Discover 30 Potentially Fatal Foods You Were Unaware Of
Eating is essential to your survival, but many food items can cause serious harm and put you at risk of death if ingested in large quantities or not prepared properly. Some of them are common foods you consume every day.
Pufferfish
This fish is also known as Fugu. It contains a powerful neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin that can cause paralysis and seizures and lead to death if ingested in large amounts. Only purchase this delicacy from experienced chefs who know how to safely prepare it because it can be toxic.
Rhubarb Leaves
While the stalks of rhubarb are perfectly safe to eat, its leaves carry a toxic quantity of oxalic acid and should not be consumed in excess. Eating a small amount of Rhubarb leaves is unlikely to cause major health problems, but eating too many can cause nausea, vomiting, and even death.
Nutmeg
This spice is a popular flavor for desserts and other dishes and is usually added in very little quantity. Overindulging in nutmeg can lead to nutmeg intoxication. The symptoms are heart palpitations, hallucinations, dizziness, high blood pressure, and sometimes, death. Its toxicity is potent, so eat it with caution.
Raw Eggs
Some raw eggs contain salmonella bacteria that can cause food poisoning. This can include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps that could last for up to a week. In some cases, it can even be fatal, so it’s best to avoid eating raw eggs. Always cook them thoroughly before eating to reduce the risk of getting sick.
Cashews
These nuts are a nutritious snack and a source of healthy fats when moderately consumed. Excess consumption of cashews can be deadly due to the Urushiol present, causing an allergic reaction. The symptoms include rash, swelling, and difficulty breathing. It can also damage the kidneys.
Cashews are not the right snacks for you if you are allergic, or suffer from high blood pressure.
Chokecherries
These small, tart berries are a tasty addition to pies and jams, but they can release hydrogen cyanide causing abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and even death. Be mindful of serving sizes when consuming this fruit. Prepare chokecherries properly by boiling them in water and discarding the water before consuming.
Unripe Ackee Fruit
Native to Jamaica, ackee is a popular dish in Caribbean cuisine; the unripe form of this fruit can be toxic. It causes a dangerous condition called “Jamaican vomiting sickness.’ The symptoms are profuse vomiting, altered mental status, and hypoglycemia, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. Only consume this fruit when it is fully ripe and properly cooked.
Raw Honey
Eating raw or unpasteurized honey can be extremely dangerous as it contains botulism spores. Ingesting these spores can lead to serious health problems such as paralysis and even death, so ensure your honey is properly pasteurized.
Star Fruit
This fruit has a unique taste and texture. Too much of it can be dangerous if you have kidney or liver problems, as it contains oxalic acid, a toxic compound that causes nausea, vomiting, and kidney failure. It is advisable to only snack on a few.
Apricot Pits
The edible flesh of apricots is safe to eat, but the pits contain a compound called amygdalin which releases cyanide when digested. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and confusion. Remove the pits before consuming the fruity flesh.
Almonds
Almonds can be dangerous due to cyanide-releasing compounds called amygdalin and Prunasin. Not eating these nuts in moderation can cause health disorders with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, and death.
Mushrooms
Some wild mushrooms, such as the death cap mushroom, can lead to severe gastrointestinal issues, kidney failure, or death. It is best to avoid wild mushrooms, but if you decide to try one, check with a mycologist to ensure it is safe to eat.
Cherry Pits
Cherry pits contain a toxin called amygdalin which converts to cyanide in the body. Eating too many cherry pits can lead to dizziness, vomiting, weakness, and confusion. If left untreated, it can be fatal. Always remove cherry pits before consuming them.
Cassava
Cassava is a root vegetable commonly found in Latin American and African dishes. While it can be eaten safely when cooked properly, raw or undercooked cassava contains toxins that can cause digestive distress and even death. Always cook cassava before eating it.
Elderberries
Elderberries contain high vitamin and antioxidant levels but should be eaten in small doses to avoid nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Also, ensure they are ripe and cooked before consumption, as unripe or uncooked berries can be dangerous due to toxic compounds.
Sago
Sago is the starch extracted from palm tree trunks and is used as a thickening agent in certain dishes. Raw sago contains toxins that can cause digestive issues, so cook it completely before eating. Additionally, some people are allergic to sago and experience itchiness and swelling when they consume it. It’s best to consult a doctor before adding it to your diet.
Potatoes
The green parts of this food contain solanine, a potentially dangerous substance for humans. It’s best to avoid green potatoes and peel or cut away any discolored sections before eating. Also, if stored in the open air, potatoes can become moldy and produce toxins harmful to people.
Green Tomatoes
Green tomatoes are considered unripe, and some people may experience indigestion or allergies when eating them. It’s generally safe to eat green tomatoes, but if you’re unsure about how your body will react to them, it’s best to cook them before consuming them. In addition, never eat the leaves or stems of tomatoes, as they can contain toxins that are poisonous to humans.
Shell Fish
This fish’s bacteria, parasites, and poisonous content can cause serious health problems. Eating uncooked or undercooked shellfish can cause gastrointestinal issues and even more serious ailments such as hepatitis A and typhoid fever. Cook them thoroughly before eating to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
Apple Seeds
Apple seeds contain amygdalin, a form of cyanide. Consumption in small amounts is generally safe, as it’s difficult to eat enough apple seeds to be toxic. However, avoid eating the seeds entirely if you have kidney or liver problems because they can affect your body’s ability to metabolize the chemical properly.
Castor Oil
This oil is made from the castor bean plant and is commonly used in many home remedies. It is dangerous to ingest too much of it due to ricin, which can lead to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Live Octopus
Live octopus is a popular dish in some parts of the world, including South Korea and China. While it may seem harmless, consuming live octopus can be hazardous because it is still alive. It contains toxins that can cause paralysis, nausea, and breathing difficulties if ingested, which can be life-threatening. Cooked octopus is safer for you.
Red Kidney Beans
If eaten raw or not cooked properly, this food can be toxic due to its lectin content which can be removed or reduced by soaking the beans overnight and cooking thoroughly before eating. Eating a lot of it can lead to gastrointestinal distress.
Tuna
The high levels of mercury in tuna can be toxic, although it is unclear how much is safe to consume. Consuming too much tuna can lead to mercury poisoning and its associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and confusion. To reduce the risk of contamination, control consumption and opt for low-mercury varieties.
Bean Sprouts
Raw bean sprouts contain certain bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause food poisoning if ingested. Ensure they are thoroughly cooked before consumption to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Raw Milk
Drinking milk straight from the cow can cause food poisoning because it contains harmful bacteria, parasites, and viruses. Pasteurize or boil the milk before consuming it to kill potential pathogens.
Chili Peppers
It contains a compound called Capsaicin which can irritate the skin and mucous membranes, and cause gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and vomiting. Chili pepper can be dangerous if ingested in large quantities; however, when consumed in moderation, it can have many health benefits. Cook the chili peppers before eating to reduce the heat.
Unpasteurized Cheese
Like raw milk, cheese that hasn’t been pasteurized can contain harmful bacteria, parasites, and viruses. While it is still safe to eat some varieties of unpasteurized cheese in moderation, it’s best to avoid them altogether if possible. The same goes for other products made with unpasteurized milk, such as ice cream or yogurt.
Microwave Popcorn
Microwave popcorn contains a toxin called diacetyl used as a butter flavoring. When inhaled in large quantities, it can lead to bronchitis-like symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing. Pop the popcorn in an air popper or stovetop rather than using the microwave.
Margarine
This butter substitute is artificially created. It usually contains trans-fats, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Eating too much margarine can also lead to obesity, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes.
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