Harmful consumables to avoid:
Safe Consumption: Common Household Foods That May Contain Harmful Toxins
By: Irina Moritz
A word of caution for the food we consume daily: several common items harbor natural toxins that can pose a threat when ingested or prepared incorrectly. Here is an overview of some everyday foods to watch out for.
1. Rhubarb
A popular ingredient in compotes, jams, or cakes, rhubarb seems innocent enough. However, only the pink-red stalk is edible, while the green leaves contain high levels of oxalic acid, which can be toxic to humans. Take care when harvesting to leave about an inch of the leaf stem intact.
2. Cherries
Cherry season is highly anticipated in many countries, as this sweet stone fruit is rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C. Despite this, be wary of cherry pits, which contain dangerous hydrocyanic acid. Ingestion of a single pit can be harmful, so avoid biting into them altogether.
3. Beans and Peas
Fresh peas, particularly sugar snap or snow peas, make for a delicious and healthy snack. However, not all peas are equal. Chickpeas found in vegetable mixes contain the toxin phasin, which can be harmful if consumed raw. Ensure these legumes are cooked thoroughly before consumption. The same caution applies to beans, which should be cooked for at least 10 minutes to dissipate their natural toxins.
4. Elderberries
Processing berries into juices, jams, or baked goods is common, but elderberries should never be consumed raw. If ingested, they may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea due to the cyanogenic glycosides they contain. To avoid poisoning, cook the berries at temperatures over 80°C for about 20 minutes.
5. Nutmeg
A precious spice that dates back to ancient times, nutmeg is a staple in many kitchens. However, consuming the nut itself in large quantities can lead to adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, and hallucinations. Opt for careful measurement when using nutmeg as a seasoning and store it out of reach of children.
6. Cashew Nuts
Raw cashew nuts should be approached with caution due to the toxic cardol oil found in their outer shell. In supermarkets, "natural" cashews have undergone treatment to reduce their cardol content, making them safe for consumption when roasted or unsalted.
Three Types of Alcohol to Avoid
Certain types of alcohol contain toxic compounds, making them particularly harmful. It's advisable to avoid methylated spirits, denatured alcohol, and wood alcohol due to their potential dangers.
Potatoes
Though potatoes are a kitchen staple and provide numerous health benefits when prepared correctly, green spots on the skin indicate the presence of solanine, a toxic compound that can cause headaches, nausea, and diarrhea. In this case, carefully cutting out the affected area is sufficient to ensure the rest of the tuber remains safe to consume.
Be mindful of the proper consumption and preparation of your food to protect yourself and your loved ones from potential poisonings. As always, store potentially hazardous foods out of the reach of children and pets. Knowledgeable household management will ensure that our food remains a source of health, not a hidden danger.
- In the realm of cooking and food-and-drink, nutmeg, a spice with ancient origins, can be harmful if consumed in large quantities, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and hallucinations.
- Beans, such as chickpeas, and peas, especially sugar snap and snow peas, may contain harmful toxins if not cooked properly. The toxin phasin found in chickpeas can cause harm when consumed raw, while beans should be cooked for at least 10 minutes to dissipate their natural toxins.
- The home-and-garden section of your life might harbor hidden dangers in common items like rhubarb and elderberries. In the case of rhubarb, only the pink-red stalk is safe to consume, and the green leaves contain high levels of oxalic acid that can be toxic to humans. Elderberries should never be consumed raw, as they may cause adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea due to the cyanogenic glycosides they contain.
- Cherries, a popular fruit during their season, are rich in vitamins but can be harmful if the pits are ingested. These pits contain dangerous hydrocyanic acid, making accidental consumption potentially harmful.
- Home-and-garden products like potatoes may pose a threat when not properly handled. Green spots on the skin indicate the presence of solanine, a toxic compound that can cause headaches, nausea, and diarrhea. Carefully cutting out the affected area is enough to ensure the rest of the tuber remains safe to consume.
