why are green potatoes bad

Green potatoes are bad because they contain higher levels of a natural toxin called solanine, which is produced when potatoes are exposed to light. The green color itself comes from chlorophyll, a harmless pigment, but it signals the presence of solanine, which is a neurotoxin. Ingesting solanine can cause nausea, headaches, abdominal pain, vomiting, and in severe cases, neurological problems or even death if enough is consumed. Cooking does not destroy solanine, so green parts of potatoes should be completely removed or the potato discarded, especially for children who are more vulnerable to poisoning. To avoid green potatoes, they should be stored in cool, dark places, and green or sprouted potatoes should be thrown away to prevent illness.