Story 1: The Bitter Truth

Discover the Surprising Foods that Pack a Nicotine Punch

Nicotine, often associated with cigarettes, is also found in an array of everyday consumables. These foods may offer an unexpected source of the addictive stimulant without the harmful effects of smoking.

Story 1: The Bitter Truth

Eggplants contain nicotine in their skin and seeds, offering 100 nanograms per gram of dry weight. Tomatoes, while containing less nicotine than eggplants, still boast up to 3 nanograms per gram of dry weight.

Food	Nicotine Content (ng/g)
Eggplant	100
Tomato	3

Benefits:

May reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease (according to the National Institute of Health)

Potentially anti-inflammatory properties

How to Do:

Include eggplant in dishes like stir-fries, curries, and moussaka

Add diced tomatoes to salads, soups, and sauces

Story 2: The Spicy Surprise

Bell peppers, particularly green and yellow varieties, contain notable amounts of nicotine: 1.4 and 0.7 nanograms per gram dry weight, respectively. Chillies, especially certain Capsicum species, can also be a source of nicotine.

Food	Nicotine Content (ng/g)
Green Bell Pepper	1.4
Yellow Bell Pepper	0.7

Benefits:

Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants

May have anti-cancer properties

How to Do:

Roast bell peppers and blend them into sauces or dips

Chop chillies and add them to soups, stir-fries, and marinades

Story 3: The Leafy Lover

Potatoes, especially the skins and sprouts, have been found to contain nicotine: approximately 2.2 nanograms per gram of dry weight. Cauliflower and Brussels sprouts also contain small amounts of nicotine.

Food	Nicotine Content (ng/g)
Potato (skin and sprouts)	2.2

Benefits:

Excellent source of dietary fiber

Rich in potassium and vitamin C

How to Do:

Roast potatoes with their skins on

Steam or stir-fry cauliflower and Brussels sprouts

Story 1: The Bitter Truth