1, the harmful part of common food
First, tomatoes
Toxic parts: stems and leaves
Although tomatoes are very popular in many countries, they are indeed poisonous. Although the pulp itself does not contain toxins, its stems and leaves are rich in a chemical called glycoside alkaloids. The content of this substance in wild tomatoes is high, but artificially planted tomatoes still have some influence. This kind of thing can cause stomach dysfunction and anxiety. Stems and leaves can be used as cooking condiments, but they must be removed before eating. This chemical is very effective. In fact, it is often used to repel insects.
Second, Apple.
Toxic part: stone
Wherever you go, apples are definitely a popular fruit. Like other foods on this list, apples also contain cyanide, but the content is not high. There are no toxic chemicals in the pulp, but you will find cyanide in the apple core. Eating an apple core won't kill you, but it will definitely be harmful to your health. Of course, if you eat too many apple cores, there may be complications.
Third, potatoes.
Toxic parts: stems and leaves
We have all heard stories about potatoes more or less. Whether it is the Irish potato famine or other related historical events, everyone is familiar with it, but you may not have heard that potatoes are also poisonous. The stems and leaves of potato plants are poisonous, and even potatoes themselves are poisonous. If you have carefully observed potatoes, you may find that some potatoes are slightly green, which is caused by the toxicity of glycoside alkaloids. In the past, there have been cases of death from potato poisoning. Although rare, most of them are due to drinking potato leaf tea or eating raw potatoes. Fatal events are not sudden, and the parties are often weak at first, and then fall into a coma after eating. Don't worry about the occasional green potato chips, but be sure to throw away potatoes with green shoots or skins, and don't cook them again, especially not to give them to children.
Fourth, cherry.
Toxic part: stone
Cherry is definitely one of the most eaten fruits. It can be eaten raw, cooked, baked, made into jam or candy, and even eaten with some wines. Although cherry has many benefits, it is poisonous. If you bite off the cherry core without thinking and leave it in your mouth, you probably swallowed hydrocyanic acid. Once the cherry pit is chewed or chewed, it will automatically produce hydrocyanic acid. Symptoms of mild poisoning include headache, dizziness, confusion, anxiety and confusion, and vomiting. A large amount of hydrocyanic acid can cause dyspnea, high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat and renal failure. Other reactions include coma, convulsions, and the most serious will lead to respiratory failure and death.
Verb (short for verb) mushroom
Toxic parts: 5% mushrooms.
There are about 5,000 kinds of mushrooms in the United States, of which about 100 are said to be poisonous, and less than 10 can be fatal. Still, mushrooms can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Because mushrooms are essentially fungi and there are many kinds, it is difficult to judge which ones are toxic and which ones are non-toxic. According to experience, we usually say that wild mushrooms are likely to be poisonous. Muscarine is one of the most deadly mushroom toxins, which can cause serious liver damage. The poisonous mushroom we are talking about is also a kind of poisonous mushroom.
Six, almonds
Toxic part: raw almonds
Most people always think that almond is a kind of nut, but in fact it is a kind of seed, which is especially popular in cooking circles all over the world. Similar to cashew nuts, almonds will be highly toxic if they are not heated in some form, but bitter almonds are the main detoxification targets, which are rich in cyanide. In many countries, it is illegal to sell unprocessed and detoxified almonds.
Seven, cashew nuts
Toxic part: raw cashews.
Although it is not a nut plant but a seed, cashew nuts have a shell-like structure and grow on fruits. When you buy "raw cashews" in the store, be sure to buy them steamed, not completely raw. This is because raw cashews contain urushiol, which is also the same toxic chemical found in poison ivy. It can make the body have the same reaction as exposure to poison ivy and poison oak. Ingesting a large amount of urushiol can be fatal. Although there are few cases of cashew nut poisoning, cashew nut peeling workers sometimes have hidden dangers of side effects because of close contact.
Eight, cassava (sweet potato)
Toxic part: cassava
Although not common in the United States, shrubby cassava is widely distributed in the Caribbean and South America. When cassava is used as food, it can be made sweet or bitter. Its taste and smell depend on the content of highly toxic cyanide. Most people who want to eat cassava like its bitter taste because it can drive away insects and even animals. If you don't prepare well before eating cassava, you will probably die after eating it. Because it is rich in cyanide, the toxicity of cassava may lead to nerve paralysis and permanent paralysis.
Nine, puffer fish
Toxic parts: some organs
The puffer fish is the second most poisonous vertebrate in the world. Although you can't eat it in America, many Koreans and Japanese think part of this fish is very delicious. However, some organs, such as the liver, are highly toxic and deadly. The toxin in this fish is called tetrodotoxin, which can cause hypertension, muscle paralysis and other symptoms, and lead to the death of the poisoned person due to diaphragm paralysis and respiratory arrest. Many Asians still find it hard to refuse the dangerous delicacy of puffer fish.
Ten, red pepper
Toxic parts: red pepper
You have eaten red peppers more or less in your life. Whether it is particularly spicy or not, every red pepper you eat contains a chemical called capsaicin. Among red peppers, capsaicin is the initiator of spicy taste. Of course, eating a red pepper is not a big problem, but if you eat too much to a certain amount, your life may be in danger. This chemical is so powerful that people use it to remove paint and even spray pepper on the police. In Havana and other red peppers, the content of capsaicin is amazing. If you cut the pepper, you will immediately feel burning pain in your skin.
2, tomato purchase instructions
First, look at the color. Naturally mature tomatoes usually see green in the pedicle, while the whole fruit of mature tomatoes is red. Green is rarely seen in fruit bases. The tomato we want to choose has a faint pink feeling on the surface, and the pedicle must be round.
Second, look at the appearance. Naturally ripe tomatoes have a well-proportioned proportion. Ripening tomatoes are not so symmetrical in appearance, some have obvious spires, and some have edges and corners.
Third, pinch it. The sign of tomato ripening is softening. Naturally ripe tomatoes are softer to pinch, while ripe tomatoes are more difficult to pinch.
Ripening tomatoes are essentially the same as immature tomatoes, and the content of toxic lycopene is the highest, which will interfere with the central nervous system and be harmful to human body. Natural ripe tomatoes have little or no lycopene content, forming various nutrients. If you master the above selection methods, you can fully enjoy the nutrition and delicious taste of tomatoes.