April 5, 2004
NUTRITION NEWS FOCUS
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Today's Topic: Are Potatoes Poison?

A recent study concludes that glycoalkaloids (GA), chemicals found in
potatoes, are poisonous to both humans and animals.  GA are also
found in apples, cherries and peppers.  Solanine is the principle GA
and is found around eyes or in green portions of the tubers.  These
parts of spuds should not be eaten.

GA protect plants from insects and fungi.  The authors of the article
suggest that biotechnology be used to reduce the GA content of
potatoes; it is probably not a coincidence that they work at a
biotechnology institute in the Ukraine, a country that eats more
potatoes than most.  The article was published in the March 2004
edition of Trends in Biotechnology.
< http://tinyurl.com/3c23t > Free registration is required.

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: This article is an
example of the "precautionary principle" taken to another illogical
extreme.  Yes, glycoalkaloids are toxic.  But the authors ignore the
fact that many civilizations have safely eaten potatoes for thousands
of years.  There are toxic chemicals in many plants.  But the dose is
what makes them poisonous.  Many of these toxins are thought to
provide some of the health benefits of fruits and vegetables.