We all try to eat healthy, but what if some foods we think are safe are actually sabotaging our well-being? Many foods in groceries actually contain hidden toxins that are filled with poisons. Yup, while they’re legal to eat, there are proper ways to eat them, and some parts are not meant to be eaten. Today, we’re listing down 11 foods you need to be cautious about, as eating them might poison you.
11. Raw Cashews
Those “raw” cashews that you buy from stores aren’t truly raw. They were steamed to remove the urushiol, which is the same toxic compound found in poison ivy. Ingesting them is crucial as they cause a severe allergic reaction. It’s similar to a skin rash from poison ivy, but the worst thing is that you get it inside your body. If you have a strong allergy to it, a reaction might turn fatal, which leads to anaphylactic shock.
10. Green Potatoes
If you notice a greenish tint on your potatoes, throw them away. That’s a warning sign that they’re exposed to light, producing chlorophyll. While it’s not harmful, they increase the production of a toxic compound called solanine. Eating potatoes with high solanine may lead to nausea, headaches, and neurological problems.
9. Raw Red Kidney Beans
Don’t ever consume raw or undercooked kidney beans. Why? They’re filled with a high concentration of toxins called phytohaemagglutinin, which is a type of lectin. With just four or five consumed raw beans, it will cost you severe food poisoning within hours, where you’ll likely experience extreme vomiting and diarrhea. Cook them properly by boiling the beans for a good 30 minutes. Note that slow cookers may not cook them properly, so avoid using them.
8. Rhubarb Leaves
Rhubarb stalks are a tasty ingredient meant for pies and desserts, but beware of their leaves. They contain high levels of oxalic acid, which is a toxic compound when consumed in large quantities. Oxalic acid causes kidney stones by binding with the calcium in your body. There are severe cases that lead to kidney failure, breathing difficulties, and worst, death.
7. Raw Eggs
Raw eggs are a common carrier of harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter. They cause severe food poisoning with symptoms that range from stomach cramps to diarrhea to fever. In severe cases, they bring life-threatening infections. While there’s a lower risk with pasteurized or specially treated eggs, it’s best to cook them thoroughly.
6. Improperly Handled Rice
By improperly handled, we meant leftover rice that’s not handled correctly after cooking. Uncooked rice contains spores of Bacillus cereus, which is a bacterium that survives the cooking process. Once you leave the improperly cooked rice at room temperature, the spores will produce toxins that will likely cause food poisoning. To avoid this, always cool leftover rice quickly within an hour and store it in the fridge for no more than a day before reheating.
5. High-Mercury Fish
Fish is one healthy food you need to add to your diet, but some predatory ones contain high levels of mercury. Fish like shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish all contain mercury sourced from the smaller fish they eat. Once mercury poisoning happens, it causes severe neurological damage like memory problems, tremors, and vision impairment. It’s especially dangerous for pregnant women and young children as it targets their nervous system.
4. Artificial Food Colorings
Those vibrant colored candies, cereals, and sports drinks come in a dangerous coloring. They’re synthetic food dyes that are harmful, especially to children. We’re talking about Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, as their harm comes in neurobehavioral issues in children. They may cause hyperactiveness or inattentiveness, which isn’t really a direct poison. Still, they have the potential to affect brain function and behavior, which raises serious concerns.
3. Nutmeg (in large quantities)
A sprinkle of nutmeg does wonders to baked goods and holiday sips. But never put in large doses as they’re toxic. Nutmeg contains myristicin, which is a psychoactive compound that, when ingested in two teaspoons, causes bad effects. You may experience hallucinations, dizziness, and even confusion.
2. Food Preservatives (BHA and BHT)
When buying processed food products, always be wary of Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). They’re a common antioxidant that prevents oils in processed foods from going rancid, as they extend shelf life. High doses of BHA have been linked to liver, thyroid, and kidney problems in animal studies. Although more studies are needed to confirm, they have the potential to cause cancer among humans. Remember, prevention is always better than a cure.
1. Ultra-Processed Foods and Trans Fats
The most harmful substance in the modern diet is ultra-processed foods that make up nearly 60% of calories. They’re packed with additives of unhealthy fats and sugar as they’re stripped of fiber and nutrients. The major culprit comes in the form of trans fat, which the FDA calls a double trouble for heart health. They raise bad cholesterol while lowering the good ones, putting you at risk for a heart attack and stroke.