Hidden nerve agent:
Star fruit contains neurotoxins that are harmless to most people but deadly to people with kidney disease. In affected individuals, the toxin accumulates, leading to convulsions, confusion, and even death. Symptoms can appear within a few hours, starting with hiccups, vomiting, or weakness.
If your kidneys are healthy, star fruit is perfectly safe to eat. The fruit, which looks like a yellow, five-pointed star, is very popular for its sweet-tart flavor and high vitamin C content. WebMD explains that the fruit is packed with antioxidants, making it a good anti-inflammatory, and potassium, “which lowers the risk of heart attack or stroke.”
Sweet treats with a deadly core:
Cherry pits and apple seeds contain amygdalin, a compound that converts to cyanide when crushed or chewed. In large quantities, this can cause dizziness, nausea, breathing problems, and even death.
Although the fruit itself is safe, the pits should never be crushed or eaten. Swallowing a whole cherry pit is not dangerous, but crushing them releases the toxins.
Toxic side dish:
When green potatoes are exposed to light, they produce chlorophyll, which is completely harmless. But Healthline warns that “it can also encourage the production of certain compounds,” such as solanine, which “can be toxic to humans in high doses.” Reports of serious illness are rare, however.”
Eating enough can even lead to paralysis or coma.
But green potatoes are safe if peeled properly. Discard any with a green tinge or sprouting eyes to avoid toxicity.
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