Are green tomatoes poisonous?

Some people believe that green tomatoes should not be eaten because they contain high levels of toxins. Is this true?

1. Nutritional value of green tomatoes, unripe tomatoes

Unripe green tomatoes contain many vitamins, minerals, and beneficial compounds that contribute to overall health. According to Dr. Nguyen Dinh Thuc, Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Traditional Medicine Association, numerous studies have shown that green tomatoes contain high levels of antioxidants that help repair inflammation, regenerate tissue, reduce collagen causing fibrosis and unsightly scars, and smooth the skin.

Unripe tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient for immune function and skin health. They also contain a significant amount of potassium, which supports cardiovascular health and muscle function.

Unripe tomatoes contain more calcium and magnesium than ripe tomatoes. These minerals play an important role in bone health and many other bodily functions.

Green tomatoes are a rich source of fiber, promoting digestive health and helping maintain stable blood sugar levels. They also contain chlorophyll, which has potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Although green tomatoes have a lower lycopene content than ripe tomatoes, they still provide other beneficial antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamin E. These compounds help protect cells from oxidative stress.

Green tomatoes are rich in tomatine and solanine, phytochemicals that are beneficial to health when consumed in moderation. These compounds may possess antibacterial and anticancer properties.

Some culinary traditions even appreciate the uniqueness of green tomatoes by incorporating them into dishes such as fried green tomatoes or green tomato sauce.

Unripe tomatoes are still nutritious, but you shouldn't eat too many of them.

2. Which compound in green tomatoes can cause poisoning?

Green tomatoes contain solanine and tomatine, naturally occurring glycoalkaloids found in the Solanaceae family. These compounds act as the plant's natural defense mechanism against pests and fungi. In humans, solanine and tomatine can be toxic when consumed in large quantities. Adults who eat about 625g of green tomatoes are at risk of experiencing symptoms of poisoning.

The concentrations of these compounds decrease as tomatoes ripen, making ripe tomatoes safer to consume. Consuming small amounts of green, unripe tomatoes is unlikely to harm most people. However, some individuals may experience indigestion or other gastrointestinal problems.

Common symptoms of solanine poisoning include:

• Nausea, vomiting;
• Diarrhea;
• Cramping abdominal pain;
• Headache;
• Dizzy...

People with sensitive digestive systems or those suffering from digestive disorders may be more susceptible to these effects.

If you eat green tomatoes, you should cook them because heat can help reduce the amount of solanine. If you experience persistent digestive problems after eating green tomatoes, consult a doctor.

Green tomatoes contain compounds such as solanine and tomatine.

3. Some people need to be cautious with green tomatoes.

Green tomatoes contain compounds such as solanine and tomatine that can pose health risks when consumed in large quantities. These substances can affect digestive health and overall well-being if eaten in large amounts.

Unripe tomatoes are generally not toxic when consumed in moderation for most people because the levels of compounds like solanine and tomatine in unripe tomatoes are relatively low. However, to minimize the potential risks associated with consuming solanine, especially for pregnant women, young children, and those with sensitive digestive systems, it is advisable to limit the consumption of unripe tomatoes.

In general, eating green tomatoes in moderation is not harmful, and in some places, green tomatoes are still used in cooking. However, it is better to eat ripe tomatoes because they usually contain more lycopene, so eating ripe tomatoes is healthier than consuming unripe green tomatoes.

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/ca-chua-xanh-co-doc-khong-172250116082931792.htm