8 Common Foods That Could Be Harmful - Nature's Poison

1. Lima Beans

 
While perfectly safe when properly cooked, the little lima bean is not so nice when eaten raw. Lima beans actually contain a high level of cyanide, as part of the plant’s natural defenses, a chemical that is poisonous to humans.

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes, like many of the other foods on this list, are generally very good for you. The stems of the tomato however, can be quite dangerous to eat. They contain a substance called tomatine – a substance that’s toxic enough to be used as a pesticide. So make sure you completely remove the stems from any tomatoes you eat.

3. Almonds

Almonds are well known as a “superfood” – a food that’s densely packed with nutrients, healthy fats and fiber. Wild almonds, which very closely resemble regular almonds, can contain cyanide, a well known poison that can be fatal.

4. Chili Peppers

Before making that salsa or tossing a few chilies on your taco, think again. Whether mild and sweet or frighteningly hot, each chili contains a chemical called capsaicin. While the occasional chili or two added to a recipe or eaten raw won’t do any damage, large amounts of capsaicin can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and in extremely rare cases, prove fatal.

5. Cashews

Those nice salty cashews are only good if they are cooked. One of the most common nut varieties, cashews (which are actually a seed) contains a compound called urushiol. Urushiol is the same compound found in the leaves of the poison ivy plant. Most cashews that are sold are steamed, roasted or cooked in some manner, making them safe to eat. It is only the raw variety that can cause problems.

6. Mushrooms

This familiar fungi is well known for its edible varieties and poisonous counterparts. Certain mushroom varieties contain high levels of poison which is why it is recommended that people stick with well-known varieties when planning a meal, or consult an expert when thinking about serving something foraged in the woods.

7. Apples

While the fruit itself is perfectly safe (though washing before eating is highly recommended), the seeds in the fruit can contain trace amounts of poison. Apple seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides which turn into cyanide through an enzymatic process. Most people stop eating their apples at the core and never get to the seeds, making this less of a concern.

8.Cassava

Also known as tapioca or manioc, the Cassava plant is native to South America. Normally it’s perfectly healthy and nutritious when prepared properly (by soaking and drying). However, certain chemical compounds in Cassava can combine to form cyanide, a well known poison.