Potentially toxic

Choose your poison: Discover the 12 riskiest foods to eat

Image: Elena Leya

Some foods can kill you. And no, we’re not referring to the usual suspects like refined sugars, fast food, and ultra-processed products. There are a number of foods that, despite their popularity and many health benefits, are capable of causing painful and unpleasant symptoms. From seemingly harmless potatoes to crunchy almonds, these tricky ingredients can put you in danger if undercooked or consumed in excess. Check out our list of 12 foods that, although commonly eaten, can be surprisingly dangerous.

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Mashed, fried, or baked, potatoes offer endless possibilities. As one of the most commonly consumed vegetables in the U.S., they are as delicious as they are versatile. But not all potatoes are safe to eat. If you ever come across green or sprouted potatoes, be very careful.

Potatoes with green skin or sprouts can be dangerous due to naturally occurring toxic compounds: solanine and chaconine. These chemicals are produced by the plant as a defense mechanism against pests, but they can be highly harmful to humans. Symptoms of poisoning may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, hallucinations, and even delirium.

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Nutmeg is a spice native to Indonesia, widely used in cuisines around the world for its aromatic, warm, and slightly sweet flavor. Although it has some interesting health benefits, it’s important to consume it in moderation, as it can cause serious adverse effects, especially during pregnancy.

The component that makes nutmeg potentially dangerous is myristicin, a naturally occurring compound that affects the nervous system. In small doses, nutmeg is perfectly safe. However, in large amounts, it can cause symptoms ranging from dizziness, dry mouth, and nausea to convulsions and hallucinations. So just remember: to use it in moderation!

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Rhubarb is incredibly easy to grow at home and is often used to make delicious desserts. Who can resist a slice of warm rhubarb tart paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? But like all good things, it should be enjoyed in moderation.

You should be especially careful with rhubarb because the green leaves attached to the tasty stalks contain a toxic compound. Specifically, oxalic acid, which in large quantities causes nausea and kidney problems. Although you would have to eat a very large portion of the leaves to die, it is best to avoid them.

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Consuming raw cashews straight from the tree can be very risky. This nut we all love contains urushiol, an oil also found in poison ivy, which can cause serious health issues, including skin reactions, gastrointestinal discomfort, swelling, and blistering.

While allergic reactions to urushiol are relatively common, especially in the U.S., ingesting it in large amounts can be dangerous and even fatal. But don't worry; the cashews we normally buy in the supermarket have been thoroughly treated to remove the poison. Just stay away from the trees!

Image: Tom Hermans

At first glance, tomatoes seem harmless. We use them in everything from salads to soups and sauces. However, some parts of the tomato plant can be dangerous. Specifically, the leaves, roots, and stems contain a chemical called tomatine, a glycoalkaloid that can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness, and even depression.

Fortunately, moderate amounts of tomatine don’t typically cause toxic effects in humans. You’d have to eat more than a pound of tomato leaves for it to become truly life-threatening. Interestingly, when properly cooked, tomato leaves can be used to enhance the flavor of certain recipes.

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Cinnamon is one of the most used spices in the culinary world, and it is also valued for its medicinal properties, which have been used since ancient times. However, despite its many benefits, it is important to be careful, as consuming cinnamon in excess can be harmful.

In particular, the Cassia variety of cinnamon can be toxic to the liver because it contains a compound called coumarin. This substance can cause direct damage to liver cells, leading to inflammation and necrosis. Some of the symptoms that may reveal liver damage from cinnamon are fatigue, pain in the liver area, jaundice, nausea, and vomiting.

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Cassava —also known as _yuca_—is a root vegetable similar to the potato and is widely cultivated in tropical regions such as the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and several African countries. It has high nutritional value and is a rich source of complex carbohydrates. However, cassava can be dangerous to our health if consumed raw or not cooked properly.

To ensure its safety, cassava should be peeled and soaked in water for 24 hours before cooking, as it contains a toxin that produces cyanide when metabolized in the body. Although acute poisoning is rare, prolonged consumption can cause serious nutritional and physiological issues, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sleep disorders.

