Signs of solanine poisoning. Corned beef in potato

The fact that corned beef in potatoes is dangerous to health has been heard by many people. But not everyone can say for sure which tubers are dangerous and how much of this substance must enter the body in order for poisoning to occur. Until now, you can find quite conflicting opinions. Some experts argue that after heat treatment the poison is completely neutralized, while others say that this toxin can be used to treat certain diseases.

What is corned beef

Corned beef is a poison of plant origin, which consists of glucose and solanoidin. This is a crystalline substance, which is almost insoluble in water, but quickly diluted in alcohols. Corned beef is found in all vegetation, which belongs to the nightshade family.

This toxic substance is found in all parts of plants, but it is least found in potato tubers. It is also found in eggplant and tomatoes. It is not enough in potatoes only if the tubers are stored correctly and the shelf life does not exceed 3 months. Six months later, corned beef in potato tubers is added, and most of all in germinated or greened fruits.

Is it possible to poison corned beef

Corned beef is a toxic substance that theoretically can be poisoned. But this is only possible if the following conditions are met:

• Boiled sprouted potatoes with peel are used as food.
• Man eats green potatoes.
• Unripe tomatoes are consumed fresh.
• Eggplants are not peeled before cooking.

But no one does this, therefore, in practice, poisoning by corned beef from potatoes or other vegetables does not occur. But cases of poisoning with a poisonous substance from other sources are quite possible. This can happen if you accidentally or deliberately eat berries from potato tops or green nightshade. In such berries, the content of poison is very high.

Green tomatoes can only be used for conservation, under the influence of acetic acid, the poison is completely neutralized.

What dosage is considered dangerous

The poison in potatoes, which are well ripened, is only 0.05%. However, in old, sprouted or greened root crops, its concentration is greatly increased and poses a danger to humans.

In order to get mild poisoning, it is enough to eat 20 mg of corned beef, which is available in sprouted and greened potatoes. Most often, such poisonings are observed in the spring, when people eat up last year's potato stocks..

The lethal dose of corned beef is 200-400 mg. Dosage depends on the weight of the person and his health.

But, it is worth noting that this toxic substance is not completely absorbed in the intestine, therefore, in order for such a quantity of poison to enter the blood, it is necessary to eat an order of magnitude more than this dangerous substance. In life, this is very problematic to implement.

The main symptoms of solanine poisoning

Poison in green potatoes can cause poisoning, which will primarily affect the digestive system. Intoxication of the body is manifested by such unpleasant symptoms:

• a feeling of nausea that almost always turns into vomiting;
• severe diarrhea;
• cramping abdominal pain;
• bitterness in the mouth;
• a sore throat.

A couple of hours after eating a large amount of green potatoes or berries from it, the absorption of the toxin into the blood begins. At this time, dangerous signs of effects on the cardiovascular system, as well as the nervous, urinary and respiratory, are manifested. Shortness of breath, general weakness in the muscles and joints, lethargy, migraine, dizziness and a decrease in the volume of urine are observed. If you do a urinalysis, you can find a large amount of protein, part of which is hemoglobin.

If solanine poisoning is too severe, then such life-threatening symptoms appear:

• Is falling blood pressure, sometimes to critical points.
• Palpitations.
• Possible interruptions in the work of the heartwhich then slow down the rhythm.

Under the influence of the toxin, red blood cells are destroyed, all muscle groups begin to twitch, which then turns into intense cramps. Behind this condition paresis and general paralysis begin. Death  comes from a malfunction of the respiratory center.

First aid to the injured

Emergency care should be started at the first suspicion of intoxication, when the bulk of the toxic substance did not have time to absorb into the blood. Assistance is provided in the following order:

• The stomach cavity is washed with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. The procedure is performed until the waste water contains food impurities.

At home, it is allowed to rinse the stomach for adults and children over 7 years old. For young children and patients in an unconscious state, flushing is performed only in a hospital hospital.

• The intestines are washed with a weak saline solution or a pharmacy rehydron solution.
• Adsorbents are given to the poisoned person - activated carbon, polysorb or enterosgel.
• The patient is given astringents - tannin or a decoction of oak bark.
• It is recommended to give the victim enveloping products - mashed ripe bananas, jelly, full-fat milk or butter.

After first aid, an ambulance crew must be called in. If necessary, the victim is hospitalized and in a hospital, the body is cleansed of toxins by all available methods. The gastric cavity is washed again, an accelerated diuresis procedure is carried out, various solutions are administered intravenously and hemodialysis is performed according to indications.

Symptomatic treatment is prescribed without fail, which is aimed at normalizing breathing, stabilizing the work of the kidneys and heart. Patients with severe forms of corned beef poisoning are prescribed antibacterial drugs to prevent the development of infection.

