Potatoes are a staple of many diets and can be eaten raw or cooked safely. While cooked potatoes taste less bitter, eating them raw can provide you with more nutrients than you would receive if you ate them cooked. Green potatoes, with sprouts or buds, should never be eaten, because they contain a toxin that has been known to cause death. Avoid green potatoes, whether served raw or cooked, to safeguard your health.
Raw Potatoes Can Be Eaten Safely
Many people enjoy raw potatoes, and while there are a few caveats, for most people they are a safe and nutritious snack. Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium and vitamin C. Clean any potatoes thoroughly that you plan to eat. Remove any spouts or buds. Raw potatoes may taste bitter, compared to cooked potatoes, but their taste is preferred by some potato eaters.
Raw Potatoes May Cause Stomach Upset
For some, raw potatoes can cause digestive irritation, due to their bulk and to several enzyme prohibitors, found primarily in the skin. If this is a concern, remove the skin to lessen some of the irritating effects. While much of the nutrients in a potato are concentrated in the skin, removing it may lessen intestinal discomfort, and therefore may be worth the trade in nutrition.
Avoid Bacteria With Thorough Cleaning
Because potatoes are grown below the soil, they require thorough washing to remove dirt and bacteria. Eating them raw means you will not be cooking away any dangerous bacteria, so cleanse well with soapy water before eating. Failure to clean the potatoes thoroughly can result in bacterial illness. With a thorough wash, raw potatoes are perfectly safe to eat.
Green Potatoes Contain Solanine
Potatoes that are significantly green contain solanine, a toxin known to cause delirium, diarreah, shock, and in some cases, death. To avoid solanine poisoning, avoid cooked or raw potatoes with excessive green coloring, and those with sprouts or buds. The areas with the most green, and with numerous buds, have excessive concentrations of the dangerous toxin. Seek immediate medical assistance if you think you have consumed solanine from a green potato.
Member Comments