Do tomatoes have nicotine?

Yes, tomatoes do contain nicotine, albeit in very small amounts, as do other members of the nightshade family. Nicotine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in plants of the Solanaceae family, commonly known as nightshades, which includes tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and peppers.

Nicotine Content in Tomatoes from the Nightshade Family

The nicotine concentration in tomatoes is approximately 7.1 micrograms per gram (µg/g). It’s important to note that this amount is minuscule compared to the nicotine content in tobacco products. For perspective, you’d need to consume an exceptionally large quantity of tomatoes to match the nicotine intake from a single cigarette. Additionally, the nicotine content decreases as tomatoes ripen, with unripe tomatoes containing more nicotine.

Nicotine Concentration in Foods

Nicotine is a naturally occurring substance found in various plants, including those in the Solanaceae family, commonly known as nightshades. These plants include tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and peppers, which contain small amounts of nicotine. The nicotine concentration in these foods can vary depending on factors such as the ripeness of the fruit, the type of plant, and the method of preparation.

For example, tomatoes contain about 7.1 µg of nicotine per gram, while potatoes contain about 15 µg of nicotine per gram. Green and ripening potatoes have a higher concentration of nicotine, with about 42 µg of nicotine per gram. Eggplants contain 100 µg of nicotine per gram, while peppers contain about 7.7 to 9.2 µg of nicotine per gram.

Brewed and instant teas also contain nicotine, with concentrations ranging from 100 to 285 µg per gram. However, it’s worth noting that the nicotine content in these foods is only a trace amount, and it’s unlikely to have any notable impact on the body, even with regular consumption.

Other Everyday Foods Containing Nicotine

Several other edible plants contain trace amounts of nicotine:

• Eggplants (Aubergines): Approximately 100 µg/g of nicotine.

• Potatoes: Contain about 15 µg/g, with green or unripe potatoes having higher concentrations.

• Green Peppers: Nicotine content ranges between 7.7 to 9.2 µg/g.

• Cauliflower: Contains around 16.8 µg/g of nicotine.

• Tea (Black and Green): Some varieties have nicotine concentrations ranging from 100 to 285 µg/g. Both black and green teas, which belong to the camellia sinensis family, contain nicotine and offer various health benefits.

How Nicotine Affects the Body

Nicotine is a stimulant that can affect the body in various ways. When consumed through smoking, nicotine can cause high blood pressure and hardened arteries. However, when consumed through food, the effects of nicotine are generally more subtle and may not be as intense.

Nicotine can bind to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain, which can trigger the release of neurotransmitters and hormones such as dopamine, GABA, glutamate, and noradrenaline. This can lead to temporary physiological effects outside the brain, such as the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream, leading to temporary narrowing of blood vessels, higher blood pressure, and increased heart rate.

However, it’s worth noting that the nicotine content in foods is only a fraction of the amount found in tobacco products. For example, a single cigarette contains about 12 mg of nicotine, while a typical tomato contains about 7.1 µg of nicotine per gram. This means that you would need to eat a large quantity of these foods to ingest the same amount of nicotine as a single cigarette.

Nicotine Concentration in Food vs. Nicotine Concentration in Pouches

Nicotine is naturally present in some foods, especially those in the nightshade family (like tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants). However, the amount of nicotine in food is extremely low compared to nicotine pouches.

Simple Comparison:

Explanation:

• The nicotine in food is measured in micrograms (µg), which is 1,000 times smaller than a milligram (mg).

• A typical nicotine pouch contains between 4mg and 20mg of nicotine.

• To get the same nicotine from one 10mg pouch, you'd need to eat over 100 tomatoes or a whole eggplant—which is unrealistic.

While nicotine is naturally present in food, the levels are so low that they have no real effect on the body. Nicotine pouches, on the other hand, are designed to deliver nicotine efficiently and in much higher doses.

Implications for Consumption

The presence of nicotine in these foods is negligible and does not pose health risks associated with tobacco use. For individuals trying to quit smoking, incorporating these vegetables into their diet may help manage cravings without leading to nicotine dependence. To put it into perspective, consuming these vegetables and beverages as part of a regular diet does not lead to nicotine dependence or have significant physiological effects related to nicotine. For example, one would need to eat over 10 kilograms of eggplants to ingest the amount of nicotine equivalent to that in a single cigarette.

In summary, while certain common foods like tomatoes and potatoes do contain trace amounts of nicotine, the levels are so low that they are considered harmless and do not contribute to nicotine addiction or adverse health effects.