When you think of nicotine, cigarettes are the first thing that comes to mind. It is a powerful substance that causes smoking addiction while providing a feeling of relaxation.
However, you might be surprised to learn that this chemical is also found in some of your favorite foods, although the effect of nicotine in them is slightly different. Markus Lindblad of Northerer explains:
– The nicotine found in primroses and other foods is often measured in micrograms (μg). One million micrograms is equal to one gram, so the levels are minimal. However, it is good for people to understand what nicotine is and where it can be found. It may be interesting for users of nicotine pouches and electronic cigarettes – he thinks.
PMI Science estimates that people consume about 1400 micrograms of nicotine per day. Incredibly, this includes traditional mashed potatoes or roast beef, which contains about 675 micrograms of nicotine.
Eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes also contain nicotine, averaging 332 micrograms. To put that in perspective, an average cigarette can contain 12 milligrams of nicotine – 18,000 times more than a potato.
As a result, experts don't believe you can become addicted to food in the same way.
– Although nicotine is naturally present in fruits, vegetables and other foods we eat every day, the level is extremely low, so there is no way to become addicted to it – adds Lindblad.
– When you consume these foods, small concentrations of nicotine travel through your intestines and are easily digested by your body. In comparison, nicotine products (such as nicotine patches) contain much higher amounts of nicotine that are absorbed into the bloodstream – according to PMI Science.
Experts add that “commercially available products, including cigarettes, nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs), smokeless products and others, contain high enough levels of nicotine to temporarily affect brain function in a reversible manner.”
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