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What is nicotine? -

Nicotine is an alkaloid that is found in certain plants, like the Nicotiana tabacum plant, which is used to produce tobacco products. Nicotine is thought to alternate between acting as a stimulant and a depressant and is highly addictive.

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Dangers of nicotine -

Nicotine can cause an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, flow of blood to the heart, and a narrowing of the arteries. 

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Cravings -

Nicotine causes the release of dopamine in the brain, which makes people feel good. Over time, the brain begins to crave that feeling from nicotine. There's no evidence that food containing nicotine can help with the cravings.

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What to steer clear of -

If you're trying to quit smoking, steer clear of meat products, coffee, and alcohol as research has found they make cigarettes taste better. 

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What to steer clear of -

According to research by the American Cancer Society, spicy and sugary foods tend to make people crave cigarettes even more.

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Can nicotine in food have similar effects to tobacco? -

Nicotine in food does not have a similar effect to tobacco. While they both contain nicotine, the amounts are vastly different and they are absorbed in different ways.

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Can nicotine in food have similar effects to tobacco? -

When you consume foods containing nicotine, the tiny concentrations of nicotine travel through the intestines, and the body easily digests it. Nicotine products, however, have much larger amounts of nicotine, which get absorbed into the bloodstream.

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The benefits of eating produce that contains nicotine -

According to research, eating foods that contain naturally occurring nicotine may help to reduce the risk of Parkinson's Disease.

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Eggplant -

Eggplants are members of the nightshade family and contain approximately 100 micrograms of nicotine per eggplant. 

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Eggplant -

You would need to eat 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of the purple fruit to consume the same amount of nicotine as a cigarette, however.

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Green bell peppers -

While green peppers do contain nicotine, it's only a small amount ranging from 7.7 to 9.2 micograms per pepper. 

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Tomatoes -

Ripe tomatoes contain around 7.1 micrograms of nicotine per tomato. 

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Tomatoes -

The nicotine content in tomatoes lessens as they ripen. Unripe tomatoes contain around five times more nicotine than ripe varieties. 

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Potatoes -

On average, one potato can contain about 15 micrograms of nicotine. Ripening or green potatoes contain a higher concentration of nicotine (approximately 42 micrograms per potato).

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Potatoes -

If you mash or puree your potatoes, the concentration of nicotine can increase to 52 micrograms.

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Cauliflower -

Although not a member of the nightshade family, cauliflowers contain around 16.8 micrograms of nicotine per head.

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Tea -

Tea is part of the nightshade family. The concentration of nicotine in teas ranges from between 100 to 285 micrograms.

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Tea -

Studies on rats show that the antioxidants in green tea may help treat damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver caused by excessive nicotine intake.

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Areca nut -

The areca nut or betel nut does not contain nicotine but it does contain arecoline, which is similar to nicotine. Regular chewing of betel nut has been linked to cancer of the mouth and esophagus.

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Spinach -

Nicotine content in spinach leaves varies from 1 to 2 micrograms per gram. Spinach also contains vitamin B9, which decreases nicotine levels in the body.

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Cabbage -

The nicotine content in cabbage is around 1 microgram per gram. 

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Cabbage -

While you're unlikely to get sick from cabbage's low nicotine content, there was one case of nicotine poisoning from eating cabbage in 2001 in Japan.

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Are foods containing nicotine addictive? -

Foods containing nicotine are not addictive as the quantities of nicotine aren't high enough to cause addiction. 

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How many tomatoes would be equivalent to the nicotine in a single cigarette? -

One person would need to eat 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of tomatoes to consume the same amount of nicotine as in a single cigarette, a near-impossible feat!

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Staying smoke-free -

According to a study published by Nicotine and Tobacco Research, smokers who consumed the most fruits and vegetables were three times more likely to remain smoke-free for at least 30 days compared to those who ate the least.

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Don't go cold turkey -

If you're considering giving up smoking or vaping, don't go cold turkey, as withdrawal symptoms can be unpleasant and sometimes painful.

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Set a date -

Choose a date to stop smoking between two and four weeks away, as this will give you enough time to prepare yourself. 

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Speak with a doctor -

Talk to your doctor about counseling, medicines, and other resources that can help you quit smoking, vaping, or using nicotine products.

Sources: (The Sun) (Healthline)

See also: Celebrity secrets to help you quit smoking

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