Top 10 foods with toxic compounds.

WHILE most people know that cakes and
chocolate are not great for the health,
there are other seemingly healthy foods
whose dangerous properties slip under the
radar. Here are some of the most toxic
common foods:
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.
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.
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 health.
In fact 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.
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 contains
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.
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.
Non-organic apples
Although it is advisable to buy as much
organic fruit and vegetables 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Peanuts
Not only are peanuts one of the most
common food allergens, but the popular bar
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.