Food is something we all need to survive. It’s essential for life. But have you ever stopped to think that these very foods we need to live can also cause us to lose our life? There are tons of delicious food out there but we recommend you stay away from these dangerous foods in the world.
From poisonous sea food to toxic plants, these are the 10 most dangerous foods in the world. They may look delicious at first glance but don’t say we didn’t warn you. 😈
10. Hot Dogs
Alright, first things first. Hot Dogs are obviously unhealthy (but I still find them delicious and can’t help myself). It’s one of the unhealthiest food known to man. It is one of the most processed food in the world and contains a lot of saturated fat which is linked to certain cardiovascular diseases and even cancer. Eating Hot Dogs regularly CAN cause dangerous diseases. This is a fact. But that’s not exactly why it made this list. Hot Dogs are one of the most dangerous food in the world because of their shape. This makes them a choking hazard (mostly for children) and accounts for about 17 percent of all choking cases. So the next time you eat a hot dog, just remember to chew thoroughly before you swallow them.
9. Blood Clams
With a name like that, you’ll probably think twice about eating this exotic seafood. And you probably should. These clams are usually sourced from the Gulf of Mexico and contain high amounts of deadly viruses and bacteria like Hepatitis, typhoid, and even dysentery. Due to their feeding habits, they soak up pathogens like their life depended on it. More than 300,000 people have been infected with diseases and at least 31 died from eating these clams. They can cause infections if served while undercooked but every time you eat Blood Clams, there’s still a 15 percent chance you’ll get infected. If it were me, I’d rather not take any chances.
8. Rhubarb Leaves
Who doesn’t love a good Rhubarb Pie? Once Spring rolls around, you can find all sorts of rhubarb pies and jams being served everywhere. While it does taste good, remember to only make sure you use rhubarb stalks instead of rhubarb leaves. Its leaves contain a poisonous substance called oxalic acid. While it would take consuming about 11 pounds of rhubarb leaves for it to be fatal, small amounts can still cause serious issues like nausea, diarrhea, or red urine. Even small amounts can cause kidney stones or kidney failure. Better be safe than sorry so make sure to steer clear of rhubarb leaves.
7. Elderberries
At first glance, these Elderberries look harmless. In fact, they look delicious! They look like they’d be great in a pie which is where they’re mostly used for. But don’t let its appearance fool you. Elderberries are incredibly dangerous since they contain cyanide. You may be thinking, if they’re so dangerous then how come they’re being used in food? Elderberries are safe for consumption if they’re fully ripe and prepared properly. You need to remove the leaves, twigs, and seeds before they can be consumed.
6. Cassava
Just like Elderberries, Cassava looks harmless but actually contains dangerous amounts of cyanide. If you live in Asian or Latino communities, you might’ve already tried a dish that involves cassava, usually a cake or wedges. To make this root vegetable safe, you have to make sure it’s prepared and cooked properly. You have to cut them into 3 to 4 pieces, then boil them for about 15 to 30 minutes before you can use them in your dishes.
5. Ackee
Do you wanna know how dangerous the Ackee fruit is? This fruit is so dangerous that it has been banned from being imported into the United States for over 50 years! But let’s take a look at why exactly this popular Jamaican fruit earns a spot on this list. The unripe ackee fruit contains a substance called Hypoglycin A, which, when it enters our body can cause Hypoglycemia, a condition in which the level of glucose in our blood drops below what is considered healthy. This can lead to intense vomiting and in some cases, it can even induce a coma. The ackee fruit is a popular ingredient for a dish called Ackee and Saltfish. If you wanna try the real thing, then it’s best to head on over to the Caribbean and have it made by people who know how to prepare it properly.
4. Raw Kidney Beans
Kidney beans may be a common ingredient in stews and chilis, but they can damage your body if mishandled. If prepared correctly, however, kidney beans will provide you with lots of healthy vitamins and minerals. The reason for this is raw kidney beans contain phytohaemagglutinin, which can make your red blood cells clump together and cause food poisoning. You have to soak it in water, and then boil it for at least 30 minutes before it becomes safe to eat. It just shows that we always have to be careful and ensure our food is cooked well before we eat them.
3. Sannakji (Live Octopus)
Look, I know that eating raw fish (like in sushi) can be delicious. It adds a fresh taste that just can’t be matched by cooked fish. But how far are we willing to go just for the sake of freshness? In Korea, they have a dish called Sannakji which is basically consuming a live baby octopus. Since it’s still alive, the tentacles can cling to your throat while it goes down and can cause you to choke. Not only is it dangerous, you also have to live with the fact that you just ate a baby octopus who, according to research, are sentient beings which means they can feel certain emotions.
2. Casu Marzu Cheese
Here is something that is a little too extreme. The Casu Marzu is a sardinian delicacy and is considered the most dangerous cheese in the world. Why? Because it contains live maggots. This cheese reaches a new level of fermentation brought about by the maggots that break down the fat. Not only is it gross, but the maggots can also eat through your intestine’s tissues if you consume them, and they survive. The Casu Marzu has a tangy flavor and smooth texture, making them popular among people who want to try exotic food. Just be careful though; the maggots are known to jump at you when disturbed.
1. Fugu (Pufferfish)
The Pufferfish has long been known to be poisonous. These creatures have evolved to produce tetrodotoxin to protect them from predators. But that wasn’t enough for humans to try and make a dish out of this fish. Tetrodotoxin is a very potent poison that is 1200 times more poisonous than cyanide, and every single one of the puffer fish’s organs contains this harmful poison. In fact, a single puffer fish contains enough poison to kill 30 adults. This fish is so poisonous that you have to go through rigorous training to be qualified to even serve dishes made from it. The scariest thing about this poison is that there’s no antidote. Once you have tetrodotoxin in your system, there’s literally no known cure, and you’ll be gone within the day. The worst part is you’ll be conscious the entire time you suffer its effects on your body. For that reason, the Fugu or Pufferfish is the most dangerous food known to man.