10 most toxic common foods

[Illusion]

While most people know that cakes and chocolate arent great for your health, there are other seemingly healthy foods whose dangerous properties slip under the radar.

While it is unlikely moderate amounts of these foods will harm you, in large quantities or in certain conditions they may do more damage to your health than you think. Here are some of the most toxic common foods.

(1) Mushrooms

While mushrooms available in most supermarkets should be pretty safe to eat, mushroom fans need to be careful about what species' they are consuming as many varieties can be highly dangerous and even fatal. Around 100 species of mushrooms are said to be dangerous to humans, with symptoms ranging from headaches to seizures or even death. In 2010 a small variety of mushroom called the Little White was blamed for an estimated 400 deaths in China. Also mushrooms that are taken for hallucination purposes can be fatal if too much are taken.

(2) Chillies

Chillies are renowned for their heat, which is what makes them so popular. However, it is actually the chemical that causes this spiciness (capsaicin) which can cause toxic effects such as stomach pain, itchy skin and, in extreme cases, death. For most people eating chillies will do little harm, however capsaicin is best eaten sparingly so make sure to take it easy and avoid any chilli eating challenges!

(3) Rapeseed oil

There has been much controversy about this seemingly innocent natural oil, but the general consensus seems to be that it could have many negative implications on our health. Reports state that the rape plant - from which the oil is produced - is extremely toxic, and side effects of consuming its oil could include respiratory problems and blindness.

(4) Rice

It is impossible to dispute that rice has many great health benefits. However, like with most things, it may be best eaten in moderation due to its reportedly unsafe levels of arsenic. One study has suggested that one in five packs of American long-grain rice contain potentially harmful levels of the toxic substance, while others have reported concern for the levels of arsenic in rice milk and baby rice. While there is relatively little risk of the odd bowl of rice causing any long lasting harm, the consumption of high levels of arsenic has been linked to cancer.

(5) Nutmeg

Perhaps one of the most immediately dangerous foods on this list is also one of the most surprising, and that is the common store cupboard spice, nutmeg. Although, like many of the foods on the list, nutmeg does have reported health benefits, it can also be extremely dangerous when taken in large doses. Containing a toxic substance called myristicin, moderate proportions of nutmeg can cause hallucinations, while larger doses can cause convulsions, palpitations, nausea, dehydration and death.

(6) Non-organic apples

Although it is advisable to buy as much organic fruit and veg as you can, in reality this is hard to do on most people's budgets. When making decisions over whether or not to go organic, it is important therefore to note that some foods have a higher concentration of pesticides than others, and apples are one of the fruits that top this list. Because apples are vulnerable to insect infestations and growths, growers are
liable to coat the fruit in chemical pesticides and fungicides, some of which will absorb into its flesh.
To minimise health risks, try to buy organic apples wherever possible, or at least remove the skin before eating.

(7) Farmed Salmon

We may be constantly urged to eat more oily fish, but research has suggested that consuming farmed salmon may not be the best way to do it. A study found that 13 different toxins - including PCBs, which have been classed as a probable human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - are at much higher levels in farm-raised salmon than in wild salmon. Due to the possible health dangers of consuming these toxins, it is advisable to either reduce your portions of farmed salmon (guidelines are for a half to two portions a month, depending on where the salmon is from) or switch to the wild variety.

(8) Microwave popcorn

Although eating microwave popcorn is not believed to be particularly harmful, it has been found that butter flavoured versions of the snack contain a dangerous chemical (diacetyl) in the flavouring which releases toxic fumes when microwaved. While this has mainly affected factory workers so far - with many developing a lung condition dubbed "popcorn lung" - one consumer is now known to have also developed lung problems due to this toxin. However, this is clearly a case of moderation being key, with the sufferer admitting to eating microwave popcorn at least twice a day for 10 to 12 years. Unless you are eating your popcorn in similar quantities, it is most likely safe to consume popcorn at home,just be careful to avoid the fumes when opening the bag.

(9) Potatoes

Potatoes may look innocent enough, but did you know they actually come from
the same family as poisonous plant the deadly nightshade? Although they are not quite as dangerous as this family member, potatoes do pose certain risks to our health due to them containing toxic compounds known as glycoalkaloids, the most worrying of which is solanine which affects the nervous and digestive systems, causing headaches, weakness, confusion, diarrhoea and vomiting amongst other things. Poisoning from potatoes occurs very rarely but fans of the popular vegetable should take measures to protect themselves by avoiding potatoes with sprouts - which tend to have a higher concentration of glycoalkaloids - and those which have turned green. Although the green colour of the potatoes is harmless in itself, it does indicate that the potatoes have been exposed to light, which can also encourage solanine levels to rise over the safe level for consumption.

(10) Peanuts

Not only are peanuts one of the most common food allergens, but the popular snack may also be dangerous to those who don't suffer from allergies. Peanuts are particularly best avoided by those with kidney or gallbladder problems as they contain oxalates which can crystallise and cause kidney and gallbladder stones.
However, even for the rest of us peanuts can be toxic due to their susceptibility to mould and the frequently occurring presence of aflatoxin - a highly toxic carcinogen - that is produced by a fungus called Aspergillus flavus invading the nuts. If you simply can't resist snacking on peanuts, try to purchase ones produced in arid areas -such as New Mexico -where the soil is dry and the risk of aflatoxins is lower.

[Kian]

So I was reading through the list and I stopped at rice like 'oh shit'. Arsenic obviously doesn't understand how much it means to me lol

[Crazyalaa]

(01-21-2011 08:52 PM)Kianian Wrote:  So I was reading through the list and I stopped at rice like 'oh shit'. Arsenic obviously doesn't understand how much it means to me lol

U too!

Rice is the only thing I would not give up eating....EVER..VIVA LA RICE!

Pretty weird list to be honest.

Thanks for posting.

[ClichéGuevara]

Sceptical I am. Yoda impersonation I am doing, apparently

[Kian]

^ Yeah Alaa, I'm like the vietcong with my rice.

[Boboulas]

Most of the those foods i wouldnt hesitate to eat.

Theres allways lists of things that are "bad" for you, i tend to ignore them unless a very good case were made.

[Illusion]

I mean you should still eat them, there still a lot better than other shit the government forces down our throat. Like water has fluoride in it but you should still drink water, you need it.

[KRIM_TACTIKS]

Yeah eating the above isn't going to make you unhealthy or kill you.

Everything in moderation is the key and always has been.

[Gezus]

Surprised beans are not on the list.

[Priya]

(01-21-2011 08:52 PM)Kianian Wrote:  So I was reading through the list and I stopped at rice like 'oh shit'. Arsenic obviously doesn't understand how much it means to me lol

hahah same here!


and chillies? dawg we indian..

[klashenkoff]

(01-22-2011 03:03 AM)Priya Wrote:  

(01-21-2011 08:52 PM)Kianian Wrote:  So I was reading through the list and I stopped at rice like 'oh shit'. Arsenic obviously doesn't understand how much it means to me lol

hahah same here!


and chillies? dawg we indian..

lol i was thinking the samem, some of my friends eat the naga chilli for fun so they cant be that bad

and u cant beat a nice plate of spicy chicken biriyani lol

[Chino]

(01-21-2011 09:04 PM)Kianian Wrote:  ^ Yeah Alaa, I'm like the vietcong with my rice.

you should see my good friend, he was A FUCKING SHED FULL OF RICE O.o