Despite Being the ‘World’s Deadliest Food,’ 500 Million
Hidden Dangers in Everyday Foods
Some common foods can be harmful if not prepared correctly.
Cassava, for example, “contains compounds that release cyanide” and must be soaked and cooked thoroughly.
Risks for Certain People
Starfruit can be deadly for those with kidney disease.
As the article notes, “just a small amount can trigger serious complications.”
Seeds, Nuts, and Vegetables
Cherry pits, bitter almonds, and apple seeds also contain cyanide-related compounds,
while green potatoes produce solanine, which may cause nausea and nerve damage.
Raw cashews and mango skin hold urushiol—the same irritant in poison ivy.
Other Toxic Foods
Pufferfish, or fugu, carries the lethal tetrodotoxin, so in Japan, “only specially trained chefs are allowed to prepare it.”
Even spices like nutmeg, when eaten in large doses, can cause hallucinations.
Elderberries, rhubarb leaves, and raw kidney beans also contain toxins that require proper cooking.
