According to World Health Organization, some foods contain certain natural toxins that might be harmful to your health when eaten. Most of these toxins are formed as defense mechanisms against infections and ingestion from animals. When eaten, some of these seeds can cause acute poisoning and have adverse side effects which cause damage to our health.
Acute poisoning can range from reactions following dermal or oral ingestion of certain substances. Some of these reactions include diarrhea, severe stomach pain, nausea, and death in worse cases. Long-term effects of acute poisoning from the intake of these foods can affect the digestive, immune and nervous systems.
In this article, I have compiled a list of 7 common foods that contain natural poisons that can cause death or harm your health. Check them out below;
1. Apple seeds: Apple is known as one of the most common and nutritious fruits on the planet, hence the popular saying that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Despite how nutritious this fruit is, there are some downsides to it. Apple seeds contain a potent toxin known as cyanide which can cause seizures, rapid breathing, and possible death when taken even in small quantities.
2. Nutmeg: According to “WebMD”, intake of nutmeg in high quantities can lead to hallucinations, drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, and seizures. This is because it contains myristicin, a naturally occurring compound commonly found in herbs and spices.
3. Green Potatoes: Potatoes contain a chemical known as glycoalkaloid which makes potatoes turn green when exposed to sunlight, or damaged due to aging. Eating potatoes that are high in glycoalkaloid can lead to diarrhea, nausea, headaches, and confusion.
4. Raw Kidney Beans: According to “Healthline”, raw kidney beans have a high concentration of lectins, a toxin that is responsible for nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. An injection of only 4-5 pieces of raw kidney beans can cause these effects.
5. Raw Cashew nut: Cashew is a very common and healthy fruit but eating raw cashew nuts can cause adverse side effects because it contains a toxin known as urushiol which is removed from the shell during preparation.
6. Mushrooms: Certain wild varieties of mushrooms are dangerous which include amanita phalloides and amanita virosa. Consuming any of these varieties could lead to deadly side effects.
7. Mangoes: According to “WebMD”, the skin and leaves of mangoes contain urushiol, a natural toxin that can cause severe swelling, rash, and problems in breathing.
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