When we hear about foods that’s bad for us we might assume it must be some type of food that we haven’t heard of but this isn’t always the case at all. After all, these foods have been enjoyed by people for centuries, and in moderation, some types of food need a little adjustment in how you consume them and you’re ready to go.
As it is, some foods can be bad for consumption. You just need to stay informed to be on the safer side. To help you do that, we’ve compiled 10 dangerous foods that can be bad for you, read on to find out.
01
Raw or Undercooked Eggs
Raw or undercooked eggs are commonly used in dishes such as Caesar salad, hollandaise sauce, and mayonnaise. They’re also used in some cocktails like classic “Eggnog” or “Flip” some people also consume raw eggs as a source of protein in smoothies, shakes, or just by cracking them and eating them raw. The USDA warns against it.
Raw or undercooked eggs can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning. The CDC studies show that Salmonella infection causes 23,000 hospitalizations and 450 deaths in the United States each year.
Consuming raw or undercooked eggs can result in symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fever. To reduce the risk of food poisoning, it’s best to cook eggs until the yolks and whites are firm and not runny. This is particularly important for individuals who are more vulnerable to foodborne illness, such as young children, pregnant women, and the elderly. If you’re unsure if your eggs are fully cooked, it’s best to err on the side of caution and cook them thoroughly.
02
Unpasteurized Dairy Products
These are foods that are made from milk that has not been heated to a high temperature to kill any harmful bacteria. Some examples of unpasteurized dairy products are raw milk, cheese, and yogurt.
These products can be harmful to our bodies because they can contain bacteria that can make us very sick, it’s also been responsible for 30 people’s illnesses in Colorado. When milk is heated, it kills these bad germs, but when it is not heated, the germs can still be there. So, if we eat or drink unpasteurized dairy products, we might get an upset stomach, a fever, or even a serious infection.
To stay healthy and safe, it’s important only to eat or drink dairy products that have been pasteurized. This means they have been heated to a high temperature to kill any harmful bacteria. This way, we can enjoy our cheese, yogurt, and milk without worrying about getting sick.
03
Processed Meats
Processed meats, such as bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats, are meats that have been treated with various methods to preserve and flavor them. While these meats are convenient and tasty, they’re extremely harmful to the body if consumed in large quantities.
Two of the main concerns with processed meats are the high levels of sodium and saturated fats, two of which can raise your cholesterol levels and lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer. These meats also often contain added preservatives and chemicals that attack the body.
When you eat processed meat in moderation it’s not necessarily harmful. But, it’s best to limit your consumption and opt for leaner meats, such as chicken and fish, as well as plant-based options.
04
High Sodium Food
Our body needs salt for proper fluid balance, and muscle and nerve function. But, as with most things, too much of a good thing can lead to problems. Consuming excessive amounts of salt can hurt your health, including causing high blood pressure and putting a strain on your heart, and in extreme cases, it can lead to death. Foods such as salad dressings, processed snacks, canned soups, frozen meals, and salt.
Over time, high blood pressure can damage blood vessels, the heart, and other organs, leading to serious health problems. Your body needs salt to function but you should limit your sodium intake and choose foods that are low in sodium to maintain good health. The recommended intake is no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, and for some people, even less may be necessary.
05
Fried Food
Fried foods are a staple in many cultures and cuisines around the world. They are even considered a guilty pleasure, but they’re definitely not friendly to what it does to the body.
Talk about French fries, fried chicken, fried fish, and onion rings. This involves submerging them in hot oil. This process causes the food to absorb a large amount of oil and fat, which can lead to high cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease. Fried food are also high in calories, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity. Not to mention how often they’re cooked at high temperatures, which can produce harmful chemicals called acrylamides. These chemicals have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
So, what can we do to enjoy the taste of fried foods and drinks without putting our health at risk?
While it’s okay to enjoy fried foods in moderation, it’s important to be mindful of how much and how often you consume them. Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet can help balance out the negative effects of fried foods.
In addition, try to cook your fried foods at home using healthier oils, such as olive oil or avocado oil. These oils are high in healthy fats and can help to lower your risk of heart disease.
06
Sugary Drinks
When it comes to our health, we often think of things like exercise and nutrition as the primary factors that determine how we feel and function. But one area that is often overlooked is the impact of sugar on our bodies. While a little bit of sugar here and there may not seem like a big deal, the truth is that consuming too much of it can have some serious consequences.
One of the biggest issues with sugary foods and drinks is that they are often high in calories and low in nutrients. This means that you can easily consume a lot of calories without getting much in terms of vitamins, minerals, or other beneficial compounds. High sugar intake has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. consuming too much sugar can lead to a host of other problems, including poor digestion, fatigue, and even mood swings. Remember, moderation is key, and indulging in moderation is always good.
