2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Alkaloids are natural nitrogenous substances that have a physiological effect on the human nervous system.
Alkaloids they are usually derivatives of amino acids. Several thousand alkaloids are known, some of which are potent poisons. Most alkaloids have a very bitter taste.
Alkaloids are the first substances of plant origin in which nitrogen was found. Previously, it was thought that this element was found only in organic substances of animal origin. Alkaloids are produced by the plants themselves to protect themselves from various insects.
Some alkaloids are highly poisonous, but in small quantities have the properties of drugs.
Types of alkaloids
Basically alkaloids are divided into 4 major groups:
Tropin alkaloids - have a strong narcotic effect;
Steroids alkaloids - these are solanine, piperine, tomatin, capsaicin. They are found in some of the most consumed vegetables;
Pyrrolizine alkaloids - act as drugs;
Indole alkaloids - also act as drugs.
From a nutritional point of view, steroid alkaloids are of the utmost importance.
Sources of alkaloids
Some of the most delicious vegetables that we include in our menu every day are the main sources of alkaloids. These are potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and eggplants.
The content of solanine in mg per 100 g of vegetables is as follows - potatoes 2-13 mg; eggplant 6-11.33 mg; peppers 7.7 -9.2 mg. Potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, sweet and hot peppers contain alkaloidswhich affect neuromuscular function and digestion.
They can also have unpleasant effects on the joints. Fortunately, the content of alkaloids in these products is very small, their daily consumption can not have a negative impact on the body.
When subjected to heat treatment, the levels of alkaloids in these vegetables decrease by 40-50%.
Solanine is a glucoalkaloid found in sprouted potatoes or those that have been in the sun. It can cause serious poisoning, so it is safest to discard such potatoes. The bitter taste of potatoes indicates a serious presence of alkaloids in them.
Piperine is another alkaloid that gives peppers a spicy taste. It increases the beneficial effects of resveratrol, stimulates thermogenesis and to a small extent enhances human metabolism. In higher doses it can cause small stomach ulcers.
Nicotine is the next alkaloid that deserves special attention. It is found in high concentrations in tobacco and in small amounts in tomatoes and aubergines.
Its content in these vegetables is really minimal, but in people with nicotine intolerance, side effects can be observed.
Harm from alkaloids
It is believed that the above alkaloids in vegetables can be harmful to the joints, but there is still no conclusive evidence for this claim. There are studies that show that these alkaloids extract calcium from the bones and redirect it to the deposition in the soft tissues.
As a result of these data, researchers recommend eliminating potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants and peppers from people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other joint problems.
If you suffer from joint problems, exclude these vegetables from your menu for 2-3 weeks. Such a restriction may answer whether these products adversely affect the joints.
As potatoes are the most risky in terms of alkaloids due to the solanine they contain, be especially careful with their storage.
If you need to store them longer, leave them in a dark and cool room; wash them very well before cooking; carefully cut the sprouted areas, and it is best to throw away the whole potato. If the already cooked potato has a bitter taste, do not eat it.
