Potatoes contain two kinds of glycoalkaloids, both natural toxins, called solanine and chaconine. Exposure to light greatly increases the formation of chlorophyll and glycoalkaloids.
What part of potato is toxic?
The nerve toxin is produced in the green part of the potato (the leaves, the stem, and any green spots on the skin).
How much potato is poisonous?
The average potato has 0.075 mg solanine/g potato, which is equal to about 0.18 mg/kg based on average daily potato consumption. Calculations have shown that 2 to 5 mg/kg of body weight is the likely toxic dose of glycoalkaloids like solanine in humans, with 3 to 6 mg/kg constituting the fatal dose.
Do potato skins have toxins?
Glycoalkaloids occur naturally in potatoes and are toxic to humans at high levels. Glycoalkaloids are concentrated in the peel and prolonged exposure of tubers to light will stimulate the formation of glycoalkaloids near the surface of the potato tuber.
Is the green part of a potato toxic?
They may be harmful. The development of solanine in green potatoes may upset your digestion and cause discomfort or worse. Solanine that is consumed in high quantities can lead to paralysis. Potatoes don't usually have high enough levels of solanine to cause this kind of extreme reaction.
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