Preventative measures

At heat treated  corned beef is completely destroyed only at temperatures above 250 degrees. That is, during cooking and frying, it remains in the final product. To protect yourself and your family from this toxic substance, you should adhere to such rules:

• You can not eat sprouted potatoes.
• Green areas on potato tubers are cut along with part of the pulp.
• It is necessary to store potatoes correctly. Before laying for storage, the tubers are well dried and stored in cool and dry places that are equipped with ventilation.

It is worth remembering that tuber growth begins at elevated temperature and humidity. Under such conditions, the amount of toxic substance in potatoes increases sharply and it becomes unsuitable for consumption.

Potatoes are our second bread. Potato dishes are popular at any time of the year. It can be eaten in the form of mashed potatoes, and fried, and boiled, and even in. But, not everyone knows that this wonderful root crop can, under certain conditions, be very dangerous to our health.

The Spaniards brought potatoes to Europe in the 16th century. At first, this strange plant was an inhabitant of only botanical gardens. As food, “peanuts” began to be used later, and even out of ignorance, ordinary people tried to use leaves and fruits for food. The strongest corned beef poison, found in green fruits, caused severe poisoning, making us suspicious of this overseas plant. In general, at first, our present second bread did not enjoy any love. In the XVIII century, fearing hunger in their countries, the governments of Germany, France and some other countries forced the peasants to plant potatoes, although this already explained what its benefits were. Potato bread was cheap and in those hungry times was the main food of the poor.

Potatoes contain proteins, starch - which contain almost all the mineral salts necessary for the body, vitamins (C, PP, K, groups B) and amino acids. In addition to the nutritional value, potato tubers also have healing properties. For example, with anemia and joint disease, a potato diet is prescribed. Potato juice treats gastritis and a stomach ulcer. Peeled baked potatoes are recommended for cardiovascular diseases.

What is the danger of corned beef?

The danger of potatoes lies in the fact that its tubers, which have lain for some time in the light, turn green, since chlorophyll is formed in them. And at the same time, under the influence of direct or scattered sunlight, the amount of toxic substance of glucoalkoloid increases corned beef. Therefore, green potatoes cannot be used either as food or as livestock feed. The same goes for sprouted potatoes.

There is saline in the sprouted tubers

Corned beef mainly accumulates in tops and peels. Therefore, when cleaning tubers, the bulk of the corned beef is cut off. But, in any case, if the tuber is more than a quarter green, it is not suitable for food. The content of corned beef is high in unripe, young and small potatoes. When it ripens, by autumn - the amount of sunflower decreases, and again increases - with prolonged (until spring and summer) or improper storage.

Signs of corned beef poisoning

Corned beef is not destroyed either during cooking or when frying potatoes. Therefore, when eating boiled or fried green potatoes, poisoning is possible. When poisoning appears heaviness in the stomach, nausea, vomiting. Breathing becomes heavy, the pulse is uneven. To help with severe poisoning, gastric lavage and laxative enemas are necessary. With mild forms of poisoning, they drink cold strong tea or coffee.

In very small doses, solanine has even healing properties  (depending on health, age, well-being and weight of the person). Severe solanine poisoning occurs if you immediately eat a kilogram of green potatoes, directly with the peel.

If you buy potatoes for storage for the winter, then it is better to buy one that is offered in canvas bags, and not in nylon nets. In a dense bag, the potato does not see the light and saline does not form in it. It is necessary to store potatoes in dark rooms without access of light.

But for seed potatoes - landscaping is useful. Since rodents do not use such potatoes for food, and it is less susceptible to disease. And the yield of green potatoes is higher.

Potato benefit or harm

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How to understand that there was solanine poisoning, and what should I do? Who and how can they poison them? Answers to pressing questions for people who value the health of their loved ones.

Solanine poisoning is still common. The reason for such sad statistics, like a couple of centuries ago, is the lack of knowledge about this substance. Fortunately, to get a lethal dose from the usual products, you need to try very hard.

What is solanine?

Solanin - what is it?

It is a glycoalkaloid of plant origin. He owes his name to the nightshade of the nightshade family. This poisonous plant glycoside performs a number of important functions in wildlife. One of them is the prevention of eating young shoots by animals and insects. We can say that this poison was developed by nature and to protect against humans.

Initially poisonous to humans, plants have long and tightly entered the diet of almost all world cultures. The most popular member of the family remains potatoes. Tomatoes, eggplant and sweet peppers are also universally loved.

On the table are parts of plants with an absolutely harmless substance content. But under certain circumstances, they accumulate such an amount of poison that can be poisoned. Outbreaks of intoxication in the 20th century occur during wartime, hungry lean periods, and are mainly associated with potatoes.

Solanin: benefits and harms

It has antifungal and insecticidal effects. It is proved that the substance content in potato tubers grows if the plant attacks mold or insects underground. We can say that this representative of nightshade is trying to heal himself.

