Can sprouted sweet potatoes be eaten?
Disease description:
I have a friend who really wants to eat sweet potatoes, but they have already sprouted. She is worried that eating them may have adverse effects on her health. Doctor, is it safe to eat sprouted sweet potatoes?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Unlike potatoes, sweet potatoes do not produce toxic substances when they sprout. Therefore, from a safety perspective, sprouted sweet potatoes are edible.
Sprouting may cause certain changes in the nutritional composition of sweet potatoes, and their texture may also deteriorate. During the sprouting process, some starches in the sweet potato may convert into sugars, making the texture sweeter, but this may also lead to a loss of vitamins and minerals. Therefore, the nutritional value of sprouted sweet potatoes may differ from that of unsprouted ones.
Although sprouted sweet potatoes themselves are not toxic, they should not be consumed if black spots or rotting occur alongside sprouting. These signs may indicate bacterial or mold contamination, which could cause adverse effects on the body if consumed. Additionally, the taste and flavor of sprouted sweet potatoes may worsen, as sprouting causes changes in the moisture and nutritional content inside the sweet potato.
When consuming sprouted sweet potatoes, moderation is advised, as excessive consumption may have negative effects on health. To prevent sweet potatoes from sprouting, it is recommended to select fresh, undamaged ones when purchasing and to store them properly.