07
Fish With High Levels of Mercury
what? No way is fish, a must in our diets, offering a rich source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients dangerous to eat. (you might think)
Fish is a nutritious food that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. However, some types of fish contain high levels of mercury, a toxic heavy metal that poses a threat to our health if consumed in excessive amounts.
Mercury is a naturally occurring element that can be found in the earth’s crust, but it can also enter the food chain through air and water pollution. Once in the water, it can build up in the flesh of fish and other seafood. The longer a fish lives, and the higher up the food chain it is, the more mercury it is likely to contain.
Examples of fish with high levels of mercury include swordfish, tilefish, shark, and king mackerel. It’s important to be mindful of these types of fish and limit their consumption, especially for pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, and young children.
When ingested, mercury can be harmful to the body in several ways. It can affect the nervous system, causing tremors, memory problems, and mood swings. It can also damage the heart and blood vessels, leading to cardiovascular disease. It can also harm the digestive system, causing abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. In extreme cases, high levels of mercury can even lead to kidney failure.
08
Almonds (bitter)
Many of us are familiar with almonds, and they’re either sweet or bitter depending on the type that grows them.
The substance “amygdalin” found in bitter almonds can turn into hydrocyanic acid (HCN) when it is consumed or metabolized in the body. Hydrocyanic acid is a toxic substance that can slow down the nervous system and cause serious breathing problems. And other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, and even death in severe cases. It is important to always properly research the type of almond you are consuming and ensure it is safe for consumption.
Although Sweet almonds, which are commonly consumed, do not contain significant amounts of amygdalin and are safe to eat.
09
Wild mushrooms
Wild mushrooms grow in many different environments and climates, from forests to fields and gardens. They come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes and can be fascinating to study and observe. However, not all mushrooms are safe to eat. Some contain toxins that can cause severe illness or death if consumed.
Three of the dangerous wild mushrooms include deadly Amanita phalloides(also known as the death cap), Destroying Angel, and hallucinogenic or “magic” mushrooms, such as the liberty cap.
This mushroom is responsible for the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide. It contains a potent toxin called amatoxin, which attacks the liver and kidneys, causing severe liver damage and death. The truth is, wild mushrooms can be severely harmful to the body, and it’s crucial to be cautious when foraging for them. If you’re not an expert in identifying mushrooms, it’s best to avoid eating them altogether. If you must try wild mushrooms, only eat them if they’ve been purchased from a reputable source and are identified as safe.
10
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a popular spice that is used in many dishes, desserts, and drinks. It is widely used in the cooking world for its unique flavor and aroma. However, It is important to remember that nutmeg should be used in moderation, and only in small amounts as a spice. Over-consumption can result in severe health consequences and should be avoided at all costs.
Nutmeg is derived from the seed of the nutmeg tree, which is native to the Indonesian islands. The seed is dried, grated, and used as a spice. It contains a compound called myristicin, which is responsible for its flavor and aroma.
Nutmeg contains high levels of myristicin, which can cause hallucinations, nausea, and vomiting if consumed in excessive amounts. In some cases, it can also cause changes in heart rate and blood pressure, leading to serious health threats.
11
Cassava
Cassava is a starchy root vegetable that is popular in many parts of the world, particularly in tropical regions. It is known for its versatility and can be prepared in a variety of ways, making it a standard food for millions of people.
Cassava contains a toxic compound called linamarin which is harmful to people with certain medical conditions. cassava is high in carbohydrates and low in protein, making it a poor source of nutrition for people with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or other digestive issues. It can also be problematic for people with diabetes as it has a high glycemic index, causing a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.
Linamarin can break down into hydrogen cyanide (HCN) in the gut, leading to symptoms of poisoning such as headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, death.
To reduce the risk of HCN poisoning, it is recommended to properly prepare cassava by peeling, grating, and boiling it for at least 30 minutes to reduce the levels of linamarin. It is also recommended to avoid consuming cassava leaves as they contain higher levels of HCN compared to the roots.
Closing Thoughts
When it comes to our food choices, moderation is key. In the end, a little knowledge and caution can go a long way in ensuring that we enjoy a healthy and delicious diet. So let’s embrace the diversity of food, savor the flavors, and make informed choices for our well-being. With proper preparation and cooking methods, we can reduce the risk of harm.
Always remember to listen to your body and if you experience any symptoms of illness after consuming a particular food, seek medical attention immediately. It is also recommended to consult with a doctor or a registered dietitian to ensure that your dietary choices are safe and suitable for your individual needs.
