From Your Plate to the Grave: Foods You Eat Every Day That Can Kill You
Can you die from french fries? Are cherries dangerous?
In our fast-paced lives, we often indulge in meals that tantalize our taste buds, providing instant satisfaction. However, behind the allure lies a grim reality.
Seemingly harmless foods can have a dark side, with effects ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening consequences. In this article, we’ll review common foods that have been linked to adverse health consequences…even some leading to death.
French Fries
Indulging in the irresistible allure of french fries is a shared guilty pleasure.
Confession: Choosing the fry image below made me Uber Eats McDonald’s fries.
These crispy, salty delights hold an undeniable appeal. French fries fall into the hyper-palatable food category, notorious for triggering a surge of dopamine, commonly known as the “happy hormone,” within our brains.
So why does this seemingly innocent snack find itself on the list of potentially dangerous foods?
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported in a study looking at potato consumption and death that individuals who ate fried potatoes 3x or more a week were 3x as likely to die compared to those who ate them once a month.
They did not see this effect for non-fried potatoes.
Blood Clams
Blood clams have become a famous nutrient-dense delicacy in Asia. They have a distinct sweet and salty flavor, often produced by grilling or searing them with lemongrass.
But. They’re illegal to import. Why?
These specific clams contain hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells. This means they can catch human blood-related diseases like hepatitis A. During one of the most significant Hepatitis A outbreaks in history, ~300,000 people were infected due to clam consumption in Shanghai.
Cherry Pits
Indulging in the delightful taste of cherries, whether in a luscious pie or atop a tempting ice cream sundae, is a pleasure that knows no bounds. However, hidden within this seemingly innocent fruit lies a perilous secret — it has the potential to be deadly, but only when one consumes the cherry pit.
Within this unassuming seed resides a substance called amygdalin. Alone, amygdalin poses no immediate danger. However, when it encounters the enzymes naturally present in our bodies, a treacherous conversion occurs — the amygdalin transforms into the lethal toxin known as cyanide.
Cyanide poisoning can result from consuming merely 3–4 Morello cherry pits or 7–9 red or black cherry pits.
It is crucial to exercise caution when savoring cherries, ensuring that the pits are removed and disposed of properly. By appreciating the delicious fruit while avoiding its potentially lethal core, we can continue to enjoy the pleasures cherries bring without risking harm.
Enjoy your meals, but do it sensibly, ensuring each mouthful provides delight rather than unpleasant surprises.
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