Potatoes kept at home for a long time begin to sprout, and many people still cook various dishes with them. But eating sprouted potatoes can be dangerous. Why?

According to biologists, the potato itself produces a kind of toxin called solanine. The potato plant tries to stop insects or germs from damaging the tuber, so it makes the toxin solanine itself.

In the state in which potatoes are normally eaten, solanine production has not yet begun, so they do no harm to the body. But as soon as a potato sprouts, the toxin begins to form in it.

Many people cut off the sprouts and cook the rest. Even so, eating such potatoes can poison the body. So what happens if you eat sprouted potatoes?

If a small amount of the solanine in potatoes enters the body, it can cause stomach problems, and many people may also get headaches.

In larger amounts it can send someone into a coma, and can even cause death. Taking in solanine over a long period damages the nerves.

You may wonder how a humble potato can be dangerous. To stop potatoes from sprouting, store them in a dark, cool place.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.