10 Incredibly Toxic Foods You Can Consume Without Knowing It
What if everyday snacks or meals are toxic foods? Most people never care about what they eat as long as it’s tasty and acceptable to their palates (even though they are composed of dangerous toxins), which is why we have provided a list of some foods containing toxic substances.
Nevertheless, toxic does not immediately put you on your deathbed unless consumed on high volume or an intentional intake of high doses. Side effects like vomiting, nausea, and dizziness are the usual or most common scenarios when intoxication occurs.
Why is it Important to Know Foods with Toxic Compounds?
Knowing the components of the food that you eat is a bit of a hassle. Once you understand the negative effect that these toxic foods can bring to your body. You will surely be wary next time of what to eat and when to eat these types of foods. Here are the common foods that consist of toxins unknowingly:
1. Raw Red Kidney Beans – Lectins
These red beans have a high level of lectins that may lead to severe stomachache, vomiting, and diarrhea. Lectins are a form of toxin that reduces the capability of your body to absorb nutrients. The usual preparation for these beans to make sure that it is ready to consume is to soak in water for about 10-12 hours before boiling for another 10-15 mins before eating.
2. Wild Mushrooms – Muscimol & Muscarine
Not all mushrooms are good for pizza. Some of these mushrooms are deadly and might cause uncurable poisoning if the delayed start of symptoms occurred. Once intoxicated by the poison, symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hallucination, and confusion may occur as it affects your liver, kidney, and nervous system.
3. Apples & Cherries – Cyanide
Your favorite sweet apples and cherries have some toxic contents too. These are called hydrogen cyanide present in both apple seeds and cherry pits. These toxins, if ingested by an infant, may cause death. But for commonly aged individuals, vomiting, headache, and common sickness are the early warning signs. It can also be deadly not only for humans but for your household pets as well.
4. Shellfish, Mussels, Oysters, and Scallops – Algal Toxins
These are toxins formed by algae both in salt and freshwater. Algal toxins are dangerous for both humans and other animals. The common symptoms of being poisoned by these toxins are vomiting, diarrhea, tingling, and paralysis. These toxins remain in sea creatures and cannot be removed easily by the cooking or freezing process.
5. Raw Cashews – Urushiol
Urushiol toxins are present on the shells of cashews. These toxins are the same as what Poison Ivy’s have. It’s an irritating oily sap that gets into the skin quickly. A small amount of this toxin can cause an allergic reaction and might cause serious health problems. A great thing about this toxin is that this can be removed with soap and water.
6. Starfruit or Carambola – Caramboxin
The toxin found in Starfruit is called Caramboxin or Sweet Toxins. This toxic type of chemical affects your nervous system and develops even more dangerous if you have existing kidney problems. And if severe, this might cause seizures and death.
7. Swordfish – Mercury
Not only swordfishes have high mercury content—Even Big-Eyed Tunas, King Mackerel, Blue Marlin, and Sharks. Mercury is also present in some root crops, and high amounts of this toxin are found mostly in some types of sea animals. These toxins are corrosive to the skin when inhaled and deadly if eaten in large quantities.
8. Potatoes, Tomatoes, and Eggplants – Solanine
Solanine is a natural toxin most found in these kinds of food, especially potatoes. Solanine poisoning may lead to stomach and nervous system problems. And to decrease the level of Solanine present in your food. Deep-frying is one of the most effective ways as it lessens toxin content by 40%. Just like potato chips.
9. Herbs & Spices – Myristicin
The most known for this specific toxin is nutmeg. A nutty flavored spice that is commonly present in baked goods and specialty beverages as well. Nutmeg has an oil-like substance called Myristicin. Consuming large amounts of this spice can cause hallucinations, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.
10. Spinach – Oxalic Acid
Spinach is widely known as the vegetable that makes Popeye strong when consumed. But little did you know that this green leafy vegetable has toxins that are harmful to the body? Spinach has a toxin called Oxalic Acid.
Oxalate is present in leafy green vegetables, fruits, nuts, and even cocoa. Similarly, with Caramboxin, this toxin compound is dangerous to people with kidney diseases. As it might help develop kidney stones and lead to a more critical illness.
Why Toxic Foods Matter
It is common for people to experience food poisoning, especially if the food is unprepared carefully. But being observant and extra careful about the food that you put into your mouth is not a bad thing as well.
Everything boils down to being cautious about what your food is all about. An important factor for maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a balanced diet that would fit your body type.
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Foods That Are Good for The Body
Most foods are great for the body even toxic foods to an extent. It is all based on how balanced your diet has those foods inside your stomach. People must always make a limit out of everything to be safe and healthy. Remember that too much of everything and too little of something mostly results in a negative outcome.
Therefore we cannot identify what foods are best for you and what is not but, we can give you some tips if you still want to eat the toxic foods mentioned above.
- Do not assume that all “natural toxins” are safe.
- Throw away spoiled, bruised, discolored, and foul-smelling foods.
- Never consider eating moldy foods.
- Eat only identified mushrooms or any definitively non-poisonous food.
- Make sure to consult a doctor once you are not sure that the food you ate is safe.
Final Thoughts on Toxic Foods
It’s not easy to deal with toxic foods. One must not compromise health and safety just because foods are tasty and delicious. Everyone must stay cautious about what they eat and what benefits they can gain from consuming that food.
The best way to avoid eating high levels of toxic foods is to consult your dietician regarding the list of suggested foods that are good for your health. This is also to prevent such harmful effects to your body that may be linked to cancer development.
