Parents are frequently taken aback when they discover their child eating an uncooked potato. Even though the majority of us are accustomed to eating cooked potatoes, some children appear interested in raw potatoes.
Is it safe for them, though? Eating raw potatoes does carry some potential benefits, but it also carries some risks. They do, however, contain nutrients that the body may find beneficial. However, there are some components of raw potatoes that might not be so benign.
This post will discuss the health benefits of raw potatoes, why kids are drawn to them, and any potential health issues parents should be aware of.
| Reason | Details |
| Curiosity | Children often explore new things by tasting them, and raw potatoes might simply catch their interest. |
| Texture or Taste | Some children may like the crunchy texture or bland taste of raw potatoes. |
| Nutrient Craving | The body may be craving nutrients found in potatoes, such as starch or vitamins. |
| Harm | Raw potatoes contain solanine, a compound that can cause digestive discomfort if consumed in large amounts. |
| Benefit | Potatoes contain fiber and vitamins, but cooking them makes these nutrients easier to digest. |
Because of their sensory preferences or general curiosity, some kids may eat raw potatoes, but this behavior has to be handled carefully. While there are some nutrients in raw potatoes, the presence of solanine—a toxic compound that, in larger quantities, can cause serious health problems—makes them potentially dangerous. It’s critical to be aware of the dangers and to make sure your child consumes cooked potatoes, which have the same health benefits but pose less risk.
- Why do they do this?
- Useful properties
- Possible harm
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Why do they do this?
It’s common knowledge among adults that potatoes are best when they’re boiled, fried, baked, or stewed. Adults can’t fathom consuming this product in any other way because they are so accustomed to it. Youngsters are not burdened with such knowledge or culinary customs; instead, they make innate choices about certain products based only on how well they taste.
While some toddlers manage to eat lemons, raw potatoes have a nearly neutral flavor that is neither bitter nor sour. Furthermore, potatoes are typically kept in the kitchen rather than the refrigerator, so kids can access them practically without any difficulty. On the outside, it looks like a kid-friendly apple or pear, which is usually why people try raw potatoes for the first time.
It is important to remember that children typically pick up knowledge about the world through taste and tactile experiences. Thus, if a toddler is eating raw potatoes for the first time, it may simply be an indication of curiosity, as this behavior is typical of all toddlers between the ages of 1.5 and 3.
Given that high cooking temperatures destroy up to 70% of the nutrients in boiled potatoes, while these nutrients are still present in raw potatoes, proponents of raw food theory contend that children naturally select for raw potatoes.
Regarding raw potatoes in a child’s diet, pediatricians are divided. Some argue against this addiction, pointing out that the body of a child does not require an excessive amount of starch and that potatoes have other negative qualities. Some people don’t think this is harmful.
Evgeny Komarovsky, a pediatrician well-known to mothers throughout Russia and even abroad, asserts that raw potatoes are okay in moderation. The doctor does not rule out the possibility that the child is following his natural instincts and selecting raw fruits and vegetables because he is deficient in certain vitamins, minerals, or other elements.
Useful properties
A quarter or so of the root crop is made up of starch, 80% is water, 2% is made up of proteins, and less than 5% is fat. There are a lot of organic acids in potatoes. Potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and iron are all abundant in it. This explains why many kids enjoy eating raw potatoes during the teething and nervous system development phases, when a small organism’s need for calcium and magnesium increases dramatically.
Raw potatoes are a good source of B vitamins, folic acid, and vitamins C, E, D, and K.
Potatoes speed up metabolic processes and encourage the elimination of fluid and salts because of their high potassium content. Potatoes aid in better digestion and, if present, balance out any elevated stomach acidity.
In addition to its strong anti-inflammatory and restorative properties, raw potato juice aids in the treatment of constipation tendencies. It improves the function of the urinary system and returns the heart and blood vessels to normal.
If a child enjoys eating raw potatoes, there are several solid reasons not to deny him the food. However, there are certain challenges that are linked to consuming raw potatoes. We will elaborate on them for you.
Possible harm
A potato with a hint of greenness can be harmful. Such potatoes are unfit for human consumption, and this is especially true when they are raw, even if the green color only affects a small portion of the tuber. The truth is that solanine, a toxin produced by these tubers, can manifest as symptoms of food poisoning.
Parents are advised to consider the relative toxicity of the root crop due to the alkaloids it contains if their child eats raw potatoes and they have chosen not to interfere with this process. Why potatoes are typically heat-treated before consumption is precisely to lower the amount of alkaloids they contain.
Alkaloids are extremely dangerous, as anyone who has studied organic chemistry in school is aware. Consuming large amounts of raw potatoes can cause convulsions, dizziness, hallucinations, vomiting, and diarrhea. In particular, flowers and potato leaves can be hazardous if a child decides to experiment with them. Although much lower, the amount of alkaloids in tubers is still present.
A child who eats raw potatoes may also contract intestinal stick, salmonella, or sheeteria from contaminated soil from root crops. Sadly, we don’t know much about the history of the potatoes we purchase from the market or grocery store. Pathogens of microorganisms can be destroyed by thermal treatment (cooking or frying), but in raw potatoes, they are still alive and just need time to enter the human body.
Mice and rats are allowed to run around on the potatoes during their stay in the vegetable store, as well as urinate on them. If a child eats an unwashed potato—which is also frequently reported in reviews—he may contract hemorrhagic fever or other diseases common to rodents.
Nutritionists claim that raw potatoes are poorly digested. Problems with the liver, pancreas, and insulin production may arise if a child eats raw potatoes every day or every other day. This is because starch and carbohydrates may require more intensive production.
There are instances where a child’s allergy is brought on by the ingredients in raw potatoes. It appears as different-sized red spots, or erythema, along with some itching and minor swelling.
It’s critical to watch your child’s behavior and determine the reason behind any raw potato consumption. While small amounts of raw potatoes usually don’t harm you, eating large amounts of them can upset your stomach because they contain substances like solanine. Instead, it’s best to encourage your child to eat cooked potatoes, which are easier to digest and safer.
It’s also possible, though, that your child is experimenting with flavors or textures. In this situation, provide them with other nutritious, crunchy options that are safe to eat raw, like cucumbers or carrots. Keeping an assortment of enticing, fresh snacks on hand can aid in piqueing their interest.
In the end, it’s important to have an honest conversation with your child about their diet. Seeking advice from a pediatrician is a wise move if the behavior continues or if you have concerns about their diet. It is possible to promote your child’s wellbeing by getting to know their preferences and helping them make healthier decisions.
