The article discusses 8 foods that can be poisonous if not consumed properly. These foods include:
1. Nutmeg: Contains a compound called myristin, which can cause hallucinations, headaches, and even death in large doses.
2. Raw or undercooked red beans: Contain phytohemagglutinin, a toxin that can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and anemia.
3. Brown rice: May contain arsenic, a toxic substance that can cause health problems if consumed in large quantities.
4. Undercooked or contaminated meat: Can contain E. coli, a bacteria that can cause diarrhea, kidney failure, and even death.
5. Green potatoes: Contain solanine, a natural pesticide that can cause neurotoxic symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and irritability.
6. Raw or green almonds and cashews: Contain cyanide, a toxic substance that can cause rapid poisoning.
7. Cherry pits or seeds: Contain amygdalin, a compound that can release cyanide, a toxic substance that can cause poisoning.
8. Puffer fish: Contains tetrodotoxin, a toxin that can cause paralysis, respiratory failure, and even death if not prepared properly.
The article emphasizes the importance of proper food handling, cooking, and preparation to avoid poisoning. It also encourages readers to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming these foods and to take necessary precautions to ensure safe consumption.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Nutmeg contains a compound called myristin, which can cause symptoms such as headache or fever if consumed in large quantities.
2. Consuming a whole nutmeg can lead to nutmeg psychosis and even death in extreme cases.
3. Raw or poorly cooked red beans contain a compound called phytohemagglutinin, which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and abnormalities in platelets or red blood cells.
4. Brown rice may contain high levels of arsenic, especially if it is grown in countries with high levels of arsenic in the soil, such as China.
5. Consuming large quantities of brown rice can lead to arsenic toxicity, which can cause symptoms such as horizontal lines on the nails.
6. Poorly cooked meat can contain bacteria such as E. coli, which can cause diarrhea, intestinal disease, and even death.
7. Green potatoes contain a compound called solanine, which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and neurotoxic symptoms.
8. Raw or green almonds and cashews contain high levels of cyanide, which can cause rapid poisoning if consumed.
9. The rind of cherry pits contains a compound called amygdalin, which quickly becomes cyanide and can cause poisoning if ingested.
10. The darker red the cherry, the higher the concentration of amygdalin.
11. Children are at higher risk of cyanide poisoning from cherry pits due to their lower body weight.
12. Puffer fish contains a toxin called tetrodotoxin, which can cause alterations in the body's normal physiology and lead to symptoms such as weakness, altered lung mechanics, and ventilation mechanics.
13. Consuming puffer fish requires a certified cook to handle it properly to avoid poisoning.