We all know someone who swears by their raw food diet, but not everything is better uncooked. In fact, some common foods are downright dangerous when eaten raw. From hidden toxins to nasty bacteria, these everyday eats can cause serious harm if you’re not careful.
Wild Mushrooms
Foraging for wild mushrooms can be like playing dietary roulette. Many wild mushrooms are toxic and can cause severe illness or worse when eaten raw. Always have wild mushrooms checked by an expert and cook them properly.
Potatoes
Raw potatoes? Think again! They contain solanine, a toxin that can cause nausea, headaches, and neurological problems. Cooking them reduces the toxin to safe levels, so it’s best to keep them off the raw snack list.
Lima Beans
Lima beans are like that friend who needs a bit of warming up. Raw, they contain linamarin, which can turn into cyanide in your body. A good boil makes them perfectly safe and friendly. While most people aren’t trying to chow down on raw beans, even something as innocent as using a slow cooker can be dangerous for some beans as the temperature may not reach a high enough level to get rid of the harmful toxins.
Cassava/Yuca
Cassava, also known as yuca, is the ultimate ‘don’t eat me raw’ food. It contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when eaten raw. Cooking it thoroughly neutralizes the toxins and if you haven’t tried mashed yuca, you’re missing out!
Eggplant
Raw eggplant can be a bitter pill to swallow, literally. It contains solanine, which, in large amounts, can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Cooking it softens the texture and mellows the bitterness.
Olives
Eating raw olives straight from the tree can be an unpalatably bitter experience. They contain oleuropein, which is extremely bitter and needs to be cured out before they become the delicious morsels we love.
Red Kidney Beans
Raw red kidney beans are the ultimate party poopers, containing lectins that can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. A proper boil for at least 10 minutes transforms them into a safe, hearty addition to any meal.
Chicken
Raw chicken is a big no-no, harboring Salmonella and Campylobacter bacteria. Always cook it to the safe internal temperature of 165°F to keep your meals safe.
Hot Dogs
Even though hot dogs are pre-cooked, eating them raw is not recommended due to the risk of listeriosis and other bacterial infections. A quick grill or boil ensures they’re not just safe, but also way more appetizing.
Flour
Raw flour isn’t just a recipe for culinary disaster; it’s a health hazard. It can harbor E. coli and other nasty bacteria. Always cook your dishes containing flour to avoid a not-so-sweet surprise.
Eating These Foods Raw Might Make Them Even Better For You
Eating some foods raw can actually be a game-changer for your health. Skipping the stove can boost the nutritional value of what you eat. Raw foods often pack more vitamins, minerals and enzymes than their cooked counterparts. Plus, they have a fresh and vibrant taste that’s hard to beat. Skip the heat with these foods and reap the rewards!
Read it Here: Eating These Foods Raw Might Make Them Even Better For You
10 Ways Your Cooking Habits Are Making You Sick
We all enjoy a good home-cooked meal, but sometimes our kitchen routines can work against us. Without even realizing it, certain habits might be putting our health at risk. It’s not just about what you cook, but how you cook it. Things you do every day might be the culprit but the good news is they’re easy enough to identify and change once you know.
Read it Here: 10 Ways Your Cooking Habits Are Making You Sick
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Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
