For most of us, food is nutrition, flavor, and enjoyment. But for millions of people around the world, a simple meal can be deadly. Would you eat something that could kill you? For most people, food is nutrition, but around the world, certain foods carry a real risk of death; yet, people continue to consume them. Let’s look at 10 of the most dangerous foods on the planet and why people still eat them.
1. Staple Food with Cyanide: Cassava
Cassava may look like an innocent tuber, but its roots and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, which break down into cyanide when eaten raw or improperly processed. This can lead to cyanide poisoning, causing goiter, paralysis, and death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cassava poisoning kills about 200 people a year, earning it the title of “the world’s deadliest food.” Although risky, cassava is a staple food for more than 800 million people in approximately 80 countries, according to the WHO. It is drought-resistant, easy to grow, and provides essential carbohydrates. When processed properly (soaked, fermented, dried, or boiled), cyanide levels decrease, making it safe to eat. For many, it is not a choice, but a necessity for survival.
2. A Deadly Delicacy: Fugu
Fugu, a Japanese delicacy, is made from pufferfish, which contains a poison “200 times more deadly than cyanide,” according to the BBC. “Tetrodotoxin poisoning has been described as ‘rapid and violent’: first numbness around the mouth, then paralysis, and finally death. The unfortunate diner remains conscious until the end. There is no antidote.” The Japanese Ministry of Health reports that around 50 people (mostly hobbyists and fishermen) are poisoned each year, with a handful of deaths. Despite the dangers, in Japan, pufferfish is a delicacy often served as sashimi or in hot pots. Only highly trained and licensed chefs are allowed to prepare it, ensuring that the toxic parts (liver, ovaries, and intestines) are carefully removed. The slight tingling sensation produced by the residual toxins adds to its allure, making fugu a thrilling experience for those who dare.
3. Carambola: Neurotoxins
