All nightshade plants contain compounds called alkaloids. One alkaloid found in nightshade vegetables, solanine, may be toxic in large quantities or in a green potato. There's no evidence solanine is harmful in typical food amounts, though.
What does solanine do to the body?
Solanine poisoning is primarily displayed by gastrointestinal and neurological disorders. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, burning of the throat, cardiac dysrhythmia, nightmares, headache, dizziness, itching, eczema, thyroid problems, and inflammation and pain in the joints.
Is solanine safe to eat?
Solanine is considered a neurotoxin, and ingestion by humans can cause nausea and headaches and can lead to serious neurological problems and even death if enough is consumed. A recent study suggested that a 16-oz (450-gram) fully green potato is enough to make a small adult ill.
Why solanine is bad?
Reports of potato poisoning state that unripe, sprouting, or green potatoes contain toxic alkaloids, including solanine. When ingested, they can cause drowsiness, weakness, apathy, and gastrointestinal symptoms. This is rare — in most cases, potatoes are safe to eat and are a staple food in many countries.
How much solanine is safe?
That means that eating a 16-ounce (450 g) potato that has surpassed the acceptable level of 20 mg solanine per 3.5 ounces (100 g) would be enough to make a 110-pound (50-kg) person sick.
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