Sources of Solanine Poisoning

The benefits of the unique glycoalkaloid have not yet been fully disclosed.  It is now known that its structure is close to animal cortisone and cardiac glycosides. Based on a close relative of solasodine, cortisone was synthesized at the dawn of the use of hormonal drugs.

Only thanks to this method they are available in pharmacies. This plant glycoside plays a separate role in the agrotechnological field. With its help, powerful insecticides are made.

But the benefits and harms here are equivalent. Do not forget that this is a powerful poison. Any doctor will confirm that you can not self-medicate with this highly toxic drug under any circumstances.

At home, it is impossible to determine the percentage of the substance in a particular plant, therefore all recipes will not be accurate, and the consequences of such treatment can be fatal.

Solanine is found in green potatoes

Solanin Venom

Solanine poisoning can be predicted if a product with a substance content of about 40 mg per 100 g enters the body. The risk group is people with immature or weakened immunity: children, the elderly, chronically ill, pregnant and lactating women.

The properties

1. The ability to accumulate in the body. This should be remembered with the frequent use of nightshade.
2. The taste is bitter. Helps to determine that food is unfit for consumption.
3. Resistance to high temperatures. Vegetables with a high content of poison will not lose their toxicity after cooking.

Of the more familiar to people as nightshade food, elevated levels of toxin can be found in potatoes. The most toxic parts are berries, tops, green areas of tubers and sprouts. However, it is a mistake to assume that the green pigment is the color of solanine. Chlorophyll synthesized by sunlight is responsible for it.

It only indicates the presence of an alkaloid there. The poison may be present in potatoes without color, if the root crop has been stored for more than 6 months. An increase in the shelf life only multiplies the toxin that accumulates in the peel and the layer under it.

Solanine poisoning: precautions

The poison in eggplant rises after maturity.  This is easy to notice by the appearance of the vegetable. The dark surface wrinkles and ceases to shine. Lack of watering has the same effect.

Unlike previous representatives, tomato fruits contain the most toxin in an unripe, green state. Tomatoes come to ripeness almost without it.

Getting a lethal amount of toxin into a healthy adult's body is almost impossible. Rather, we can talk about cumulative poisoning with effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of such intoxication are typical of many food poisons.

Symptoms

• drowsiness, lethargy;
• bloating;
• sharp-smelling loose stools;
• nausea and vomiting;
• gripping abdominal pains with localization in the umbilical region;
• increased salivation.

But the effect on children threatens with more serious symptoms affecting the central nervous system and blood cells. Particular care must be taken with the fact that the child eats from the garden. In history, there are many cases of poisoning by potato or nightshade fruits.

Symptoms

• hallucinations;
• strong headache;
• loss of orientation in space;
• dilated pupils;
• leg cramps.

Symptoms of Solanine Poisoning

First aid for poisoning

For some, intoxication can go without unnecessary complications, and for someone it can cost health or life. Therefore, if there are appropriate signs, you should contact the clinic or call an ambulance.

Solanine venom usually does not manifest itself with pronounced symptoms. Such deviations may be due to other toxins or the onset of many diseases. A diagnosis based on an anamnesis and test results is a strictly medical matter.

Solanine in the blood is confirmed by erythrocytes destroyed during hemolysis. In the analysis of urine, this is reflected in the high protein content.

When is it necessary to call an ambulance?

• In the presence of symptoms of toxemia in the child. The younger the baby, the more quickly you need to act.
• If there are signs of poisoning in a pregnant woman. It is necessary as soon as possible to prevent the possible effect of the poison on the fetus and weakened organism of the expectant mother.
• In the presence of blood in the vomit and feces of an adult. These signs indicate a deeper lesion.
• With a rapidly worsening condition of the patient.

In anticipation of an ambulance, feasible measures should be taken:

1. Induce vomiting if this does not occur naturally.
2. Do not try to stop natural vomiting and loose stools. The body cleans itself.
3. Since a large amount of liquid comes out with vomiting and feces, it is necessary to maintain a water-salt balance with heavy drinking in order to prevent dehydration.
4. Take any enterosorbent. Both enterosgel and activated carbon are suitable.

Resuscitators and toxicologists are involved in severe poisoning with alkaloids. There is no antidote, so treatment consists in maintaining the functions of vital organs and systems.

Important information about poisonous solanine

If there is a suspicion of intoxication, but the symptoms are mild, it should be seen by a therapist. The doctor will correctly assess the current state, ask for the necessary tests and redirect to a narrower specialist.

Health effects

Most often, mild toxemia passes without consequences for human health. But severe intoxication can cause digestive problemssuch as gastritis, gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome.

The excretory system of the body that was under attack can also malfunction. Cases of kidney failure and inflammation of the liver are frequent.

Video

After watching this video, you will be much more careful about the choice of vegetables. Caution, familiar foods may contain solanine poison!