sprouts can be harmful to humans because they contain alkaloids. Alkaloids are toxic compounds. The presence of these in your body can lead to gastrointestinal disorders such as bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.
Raw potatoes also have a number of other ingredients that can be potentially harmful to your health. Some of these include lectins, solanine, and glycoalkaloids. Lectins are protein binders that can inhibit the absorption of essential nutrients. Lectins can cause an upset stomach and even diarrhea. Solanine, on the other hand, is a naturally occurring compound in potatoes.
Glycoalkaloids are toxic compounds in high concentrations. In particular, green potatoes can be very harmful to your digestive system. Eating too much of this compound can cause severe headaches, gastrointestinal discomfort, and vomiting. Luckily, this is not a problem if you eat plenty of other vegetables and fruits.
Aside from causing gastrointestinal problems, eating too many raw potatoes can increase your risk of contracting a foodborne illness. To reduce the risk, try to eat a variety of foods, and practice safe food handling techniques.
You can enjoy both raw and cooked potatoes in moderation. However, if you notice any adverse symptoms, you should cut back. Keep in mind that you should also avoid nightshade plants, which include eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes. Pregnant women and people with insulin resistance or obesity should avoid potatoes.
Besides being delicious, potatoes provide a number of nutritional benefits. Vitamins and phytochemicals in raw potatoes can help improve your immune system, wound healing, and brain communication. Another reason to eat them is their fiber content. Fiber enhances gut health and lowers the amount of cholesterol and inflammation in your body.
