Potato, also known as potato or Irish potato, is a common guest on people's dinner tables in winter. It is highly nutritious and is known as the "second bread" for humans, and is also called the "underground apple". It is an excellent vegetable for nourishment and health in winter. However, when eating potatoes in winter, people should pay special attention to the following points to prevent accidents such as poisoning.
Do not eat with the skin on
Potatoes contain a toxic substance called solanine. Ingesting large amounts of this substance can cause acute poisoning. This toxic substance is mostly concentrated in its skin, more so in red or purple skins than in yellow skins, and increases with the depth of the green color caused by light exposure. Therefore, it is essential to peel the potatoes before eating, especially to thoroughly remove any green skin, because even if the potato is boiled with the skin on and then peeled, about 10% of the solanine from the skin can be transferred to the flesh. In addition, sprouted potatoes are even more toxic, with solanine content being 100 times that of normal potatoes. Therefore, when eating, the sprouts and their roots must be dug out. Since this substance is water-soluble, the potato should be soaked in clean water. Furthermore, this substance decomposes easily when exposed to acetic acid, and high heat and thorough cooking can also detoxify it. Therefore, it is best to stew it over high heat, and adding some vinegar during cooking is more conducive to the decomposition of toxic substances. To prevent poisoning, potatoes that have sprouted a lot should be discarded. If poisoning occurs, one should seek medical attention immediately.
Cold potato salad
People with a weak spleen and stomach (spleen and stomach cold) should avoid excessive consumption
Potatoes have a laxative effect, so people with a weak spleen and stomach who are prone to diarrhea should eat them in moderation or not at all.
Pregnant women should avoid eating them
If pregnant women frequently eat potatoes with high solanine content, it may accumulate in the body and potentially lead to fetal malformation, so it is best to eat them in moderation. Pregnant women should especially avoid eating long-stored sprouted potatoes to prevent miscarriage due to poisoning.
Do not freeze
Potatoes should be stored in a cool place, not in direct sunlight or frozen. Potatoes that have been frozen cannot be eaten.