Can sprouted sweet potatoes be eaten?

Yams (sweet potatoes) that have sprouted are generally not safe to eat, as they may cause discomfort or adverse symptoms.

Yams are highly nutritious, containing abundant vitamins, amino acids, proteins, and solanine. When consumed, they can promote intestinal motility and bowel regularity, improve skin health and appearance, enhance metabolism and immune function, and exert heat-clearing and dampness-resolving effects. They may be particularly beneficial for individuals with metabolic disorders associated with edema or swelling. However, once yams sprout, their sugar content, nutritional value, and flavor all decline significantly. Moreover, solanine levels increase substantially. Upon ingestion, elevated solanine can irritate the gastric mucosa, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, and abdominal distension. In severe cases, dizziness or headache may occur. For safety reasons, sprouted yams should not be consumed.

In daily life, sprouted yams must be avoided; similarly, other sprouted foods—such as potatoes—should also generally not be eaten, to prevent potential poisoning and safeguard overall health.