10 Foods You Didn't Know Could Kill You

There are many things in the world that can kill us but we typically consider our veggies and fruits a pretty safe bet. So it may come as a surprise to hear that many foods that you eat every day are actually quite poisonous and should be eaten with proper precautions. Here are 10 common every day foods that are actually poisonous.

1. Mushrooms

Not every mushroom is created equal. Cremini mushrooms might make perfect pasta toppers, but some species contain poisons that can kill.

2. Tomatoes

The juicy, red fruit contains a poison, glycoalkaloid, in its leaves, which is known for causing upset stomachs, severe cramping, and anxiety. So steer clear of the leaves and stems.

3. Rhubarb Leaves

Rhubarb might bake up all kinds of delicious sweets, but the leaves are poisonous, causing breathing trouble, seizures, kidney failure, and in some cases, death.

4. Peanuts

One of the most common allergies is to peanuts. The most severe response is anaphylaxis, which can lead to severe constriction of the airways, shock, and even loss of consciousness. It is dangerous enough to cause death if left untreated, so know your allergies before stepping anywhere near these babies or their addictive friend, peanut butter.

5. Potatoes

Potatoes have both poisonous stems and leaves, but even so, potato poisoning is rare. Most potato-related death deaths come from eating green potatoes or drinking potato leaf tea.

6. Cherries

Watch out for cherry seeds, which contain poisonous hydrogen cyanide.

7. Raw Meat and Uncooked Eggs

Raw meat — including red meat, poultry, and seafood — and uncooked eggs can contain salmonella bacteria, which can cause gastroenteritis in humans. Salmonella poisoning can also lead to serious complications, such as bacteremia (when salmonella enters the bloodstream), that are life-threatening to people with weaker immune systems. So light a flame under your meat to avoid any risks.

8. Almonds

This seed (no, it isn't actually a nut) may pack in many health benefits — but they are also potentially full of poison. Bitter almonds, while in their raw form, are full of cynaide. They need to go through a specialized heat treatment (more than just your DIY oven roasting) in order to remove the toxins.

9. Hot Dogs

The ballpark favorite is the leading cause of choking fatalities among children, so watch your little ones when they scarf 'em down.

10. Stone Fruit Seeds and Apple Seeds

Apples and stone fruits — cherries, plums, apples, pears, peaches, and apricots — are nature's candy, but stay away from the seeds (as well as the bark and leaves). They contain amygdalin, a compound that produces cyanide. Large doses can lead to dizziness and vomiting, increased blood pressure, kidney failure, coma, and even death.

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