A Word of Advice: Don’t Buy Sweet Potatoes If You Notice These 4 “To.xic” Warning Signs—Eating Them Only Harms Your Body

Sweet potatoes are truly a gift from nature—affordable, filling, and nutritious. But for them to be genuinely good for your health, careful selection is essential.

Sweet potatoes are considered a humble, wholesome, and nutritious food, appearing regularly in both main meals and snacks in many Vietnamese households. Beyond keeping you full, they are rich in fiber and vitamins, supporting weight control, healthy skin, and digestion. However, not every sweet potato sold at the market is safe to take home. According to experts, there are four warning signs you should never ignore—if you see them, stay away immediately. Eating such sweet potatoes is no different from introducing toxins into your body.

1. Sprouted sweet potatoes – seemingly harmless but not worth it

Many people believe only sprouted potatoes are dangerous, while sprouted sweet potatoes are fine. In reality, once sweet potatoes sprout, much of their nutritional value is lost. The flesh becomes fibrous, dry, and bland, losing its natural sweetness. Moreover, sprouts that develop in damp conditions often invite bacteria and mold, accelerating spoilage. Buying them wastes both money and cooking effort—with little to no payoff in taste or nutrition.

2. Sweet potatoes with black spots – a sign of toxic mold

Black spots on the skin or flesh indicate fungal or bacterial contamination. Eating them may cause diarrhea, stomach pain, and even increase the risk of liver toxicity. Some molds can produce aflatoxins—dangerous substances that the World Health Organization has warned may cause cancer. If you spot unusual dark marks, skip them entirely. Don’t risk your health just to save a little money.

3. Bruised or damaged sweet potatoes – a breeding ground for bacteria

Even a small crack, bruise, or damaged patch can turn a sweet potato into an ideal environment for harmful bacteria. Pathogens such as E. coli or Salmonella can thrive in these areas. Washing or cooking may not fully eliminate the risk. Consuming such sweet potatoes can lead to stomach pain, food poisoning, and serious health issues—especially for children and the elderly.

4. Sweet potatoes with an unusual smell – a warning of chemical treatment

A good sweet potato should have a mild, natural aroma. If it gives off a sharp, sour, or fishy smell, it may already be spoiled or treated with chemical preservatives. Over time, these chemicals can harm the liver, lungs, and digestive system. No matter how cheap it is, this is not a bargain worth taking.

Eating the wrong sweet potatoes: Hidden but serious risks

Sweet potatoes may seem like a simple, everyday food, but poor selection can easily lead to health problems. Consuming spoiled or contaminated sweet potatoes can result in digestive disorders, food poisoning, and long-term damage to the liver and kidneys. Children and older adults, with weaker immune systems, are especially vulnerable.

Tips for choosing safe, high-quality sweet potatoes

To avoid buying unsafe sweet potatoes, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose firm tubers with smooth skin and even color.

• Avoid sweet potatoes that feel soft, cracked, or emit strange odors.

• Buy from trusted vendors, reputable supermarkets, or clean produce stores.

• Smell them—only select sweet potatoes with a light, natural aroma and no harsh or unusual scent.

Being selective at the market may take an extra minute, but it can save you from long-term health consequences.