What disease is caused by eating raw potato?

Answer 1

You will not get sick if you eat a raw potato that has no green in it. However, there are glycoalkaloids in potatoes that if exposed to light or have aged, will cause a build up of solanine or chaconine. If ingested, solanine can cause cramps, diarrhea, headaches, and in severe cases coma or death. There is no disease, only poisoning caused by eating green, raw potatoes.

Answer 2

Eating raw potatoes is generally not recommended due to the presence of certain compounds that can be harmful when consumed in large quantities. The main concern is a group of naturally occurring toxic compounds called glycoalkaloids, with solanine being the most notable.

Solanine is found in higher concentrations in the green parts of the potato, such as the skin and sprouts. When potatoes are exposed to light or stored improperly, they can develop green patches, indicating increased solanine levels. Consuming high levels of solanine can lead to solanine poisoning, which is characterized by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headaches, and in severe cases, confusion, and respiratory failure.

It's important to note that cooking potatoes at high temperatures, such as boiling, baking, or frying, can significantly reduce the solanine content and make them safe to eat. However, it's advisable to avoid eating potatoes that are green or have sprouted.

While solanine poisoning is a concern related to the consumption of raw or improperly prepared potatoes, it's not a specific disease but rather a toxic reaction to the glycoalkaloids in the potatoes. To minimize the risk of solanine poisoning, it's recommended to store potatoes in a cool, dark place, away from light, and to discard any potatoes with green patches or sprouts. If you suspect solanine poisoning or experience severe symptoms after consuming raw potatoes, seek medical attention promptly.