Is it safe to drink raw potato juice every day?

October 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Poison Control Center, potatoes that have turned green or sprouted can contain high levels of toxic glycoalkaloids. The question of whether it is safe to drink raw potato juice every day is complex, balancing anecdotal health claims against real and significant risks associated with these naturally occurring toxins, digestive issues, and nutrient limitations.

Quick Summary

Drinking raw potato juice daily poses risks from glycoalkaloids, which can cause severe digestive and neurological symptoms. Safe consumption requires specific potato selection, careful preparation, and moderation. Possible benefits for gastritis and ulcers are countered by the dangers of toxic compounds in green or sprouted potatoes.

Key Points

Toxicity Risk: Raw potato juice can contain dangerous levels of glycoalkaloids, like solanine, especially from green or sprouted potatoes, which can cause severe poisoning.
Digestive Issues: The high concentration of resistant starch and lectins in raw potato juice can cause unpleasant side effects such as bloating, gas, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
Cooking is Key: Cooking potatoes is the most effective way to destroy harmful glycoalkaloids, making them safe to eat, unlike raw juicing.
Moderation is Crucial: If attempting to consume raw juice, use only small amounts from fresh, blemish-free potatoes and never on a daily basis.
Diabetic Caution: Individuals with diabetes should be cautious with potato juice due to its potential to raise blood sugar levels.
Select Potatoes Carefully: Avoid any potatoes with green patches, sprouts, or bruises when preparing raw juice to minimize the risk of poisoning.
Consult a Professional: Always seek advice from a healthcare provider before adding raw potato juice to your daily regimen.

Understanding the Risks of Raw Potato Juice

While some sources tout raw potato juice as a natural remedy for ailments like indigestion and inflammation, it's crucial to understand the very real dangers involved. Potatoes are part of the nightshade family, which naturally produces glycoalkaloids, toxic compounds that include solanine and chaconine. Cooking significantly reduces the levels of these compounds, but drinking the juice raw means consuming them directly.

The Danger of Solanine and Chaconine

Glycoalkaloid levels increase dramatically when potatoes are exposed to light, causing them to turn green, or when they develop sprouts. Ingesting high concentrations of these toxins can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild to life-threatening.

Symptoms of glycoalkaloid poisoning often include:

Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain and abdominal cramps
Headache
Fever
In severe cases: delirium, hallucinations, paralysis, and shock

For this reason, experts universally advise against consuming any potato that is green, has sprouts, or is otherwise damaged or spoiled. Given the difficulty in guaranteeing a potato is completely free of these risks, daily consumption of raw juice is a high-risk practice. The amount of toxin can be unpredictable, and consistent daily intake could lead to a buildup of toxic compounds over time, potentially causing chronic issues or sudden severe illness.

Potential (But Debatable) Benefits

Proponents of potato juice highlight several potential health benefits, although these are often based on traditional use or limited research and must be weighed against the significant risks. For example, the alkaline nature of potato juice is sometimes suggested for relieving heartburn and gastritis by neutralizing stomach acid. Some studies have also explored the anti-inflammatory properties of potato compounds.

List of rumored benefits of moderate, careful intake:

May alleviate symptoms of gastritis and stomach ulcers.
Contains vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C and B vitamins.
Could have anti-inflammatory effects.
Offers a source of resistant starch, which benefits gut bacteria.

Comparison: Raw Potato Juice vs. Safe Alternatives


Feature	Raw Potato Juice (Daily)	Cooked Potatoes (Daily)	Safer Alternatives (e.g., Cucumber Juice)
Toxicity Risk (Solanine)	HIGH, especially if potatoes are green or sprouted.	LOW, as cooking reduces glycoalkaloids.	NONE from this specific toxin.
Gastrointestinal Effects	Potential for upset stomach, bloating, and diarrhea due to high resistant starch and lectin content.	Safer for digestion, with a good balance of fiber and starch.	Hydrating and generally well-tolerated, with minimal risk of GI upset.
Nutrient Absorption	Can be inhibited by anti-nutrients like lectins.	More efficient absorption of minerals due to lower anti-nutrient content.	High nutrient bioavailability, excellent for hydration and vitamins.
Preparation	Time-consuming, requires careful selection and immediate consumption.	Simple to prepare, versatile in many dishes.	Simple and quick to juice, widely available.
Safety for Chronic Use	Not recommended; high risk of toxicity and side effects.	Generally safe as part of a balanced diet.	Can be safely consumed daily for most people.

Safe Consumption and Proper Preparation

For those who still wish to try potato juice in moderation, strict safety protocols are non-negotiable. Only use fresh, firm potatoes without any greening or sprouts. Always wash them thoroughly before peeling. The juice should be consumed immediately, as it oxidizes quickly and its beneficial properties are not stable for long.

Important Health Precautions

Moderation is key: Most sources recommend only a small amount, such as 3-4 tablespoons, taken occasionally, not daily.
Diabetic considerations: Potato juice can raise blood sugar levels due to its high starch content and should be used with caution by diabetics.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It is not known if higher-than-food amounts of potato juice are safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women; consult a doctor before use.
Consult a professional: Before starting any new dietary regimen, especially one involving a concentrated raw substance, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

While some potential benefits of raw potato juice are anecdotally and traditionally referenced, the practice of drinking it daily carries significant risks due to toxic compounds like solanine. These risks are heightened by improper potato selection and exceed the unproven or moderate benefits for most people. Safe alternatives like cooked potatoes offer many of the same nutrients without the danger of glycoalkaloid poisoning. The consensus among health experts is to exercise extreme caution and avoid daily, long-term consumption of raw potato juice, prioritizing safer and more reliable dietary sources for your health needs. For further guidance, please consult a medical professional.

Expert Opinions and Warnings

Registered dietitians and health experts often advise against drinking raw potato juice due to digestive issues and the risk of toxic compounds, recommending caution or avoidance. The Poison Control Center explicitly warns about the dangers of glycoalkaloids in green or sprouted potatoes. In cases of adverse symptoms after consumption, immediate medical advice should be sought.

Warning: If you experience any symptoms of poisoning, such as vomiting or stomach pain, after drinking potato juice, contact a poison control center or seek medical help immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glycoalkaloids like solanine and chaconine are naturally occurring toxic compounds in potatoes. In high concentrations, particularly in green or sprouted potatoes, they can cause poisoning with symptoms ranging from nausea and diarrhea to more severe neurological effects.

Symptoms of glycoalkaloid poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, headaches, and fever. In severe cases, it can cause confusion, restlessness, and more serious neurological issues.

Yes, cooking potatoes effectively destroys most of the glycoalkaloids, making them safe for consumption. This is why cooked potatoes are a staple food while raw consumption is risky.

Some proponents suggest benefits for digestive issues like gastritis and ulcers due to its alkaline properties and anti-inflammatory compounds. It also contains vitamins, minerals, and resistant starch.

Diabetics, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and anyone with existing health conditions should avoid raw potato juice or consult a doctor first. Children and those with sensitivity should also abstain.

Use only fresh, unblemished, and unsprouted potatoes. Wash them thoroughly, remove any skin, and consume the juice immediately after juicing to avoid oxidation. Always start with a very small amount.

No, health experts and poison control centers have debunked this myth, stating there is no scientific evidence that potato juice can treat infections. Seeking proper medical treatment is essential.