Some foods are exotic delicacies that come with warnings and urban myths of poison and pain. The pufferfish, Cassava, and ill-prepared tapioca pudding (the pudding favourite comes from the roots of this bush-like plant. If prepared incorrectly, the cassava plant can produce cyanide, a toxic compound when consumed) are just a few examples. However, even our staples are dangerous if not handled with extreme care and precision.
Below are some foods that you probably didn’t know can kill you!
Coffee and caffeinated beverages
Besides the possibility of increased heart rate, trouble sleeping and discolouration of teeth, there’s another reason that coffee is detrimental to your well being, says TIME. Some refer to the condition as the burned-crotch effect or the java jump and jive! This is when the hot liquid hits your lap, you’ll stop at nothing to end the pain! Loads of people have acquired third-degree burns from hot coffee!
In 1992, 79-year-old Stella Liebeck of New Mexico famously sued Macdonalds because a hot cup of 170° coffee caused third-degree burns. The burns covered over 6% of her body, including her thighs, buttocks and groin. Liebeck received $2.86 million. McDonald’s later lowered the temperature at which it brewed coffee. They also added warning labels.
No, it isn’t necessarily poisonous, but it still made a list as ‘something to consider when indulging in a steaming cup of joe!
Fugu
Fugu is Japanese for pufferfish. The dish prepared from the pufferfish can be lethally poisonous. Nevertheless, it is considered a delicacy in South Korea and Japan. The ovaries, testiness and liver of fugu contain tetrodotoxin. Tetrodotoxin is a neurotoxin. It is 1200 more times lethal than cyanide.
A single pufferfish has enough poison to kill 30 people. If prepared incorrectly, fugu can paralyse your motor nerves. It can cause fatal respiratory arrest.
Japanese chefs undergo years of training before attempting this dish. They have to obtain a fugu licence. Despite the precautions, people still order fugu. Unfortunately, numerous people die from improperly prepared fugu every year.
Ackee fruit
Ackee is the national fruit of Jamaica. It is a delicious and dangerous fruit. According to Food Safety, Ackee contains a poison called hypoglycin. The fruit must be fully ripe and opened naturally on the tree if you wish to eat it. Seams on the outside of the fruit will split wide open.
It would be best if you did not open the ackee yourself. Instead, only eat the cream-coloured, fleshy pulp around the seeds. Do not eat the pink flesh or black seeds. They are highly toxic.
If the Ackee is improperly prepared, you can fall ill with the ‘Jamaican Vomiting Sickness. This could result in a coma or death.
Red kidney beans
Red kidney beans contain plant-based protein, fibre and essential vitamins and minerals. Raw or undercooked, red kidney beans are rich in phytohaemagglutinin. It is a toxic variety of lectin.
Phytohaemagglutinin can damage your gut wall. It may prevent you from absorbing nutrients properly. If poisoned, you are likely to experience diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting and headaches.
Prepare dried red kidney beans properly. The preparation includes soaking the beans for several hours. Then, boil them for at least 10 minutes. Cooking red kidney beans for less than 10 minutes can increase their toxicity. Raw beans are more toxic if consumed incorrectly.
Lima beans are also dangerous because of the chemical compound linamarin. Linamarin can turn into hydrogen cyanide.
Elderberries
Elderberries are native to Canada. They are commonly used in jams, pies, wines, teas, syrups and supplements. Elderberries are safe to eat if they are fully ripe.
Elderberry leaves, twigs and seeds contain possible fatal levels of the cyanide-producing glycoside. If they are not fully ripe or strained, you can feel nauseous, vomiting and severe diarrhoea.
Large quantities of glycoside may cause seizures, a coma or death. About five glasses of glycoside can be life-threatening and dangerous. Even one cup of poorly prepared elderberries could make you seriously ill.
Be aware
It is hard to believe that many foods you consume daily are poisonous. However, eat them with proper precautions. From pits to leaves, please take note of certain foods and their naturally occurring chemicals and toxins.
Eating food is integral to our lives. The food we eat nourishes the body. In general, eating is delightful. However, it is essential to ensure that the food you eat doesn’t pose health risks. A wrong choice can quickly become a lethal one.
The Western Diet
The Western diet gets loads of flack for its overly processed convenience foods. The lifestyle diseases in the Western world accurately depict the negative effects of eating processed food.
However, many of the world’s cuisines rely on unprocessed ingredients. As a result, people can eat delicious food around the world and remain healthy.
All it takes is a bit of research on the healthiest food worldwide, and you will find an array of options to help you have a fully fit and balanced diet.
Loads of people have opted to follow more veggie and fruit-heavy eating plans to benefit from the nutrients of eating fresh!
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From only R89 per month, receive unlimited nurse room visits and dietary advice from professionals.
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