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Have you ever heard of "fried rice syndrome"? The average American consumes about 27 pounds of rice per year, so calling this staple a potentially dangerous food might sound controversial. But don’t worry—you can still enjoy rice as long as you take a few precautions.

Raw rice may be contaminated with a spore-forming bacterium called Bacillus cereus, which can cause symptoms of food poisoning. To reduce the risk, make sure to cook rice thoroughly and avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods. Reheating won’t destroy the toxins produced by the bacteria, so proper storage is key to staying safe.

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Who doesn’t like almonds? Widely used in cooking and baking, almonds have been one of the most popular nuts in the world for centuries. While so-called "sweet" almonds are perfectly safe, "bitter" almonds can be dangerous, even though they have the strongest scent and most intense flavor.

The compound that makes bitter almonds toxic is amygdalin. When metabolized, amygdalin releases cyanide, making these nuts potentially deadly to humans. To be safe, bitter almonds must be processed to remove the poison. In fact, in the United States, it’s illegal to sell raw bitter almonds. Did you know that?

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Eggplants have their fans and detractors. Whether you like them or not, eating this vegetable is very beneficial for your health due to its high fiber and antioxidant content. But did you know that raw or undercooked eggplants can sometimes cause unpleasant symptoms?

Eggplants contain a chemical called solanine, which can be toxic in large amounts and may cause headaches and digestive issues. But it's not all bad news. Solanine evaporates with heat, so a well-prepared, ripe eggplant is perfectly safe to eat.

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Castor oil is a vegetable oil used for culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal purposes. The castor plant is native to the Mediterranean, North Africa, and India, where communities have used its oil as a laxative and to stimulate childbirth for millennia. Today, the food industry uses castor oil as an additive in chocolates, candies, and various food supplements.

While castor oil offers numerous health benefits, consuming it in large quantities can be harmful. It’s important to note that ricin, a highly toxic poison, is found in the castor bean but not in the oil itself. However, improperly processed castor oil may contain traces of ricin. In fact, studies show that taking it constantly can cause irritation and severe damage to the intestinal lining.

Image: Rach Sam

Mushrooms are a very delicious and versatile ingredient often used in cuisines all over the world. In nature, there are many varieties of mushrooms, but only some are edible, while others can be highly poisonous.

Consuming certain wild mushrooms can cause severe poisoning and even death within a few hours. Typical symptoms of wild mushroom poisoning include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhea. If you or someone you know accidentally eats a wild mushroom and develops any of these symptoms, you should go to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.

The 12 longest-living animals on Earth (and how they cheat time)

Nature doesn’t just create beauty, it crafts survival miracles. While most animals have short lives, a rare few have mastered the art of staying alive for centuries, even millennia. These aren’t just long-lived creatures; they’re nature’s ultimate time travelers. From the frozen depths of the oceans to the darkest corners underground, they’ve developed bizarre, brilliant strategies to cheat death. Get ready to meet 12 animals whose lifespans will absolutely blow your mind.

Record age: up to 15,000 years

This unassuming sea sponge thrives in the freezing waters of Antarctica, where temperatures hover around 28.6 °F—so cold that biological processes hit the brakes. In such icy conditions, metabolism slows to a crawl, allowing these sponges to live for thousands of years.

Some have reached impressive sizes of over 3 feet tall and have been around since mammoths were still thundering across the tundra. They don’t move, they don’t stress, and they barely change, just quietly existing while centuries pass them by. Their secret to extreme longevity? Glacial patience, deep-sea stillness, and a lifestyle that redefines "low-maintenance".

Age: technically… infinite

This tiny jellyfish, no bigger than a fingernail—less than 0.2 inches—is like the ocean’s very own Benjamin Button. What makes it truly extraordinary is its ability to rewind its life story, flipping back to a youthful, juvenile stage whenever it wants. While it’s not completely invincible (predators and other threats are still very real), if left undisturbed, it can keep hitting the reset button on aging indefinitely, making it one of the most fascinating "time-benders" in nature.

