Growing up, we’re constantly told to eat our fruits and veggies. But what if some of the healthiest items in your kitchen have a dark side? It turns out that they have their fair share of negative effects as well, when consumed in the wrong way or in excessive amounts. Today, we’re uncovering 8 everyday health staples that you may be eating wrong.
8. Cruciferous Vegetables
Yup, we’re talking about broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, which are nutritional powerhouses. However, surprisingly, they’re found to contain compounds called thiocyanate, which interfere with the body’s ability to absorb iodine. Without having enough iodine, your thyroid can’t produce hormones to regulate your metabolism, potentially leading to hypothyroidism. You don’t really need to give them up entirely, just limit your intake to 2-3 cups per week.
7. Soy
Soy may be your go-to protein, but there’s a little-known secret in it. They interfere with your body’s ability to absorb thyroid medication. The isoflavones from soy, while beneficial, can make it hard for your system to utilize the medicine you rely on. Don’t worry, moderate consumption is fine, but avoid consuming it at a time close to when you take your medication.
6. Spinach
Spinach’s high oxalate content can be a major problem for some individuals. Oxalates are natural compounds that bind the calcium and form painful kidney stones in individuals. Just a single serving of spinach (50-100 g) can contain 500-1000mg of oxalate, which increases urinary oxalate levels. If you’re prone to kidney stones, be mindful of high-oxalate foods, such as beets and nuts.
5. Carrots
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a pigment that gives them their vibrant color. They also convert vitamin A in the body. However, eating too much might cause your skin to become too orange. It’s called carotenemia, which occurs when excess beta-carotene accumulates in the bloodstream. Well, that’s about 10 carrots a day for a few weeks to see it happen.
4. Nutmeg
While nutmeg adds a warm and nutty flavor to your baked goods, it contains psychoactive compounds called myristicin. Well, small amounts are safe, but large doses, even as little as two teaspoons, can cause myristicin poisoning. Symptoms include hallucinations, dizziness, seizures, and irregular heartbeat. Always stick to the amounts specified in recipes to stay safe.
3. Grapefruit
Grapefruit might be a healthy way to start your day, but beware of its deadly interactions with common medications. A compound found in grapefruit can interfere with the enzymes that break down medications in your system. This causes serious health problems like kidney failure, respiratory failure, and sudden death. Consult your doctor about consuming grapefruit when taking medication.
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Foods with omega-3 fatty acids are celebrated for their anti-inflammatory properties and heart health benefits. But little did you know, taking high doses can lead to blood thinning. Typical doses like 1-6 grams are okay, but taking as much as 13-14 grams can increase your risk of bleeding. This is dangerous for those who are taking blood-thinning medications.
1. Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts may be a nutritional powerhouse, but they’re high in selenium. It’s a trace mineral that’s toxic when consumed in large amounts. One Brazil nut contains up to 95 micrograms of selenium, which is over the recommended daily amount of 50-70 micrograms. It means eating four Brazil nuts can push your upper safe limit of 300 micrograms, which leads to selenium toxicity. This causes hair loss, digestive problems, and even memory difficulties.