We all know the downsides of junk food, but did you know that even the healthiest of foods can be fatal if they’re not prepared in the right way? Here are the top healthy foods that people are preparing wrong and hence risking their health.
1. Milk
In normal quantities, milk is perfectly fine to drink. However, if you ingest too much, you risk developing cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Stick to just a couple of cups a day to avoid the perils of prostate and ovarian cancer, as well.
2. Shellfish
When one consumed raw or undercooked shellfish, they open themselves up to the contaminants that can be fatal for humans. Also, slightly spoiled shellfish can cause bacterial infections and food poisoning, so watch out for that fudge temperature.
3. Potatoes
When potatoes sit in the sun or in damp locations, they start to sprout. Some people just cut off these spouts, but you should throw them out, since these potatoes contain poison and even one can cause abdominal pain, GI issues, vomiting, and diarrhea.
4. Meat, seafood, poultry
Cook these ingredients at a lower temperature, because cooking it at a high temperature changes protein and makes it dangerous for your health. Marinate your protein to avoid this, and flip it frequently.
5. Almonds
Bitter and sweet almonds exist. While sweet almonds are harmless, bitter almond have a lot of hydrogen cyanide and eating more than 10 can cause problems. When processed, these can be safe as hydrogen cyanide is usually extracted, but keep an eye out and don’t go picking any almond trees.
6. Cashews
Raw cashews can be deadly – you might be wondering, then why do they sell raw cashews at the local store? Because they’re actually steamed, which removed urushiol, a chemical found in poison ivy.
7. Brazil nuts
We know, there’s a lot of hazards when it comes to eating nuts! Although rich in selenium, too much selenium can actually be toxic for humans. 50-75 mg is suggested, and one nut contains 60-95mg. It can cause problems with digestion, hair loss, energy loss, and issues with memory.
8. Bread
Even though it’s not exactly poisonous, a lot of white bread contains processed flour and additives that can cause diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Sprouted grain bread is better if you’re trying to avoid these pitfalls.
9. Elderberries
While delicious in jam and tea, elderberry leaves and seeds are poisonous due to high levels of glycoside, a compound that produces cyanide. They need to be ripe, strained properly otherwise they can cause nausea or even induce a coma. Just make sure you cook them to avoid vomiting and upset stomach.
10. Honey
It’s very important to make sure that honey is pasteurized when you buy it – just a teaspoon of unpasteurized honey can contain loads of toxins and end up being damaging to your health.