In Europe, more than 20 people have died and some 2000 others have fallen ill from consuming raw salads that are contaminated with E. coli bacteria. The culprit is believed to be bean sprouts where such bacteria hide well in the plant or its seeds.
To ensure safety, cooking vegetables under high temperature can destroy pathogens such as E. coli, salmonella, listeria and campylobacter, However veterinary drugs, pesticides and heavy metals like copper and arsenic may remain even after thorough washing and cooking.
Some of the foods we take daily may contain naturally occurring toxins and should be watched closely by certain people.
+ As a popular snack and pastry ingredient, almond is a rich source of vitamin E, containing 24 mg per 100 g. It is also rich in dietary fiber, B vitamins, essential minerals (eg. calcium), phytosterols and monounsaturated fat – all capable of lowering LDL cholesterol.
+ It can help to overcome stress and depression. Other potential health benefits include improved complexion and possibly a lower risk of cancer. Lactating mothers can take to increase milk production.
+ Never eaten raw as the bitter almond contains trace of lethal cynide in this state and takes only 50 unprocessed pieces to kill a person. Heat is always applied to destroy its toxicity.
Cherry and peach
Latest studies show that at least one in four women is struggling with arthritis, gout or chronic headaches. A daily bowl of cherries could ease your ache, without the stomach upset so often triggered by painkillers. Enjoy 20 cherries (fresh, frozen or dried) daily, until your pain disappears. The research revealed that anthocyanins, the compounds that give cherries their brilliant red color, are anti-inflammatories 10 times stronger than ibuprofen and aspirin. Anthocyanins help shut down the powerful enzymes that kick-start tissue inflammation, and thus can prevent as well as treat, many different kinds of pain.
A medium peach 75 g (2.6 oz), has 30 Cal, 7 g of carbohydrate (6 g sugars and 1 g fibre), 1 g of protein, 140 mg of potassium, and 8% of the daily value (DV) for vitamin C. Peach allergy or intolerance is a relatively common form of hypersensitivity to proteins contained in peaches and related fruit like almonds. Symptoms may occur like oral allergy syndrome to systemic symptoms, including gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms.
Both are known to contain highly poisonous compounds in their leaves and seeds. When their seeds are crushed or chewed, they release cyanide. Symptoms of mild poisoning include headache, dizziness, confusion, anxiety and vomiting. Larger doses can lead to difficult breathing, increased blood pressure and heart rate, and kidney failure. Reactions can include coma, convulsions and death from respiratory arrest.
Tomato
Tomato is known to be rich in lycopene, known to help prevent prostate cancer and lower risk of breast cancer, but must be cooked to release this component abundantly.
However, the leaves and stem of the tomato plant contain a chemical called glycoalkaloid, which causes extreme nervousness and discomfort for the stomach. Hence, the stem can be used for cooking as flavor enhancer but must be removed during eating. This chemical is so powerful that it is actually used as a way to control pests.
Potato
Do not take potatoes that turn green as the green hue is due to a high concentration of the glycoalaloid poison being released from the stems and leaves when over-riped. In serious cases, death follows after a period of weakness, confusion and coma. Throw away green potatoes and when new sprouts appear on the surface.
Cashew nut
The nut is actually the seed of the cashew fruit, found encased in a double shell that contain toxins. The raw cashews contain urushiol, which is the same chemical in poison ivy and can cause the body similar reaction to one experienced from poison oak or ivy.
Handling the shell or eating a nut with shell oil on it can cause the skin to itch. Those ‘raw cashews’ sold in stores have actually been steamed. Roasted cashews are treated at high temperature to destroy the shell oil and thus do not trigger a reaction.
Chilli
Red chillis contain high amounts of vitamin C (can aid in the uptake of non-heme iron), B vitamins and very high in potassium, magnesium and iron.
The chemical capsaicin is what makes chilly spicy. Chili padi found in tropical countries are so hot that the burning sensation can be awesome when you cut the chili. Incidentally, this chemical is so strong that it is used as a paint stripper and pepper spray by police forces.
Till now is not clear if the role of capsaicin is a carcinogen, co-carcinogen or tumor promoter as there are many who swear by its ability to prevent and treat cancer.
Strawberry
As strawberry is grounded during maturity, pesticides used are easily trapped on its surface, thus voted one of the most contaminated foods, especially those grown non-organically.
For this reason, pesticide exposure causes negative impact on health. The liver’s ability to process other toxins, the cells’ ability to produce energy, and the nerves’ ability to send messages cannot function properly.
This enticing fruit also contains measurable amounts of oxalates, naturally-occurring substances found in plants, animals and human beings. When oxalates become too concentrated in body fluids, they can crystallize and cause health problems. Hence, individuals with existing and untreated kidney, liver or gallbladder problems may want to give it a miss as the detoxifying organs are already overloaded with toxicity.
Starfruit
Starfruit is loaded with potent antioxidants and vitamin C to protect our cell integrity. It is low in sugar (fructose), sodium and acid. Not only that, its antimicrobial activities enables it to scavenge against pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus.
However, this is one fruit like strawberries that a small percentage of the human population should avoid at all cost. According to nephrologist, neurotoxin found in it normally can be filtered out by the kidneys but not in patients suffering from kidney failure, kidney stones or those under kidney dialysis treatment who may end up with symptoms like hiccups, numbness, vomiting, weakness, agitation, Epileptic fist, nausea and mental confusion. Fatalities have been documented in some patients as well.
Source: Mind your Body, ST dated 9-6-2011
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