Raw foodism is very popular today. Its principle is based on eating raw foods or dishes subjected to very low heat treatment, as higher temperatures reduce the nutritional value of foods. However, not all types of foods can be eaten raw, as some of them contain really poisonous substances. They are necessary for protection against rodents, insects, and fungal infections. But if these substances get into the human body, they can cause serious intoxication. However, toxins can be completely neutralized by heat treatment.
Here are a 7 plant products that should never be eaten in raw, unprocessed form:
1. Eggplants
It seems like there's nothing wrong with trying a piece of raw sliced eggplant, because it looks so much like zucchini! But this vegetable contains the plant toxin solanine. It can cause symptoms of acute food poisoning. But when cooked, it breaks down and is no longer dangerous. In addition, not everyone knows about it, but before cooking eggplant it is better to soak in salted water – so they will not be bitter.
2. Potatoes
Like eggplant, potatoes contain solanine. Eating a lot of raw potatoes can cause convulsions, mental confusion, hallucinations, vomiting and diarrhea. It is especially dangerous when potatoes start to turn green, as the amount of solanine in them increases dramatically.
3. Rhubarb
Rhubarb stalks are often used for baking, but in raw form they should not be eaten, especially by children, people with digestive problems, gout, hypertension and many other diseases. The raw stem is bitter and not very pleasant to taste.
In addition, the leaves contain a very large amount of toxin – oxalic acid. Its consumption can at least harm the kidneys, and can even lead to death.
4. Legumes
Beans, lentils, chickpeas in raw form contain the toxin phasin (toxalbumin). This is a poison that can cause serious harm to health: it increases the permeability of cell membranes, as a result of which harmful substances and poisons can penetrate them. The toxin is completely destroyed by heating. Experts recommend soaking legumes for at least 5 hours before consumption and then boiling them.
5. Wild mushrooms
Mushrooms are quite a useful product containing vitamin B and potassium. But it is useful to eat them only in boiled form. Raw wild mushrooms are better not to consume, because, firstly, you can choose a variety that is dangerous to health, and secondly, even edible mushrooms can grow next to poisonous ones and cause serious health problems.
6. Nutmeg
It contains the psychoactive substance myristicin. It has a hallucinogenic, stimulating effect on the central nervous system. However, it is dangerous only in large quantities. It is not recommended to consume more than 10 g per day
7. Sprouted grains
Although sprouted grains are a very popular and healthy component of salads, radish and alfalfa sprouts may contain harmful bacteria (salmonella, E. coli, listeria) because they are grown in moist and warm conditions. If you still want to consume them, sprouted grains should be thoroughly rinsed before consumption.
So what is the solution?
The answer is always the same: balance in everything. You can eat raw food, but be careful what kind of products you eat. And, before you blindly believe all the nutrition advice you are given, inform yourself and choose the best option for you and your body!