The Impact of Nicotine on Brain Function

Nicotine is a chemical found in tobacco that makes it difficult to quit smoking because it affects the brain and its functions.

Nicotine reaches the brain within seconds of inhalation. There, nicotine increases the secretion of chemicals called neurotransmitters, which help regulate mood and behavior.

Dopamine, one of these neurotransmitters, is released in the reward center of the brain and causes feelings of happiness and improved mood. The more you smoke, the more nicotine you need to feel comfortable.

Nicotine’s effects on the brain can short-term affect brain function, constrict blood vessels, and increase blood pressure and heart rate.

Combatting Nicotine Effects

Whether it’s tobacco or e-cigarettes, there are a number of products you can use to combat the effects of nicotine, such as patches and chewing gum, but diet can also help.

Nicotine is an alkaloid and stimulant that is produced naturally and is found in the nightshade family of plants in the nightshade family. This means that small doses of nicotine are found in common fruits and vegetables that we eat every day.

A study published in the journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research of 1,000 smokers found that those who ate the most fruits and vegetables were three times more likely to quit smoking for at least 30 days than those who ate the least.

Markus Lindblad, owner of e-cigarette site Haypp, says: “Although nicotine is naturally present in the fruits, vegetables and other foods we eat every day, the levels are very low, so you won’t become addicted to it. These products. Small concentrations of nicotine pass through the intestines and are easily absorbed by the body.”

Nicotine in Everyday Foods

He added: “Nicotine in nightshades and other foods is measured in micrograms. One million micrograms equals one gram, so levels are minimal. However, it is helpful for people to understand what nicotine is and where to find it.”

1. Eggplant

“One of the everyday foods that contains nicotine is eggplant,” says Marcus. “Eggplant is actually a large plant in the nightshade family, and you will find that every gram of this plant contains 100 micrograms of nicotine.”

However, you would need to eat 10kg of eggplant to consume the same amount of nicotine as a cigarette.

2. Potatoes

“On average, potatoes can contain about 15 mcg/g of nicotine,” explains Marcus. “Ripe green potatoes have a higher concentration of nicotine (about 42 mcg/g), but fortunately they are less likely to consume these potatoes.” .

He continued: “However, if you choose to mash your potatoes, the nicotine concentration can increase to 52 micrograms per gram.”

3. Cauliflower

Marcus noted that one of the most surprising everyday foods that contain nicotine is cauliflower, explaining, “Although cauliflower is not actually a member of the nightshade family, it contains about 16.8 mcg/g of nicotine.”

4. Green Pepper

“It may only be a small amount, but a daily green pepper can contain between 7.7 and 9.2 mcg/g of nicotine,” says Marcus.

5. Tomatoes

“Although unripe tomatoes tend to have a higher nicotine concentration, as they ripen the concentration tends to decrease. The average tomato probably contains about 7.1 micrograms/g of nicotine,” Marcus explained.

6. Tea

Tea also belongs to the nightshade family. According to Marcus: “Some brewed and instant teas (black and green) may contain nicotine. Typical nicotine concentrations in tea range from 100 to 285 mcg/g, so again, you’ll have to drink a lot of these drinks to get the feeling.” any influence.”

Source: Sun