Potatoes

Potatoes were introduced in Europe in the 16 th century, and has since then been a regular feature of our history books. Though its appearance can be linked to other unfortunate instances of nature like crop failure and severe famine, it is and will continue in all probability, to feature prominently in the diet of most western families. Much like tomatoes, the stem and leaves of the potatoes too contain poison. This includes the potatoes itself if left to turn green, with it being indicative of high concentrations of glykoalkaloid poison. Instances of poisoning due to potatoes are rare and far between, but it does happen often and on. Common symptoms are a period of weakness and a state of confusion that can lead to coma, followed by even death. Consuming green potatoes or drinking potato leaf tea has been found to be the prime reason for causing most deaths due to potato poisoning in the US in the last fifty years.