TOXIC SHOCK!

Everyday foods that can make you sick

These foods are easily recognisable and are available in your local supermarket, but there are hidden dangers if you’re not careful.

GREEN POTATOES

When potatoes have been exposed to light and heat they turn green. This is also a warning sign that the potato’s solanine content has increased to potentially dangerous levels. Solanine can cause nausea and neurological complications.

NUTMEG

Nutmeg can be found on the spice rack of most households. While a sprinkle is safe, you only need to ingest a couple of teaspoons for nutmeg’s toxic myristicin oil to take effect. Myristicin affects the sympathetic nervous system and causes dizziness, confusion and even seizures.

RAW CASHEWS

The ‘raw’ cashews you buy at the supermarket have actually been steamed or heat-treated to remove the toxic urushiol found in their shells. Urushiol is what gives poison ivy its burning, rash-inducing properties.

APPLE SEEDS

Apple seeds contain amygdalin, a substance that releases cyanide when it comes into contact with your digestive juices. Cyanide affects the brain and the heart, and in high doses can be lethal. Apple seeds have a protective coating so if you accidentally swallow a few you’ll be fine, but avoid chewing them or blitzing them in your juicer.

RAW KIDNEY BEANS

The canned varieties of red kidney beans have already been cooked, butc Ingesting even just a few raw kidney beans can cause nasty digestive upsets, so be sure to boil them well before eating.