Record age: 507 years

In 2006, a special clam was discovered buried deep in the seabeds of the North Atlantic. Scientists were able to determine that it had been there since at least 1499—that’s centuries before the United States was even a thought! This ancient marvel, nicknamed "Ming", was able to perfect a slow-and-steady approach to life. Growing at a snail’s pace and barely budging, Ming’s sedentary lifestyle turned out to be a brilliant strategy for beating the clock. Who knew doing almost nothing could be the ultimate secret to longevity?

Record age: estimated 392 years

These sharks aren’t your average ocean cruisers—they can stretch over 20 feet long and weigh up to 2,200 pounds. But what’s really mindblowing is how slowly they move, like they’re in a permanent state of deep relaxation. Living in the icy Arctic waters, these giants don’t hit adulthood until they’re about 150 years old, and some can glide through the depths for nearly 400 years. Imagine that! These ancient swimmers were already around before America declared independence... and they are still out there, silently roaming the seas!

Record age: over 211 years

This whale is a true ocean giant, stretching up to 60 feet long and weighing a staggering 200,000 pounds. But what makes it stand out isn’t just its size but its age. Some of these majestic creatures carry harpoons from the 1800s still lodged in their skin, like walking history books. Just picture living so long that you’re literally carrying outdated technology embedded in your body—talk about being a time traveler of the seas!

Record age: 200 years

Spanning the chilly Pacific coastline from California all the way up to Alaska, this spiky little ball—about 7 inches across—is full of surprises. It munches on algae and calls the deep, dark ocean its home, thriving at depths of up to 300 feet. Don’t let its size fool you: this prickly creature is a true elder of the cold seas, quietly outliving many ocean neighbors while keeping a low profile. A tough, slow-living veteran wrapped in spikes!

Record age: 226 years

Meet Hanako, a legendary Japanese koi who swam through life for an astonishing 226 years. Scientists discovered how old she was by studying the rings on her scales, much like counting the growth rings of a tree. These colorful, ornamental fish aren’t just symbols of good fortune; they’re also secret long-lifers with the potential to celebrate over two centuries of birthdays, as long as they get the right care and a peaceful pond to call home.

Record age: 190 years

Jonathan is a male tortoise living on the remote island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. He was born back in 1832, and he’s still happily chomping lettuce and soaking up the sun today. Weighing in at more than 400 pounds and measuring around 3 feet long, Jonathan holds the title of the oldest known living land animal on the planet. If he could share tales, they’d span nearly two centuries of history. Imagine that!

Record age: 152 years

This ancient-looking fish, with its whisker-like barbels, looking like a tiny underwater submarine, prowls the lakes of North America. It can reach an impressive length of up to 7 feet and weigh around 200 pounds. These slow-living creatures don’t rush into adulthood—they start breeding only around age 20—and then take their time cruising through life at a leisurely pace. Believe it or not, one legendary catch in Wisconsin was estimated to be over 150 years old!

Record age: over 90 years

This chunky, night-loving parrot from New Zealand is a true oddball—it can’t fly, snores like a grumpy grandpa, and smells like fresh flowers. Despite its quirks, this bird boasts an impressively long lifespan. Sadly, it teeters on the edge of extinction. The oldest known kakapo, affectionately named Richard Henry, lived 90 years, earning him the title of the charmingly eccentric elder statesman of the avian world.

Record age: 37 years

This tiny, kooky rodent—barely 3 inches long and just over an ounce in weight—could’ve been cast straight from a sci-fi apocalypse flick. Dwelling in vast underground colonies across Africa, it’s practically invincible to cancer, pain, and the usual effects of aging. Scientists are fascinated by this little marvel, even if it’s not winning beauty contests anytime soon. Its superpowers make it a star in longevity research!

Record age: estimated 100+ years

Lobsters have a totally different rulebook than us when it comes to aging. They don’t really grow old; they just keep getting bigger and bigger. Some giant lobsters weigh over 40 pounds and stretch beyond 3 feet long. Their biggest threats? Not old age, but predators or the risky process of shedding their shells. In theory, they could live forever if left alone—but let’s be honest, not many get to enjoy a peaceful, lobster-sized retirement!