While some foods are known for being dangerous to your healthy lifestyle, such as crisps or chocolate, chances are they’re not actually going to risk your life.
According to the latest infographic from the smart people over at Business Insider, there are a range of foods that actually pose a real threat to your life.
Whilst most restaurants that you go to won’t be likely to have monkey brains on the menu, it’s still pretty worthwhile to know what you can and can’t have. You never know what rare dish may be offered to you when you next go abroad.
We’re listed a couple of the foods listed, including some you may not expect to have seen featured.
1. The Giant Bullfrog
The giant bullfrog is considered a celebratory dish in Namibia and traditionally eaten whole; the bullfrog has a very limited shelf life. The frog should only be consumed when mature as younger frogs carry a toxin that can run the risk of causing kidney failure.
2. Monkey Brains
Monkey brains are mainly available in parts of Asia and can be eaten raw, cooked or baked. However, brain consumption can lead to a fatal degenerative neurological disorder. Basically, when you eat one brain, you are in turn damaging your own. It’s probably best to avoid them.
3. Raw Cashew Nuts
Raw cashew nuts seem to be a bit of a weird one. We’ve all had cashews before, surely? Apparently the cashew nuts we’re usually in contact with are steamed to remove a deadly chemical. Purely “raw” cashews contain high levels of urushiol, which can be found in poison ivy.
4. Baby Octopus Dishes
Baby octopus dishes such as Sannakji, popular in Korea, are dangerous for quite a disturbing reason. The cooking of the dish usually involves the octopus being cut into small pieces (while still alive) and served immediately. However, as the octopus is still alive, there have been numerous incidents where the suction cups on the tentacles have gripped the inside of the throat and choke the diner to death. Best to just stick to the seaweed, eh?
5. Apricot Seeds and Stones
Apricot seeds and stones contain cyanogenic glycosides, which convert to hydrogen cyanide when eaten. People have been known to die after eating too many apricot seeds, so be careful.
6. Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are deemed enough of a choking hazard that they are included in this list. Around 17% of choking deaths in children under the age of 10 have been caused by hot dogs. Chew before you swallow, guys.
7. Blood Clams
Blood clams, particularly from Chinese seas, ingest multiple viruses and bacteria to get the nutrients it needs to survive in the low-oxygen environments that it lives in. Avoid unless you really want your clams served up with a side of hepatitis.
8. Pufferfish
Pufferfish are considered a delicacy in Japan. However, the fish contain a toxin that can cause diners to be paralyzed if the fish is not prepared properly when serving. However, there’s a bit of a relief when you discover that Japanese chefs have to undergo a minimum of three years training before being allowed to prepare the fish.
9. The Durian Fruit
The durian fruit, which is known for its very particular smell, is full of seeds containing toxic acids that can be deadly when uncooked. When combined with alcohol, durian can also make your body struggle to break down the toxic byproducts that alcohol contains.
10. Star Fruit
Star fruit is best to be avoided for anyone with bad kidneys. Only 10 ml of the juice from the fruit can contain toxins that can have a deadly impact on the brain and nerves.
While we challenge you to be daring with your food and try new things, perhaps be daring in moderation and consider avoiding these dishes. Take a look at the infographic below.
Featured photo credit: Luis Avilesortiz via flic.kr
