TikTok/@chef_kumink1
Brilio.net - Brilio.net - Potatoes are one of the natural food sources that are rich in nutrients and are often chosen as a nutrient-dense food in a healthy diet menu. As a source of complex carbohydrates, potatoes provide sustainable energy, unlike simple carbohydrates that are quickly digested and can cause blood sugar spikes . In addition, potatoes also contain fiber which is good for digestive health and can help maintain a feeling of fullness longer, which contributes to weight control.
Not only as a source of energy, potatoes also provide a number of important vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C contained in potatoes acts as an antioxidant, helping to fight free radicals and boost the immune system. In addition, potatoes contain vitamin B6 which is important for protein metabolism and brain function. Minerals such as potassium which are high in potatoes also help regulate blood pressure as well as body fluid balance, and support healthy muscle and nerve function.
Consuming potatoes as part of a balanced diet can provide various health benefits. But behind these benefits, this food actually contains toxins. Although the dose is quite low, these toxins can settle in the body and have bad effects.
This was once explained by a chef named Hendy Kumink. In one of the videos uploaded on his personal TikTok account, the chef explained that potatoes contain a toxic substance called solanine.
photo: TikTok/@chef_kumink1
Her upload began when a netizen revealed her child's eating patterns via the TikTok account @ucipikaboo. In the short video, the mother showed a number of real foods or healthy foods served to her child. Well, one of the foods served was potatoes.
The appearance of the potatoes in the video immediately caught Hendy's attention. As reported by BrilioFood from TikTok @chef_kumink1 on Wednesday (10/23), the potatoes appeared to have black rings on the edges. He explained that these circles are often found in tubers, including potatoes, sweet potatoes, and cassava.
photo: TikTok/@chef_kumink1
According to TikTok user @chef_kumink1, potatoes that have circles like this tend to have a bitter taste. Even if the edges are removed, the potatoes will still produce a bitter taste that is not pleasant when consumed. Therefore, these potatoes are usually just thrown away.
"If we chefs find something like this, we definitely throw it away. We don't use it. Even the middle part feels used, we don't use it, we throw it away," said TikTok @chef_kumink1.
After further investigation, the source of this bitter taste comes from the solanine contained in potatoes. Well, solanine is a type of glycoalkaloid that is naturally produced by the material as a defense mechanism against pests and pathogens. Therefore, pests will immediately die when they are about to enter the potatoes.
"Why are potatoes, cassava, or sweet potatoes planted in the ground so smooth? How come no worms can break through? Because of this. Because of the protection using this toxic substance, which if they eat it will clearly die. If we don't, it will just pile up," he explained further.
photo: TikTok/@chef_kumink1
Basically, the solanine in potatoes has a fairly low dose. However, this solanine can settle in the body and can cause poisoning if consumed in large quantities. Reported from jebms.org, symptoms of solanine poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nervous disorders such as dizziness and headaches. In severe cases, solanine poisoning can cause hallucinations, paralysis, and even death.
Furthermore, the concentration of solanine in potatoes can increase with the age of the plant. The longer it is harvested, usually, the more concentrated the solanine will be. On the other hand, potatoes that have black rings, greenish skin, and that have grown shoots also have higher concentrations of solanine.
photo: TikTok/@chef_kumink1
In a food journal reported by jebms.org, high temperatures during cooking can reduce solanine levels. According to Hendy Kumink himself, the right technique to reduce solanine is to boil potatoes. Other cooking techniques, such as steaming, baking, frying will make the substance persist and be riskier if consumed.
"Okay, even though we don't know that there are dangerous substances, but if you eat it, it's bitter. I don't even want to eat it," concluded Hendy.
Hendy's video immediately caught the attention of netizens and has been watched more than 1 million times. Many other TikTok users then gave direct responses in the comments column. Most of these netizens even admitted that they had just found out about the dangerous content in potatoes.
"Oh, thank you, bro. I once ate bitter potatoes and then swallowed them, but luckily it was okay, thank you for the very useful education," said TikTok @memet_telek.
"Real food is not just random," wrote the TikTok account @srynptr17.
"Btw, avoid potatoes with green skin too," commented the TikTok account @dearamadhanti2.
"When I cook potatoes there are black circles like that, I have to throw them away," said TikTok @na.yoii25.
"Thanks for the knowledge, sis, I really like eating potatoes so I'm more careful now," said TikTok @korunmaa.
(brl/lut)
