You Should Never, Ever Eat These Foods Raw

Apple seeds

It’s a popular practice to eat the entire apple, but you really should avoid the seeds. They contain a chemical that can turn into cyanide when digested, which can make you feel very ill.

Potatoes

Although versatile in the kitchen, the humble potato is another food that should never be eaten raw. It contains starches that are resistant to digestion, which can result in stomach bloating and pain.

Hot dogs

Admittedly, hot dogs aren’t the healthiest of foods, but if you’re going to eat them, make sure they’re fully cooked. This goes for wieners that have been “fully cooked” before packaging, as they’re still susceptible to developing Listeria bacteria.

Kidney beans

Although they are packed with protein, fibre, and antioxidants, kidney beans can cause a lot of abdominal discomfort if consumed raw.

Lima beans

Just like kidney beans, lima beans should always be thoroughly cooked before eating. They contain a compound that is released when chewed raw called cyanogenic glycoside.

Yuca

This South American root vegetable might contain plenty of healthy vitamins and minerals, but it also contains chemicals that turn into cyanide when ingested raw.

Apricot pits

Like yuca and apple seeds, apricot pits contain a chemical that converts into organic cyanide when digested, which is why you should not eat them.

Eggs

Raw eggs may contain the pathogen salmonella, which can lead to food poisoning. This is why the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) only considers it safe to use raw eggs if they have been pasteurized.

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