These foods should never be eaten raw!
Did you know that certain foods, often perceived as harmless, can become dangerous if eaten raw? Although eating raw vegetables is often synonymous with good health, this is not the case for all foods. Some require cooking to eliminate toxins, bacteria or indigestible substances. Here's a roundup of foods to avoid eating raw!
Raw potatoes: beware of solanine!
Raw potatoes contain a toxin called solanine. This substance can cause digestive disorders such as cramps, nausea and vomiting. In small quantities, it may be present in the green parts of the potato, but when improperly stored or exposed to light, solanine can concentrate. Cooking eliminates this danger, making potatoes perfectly edible and delicious!
Raw chicken: a nest of bacteria
Raw chicken is perhaps one of the riskiest foods when not properly cooked. It often carries dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, responsible for serious food poisoning. Eating undercooked or raw chicken can lead to serious intestinal infections, so it's essential to cook it thoroughly until the meat is no longer pink :-)
Raw kidney beans: beware of lectins
Raw kidney beans contain lectins, a protein that is toxic to the body. Ingesting undercooked or raw kidney beans can cause severe gastrointestinal problems. Simple soaking and thorough cooking eliminates these toxic substances. So be sure to cook your beans thoroughly before eating them.
Cassava: a hidden poison in your exotic dishes
Cassava, also known as tapioca, is a popular root in many tropical countries. However, when raw, it contains linamarin, a chemical compound that turns into cyanide when ingested. This can lead to serious poisoning. Fortunately, proper cooking destroys this toxin and makes cassava perfectly safe to eat!
Raw fish: be selective!
While raw fish is a staple of delicious dishes like sushi and ceviche, not all fish can be eaten without cooking. Some fish, such as sunfish or sea bass, contain parasites or toxins that can cause poisoning. It is therefore important to choose fish suitable for raw consumption, often guaranteed by specialized restaurants, or products processed according to strict freezing standards.
Raw eggplant: toxic in small doses
Like potatoes, raw eggplants contain solanine, albeit in smaller quantities. Eating raw eggplant can cause digestive problems and an unpleasant, bitter taste. Cooking reduces this toxin and transforms eggplant into a tender, tasty delight.
