If you see green color or sprouts in potatoes, throw them out of the kitchen immediately; eating them could land you in the hospital.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Potatoes are a vegetable found in almost every Indian kitchen. They're called the king of vegetables because they can be paired with almost any vegetable. They're also used to make many dishes that are loved worldwide, including French fries, spiral potatoes, and cheese balls. 

It's a favorite vegetable for many people, and along with its delicious flavor, it's also considered beneficial for health. Including it in your diet offers numerous health benefits. However, certain types of potatoes can be harmful. Yes, we're talking about sprouted potatoes, which can be seriously harmful if consumed. Sprouted foods are generally considered beneficial for health, so how can sprouted potatoes be harmful? Let's explore this article. 

Why are sprouted potatoes harmful? 

Actually, two glycoalkaloid compounds named solanine and chaconine are found in sprouted potatoes, which when taken in small quantities help in controlling cholesterol and blood sugar levels. 

However, both of these compounds can be harmful to your health if consumed in excessive amounts. Excessive glycoalkaloid intake can cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, fever, rapid pulse, low blood pressure , and other problems.

Why should sprouted potatoes not be eaten?

• Toxicity: The glycoalkaloids found in sprouted potatoes are toxic to our body, causing gastrointestinal and nervous system disorders. Nausea, headache , abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and other serious problems are some of the symptoms of glycoalkaloid toxicity. 
• Bitter taste: Due to the increased amount of glycoalkaloids, sprouted potatoes can have a bitter taste, making them difficult to eat. 
• Loss of nutritional value: Sprouting destroys the nutrients present in potatoes, thereby reducing their nutritional value.

What to do?

From the information above, it's clear that sprouted potatoes are harmful to health in every way. Therefore, it's best to discard sprouted or green potatoes. If you want to reduce the toxicity of sprouted potatoes, preventing them from sprouting is the best solution. 

Just make sure you buy potatoes that will last you a week or two and store them in a cool, dark, and dry place. It's best to cook them immediately or within a few days of purchasing them.

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