We’ve all heard that eating more raw foods can be good for us. Fresh fruits and veggies are packed with vitamins and minerals our bodies love. But did you know that not all raw foods are safe to munch on? Some can actually make you sick if you don’t cook them first.
It might surprise you that some common foods in your kitchen could be dangerous if eaten raw. From everyday ingredients to exotic treats, quite a few items need some heat before they hit your plate. Let’s look at 16 raw foods that might not be as safe as you think.
Raw Chicken
Eating raw chicken is a big no-no. It often contains harmful bacteria like Salmonella that can make you very sick. Even a tiny bit of raw chicken can cause food poisoning. Always cook chicken thoroughly until there’s no pink in the middle, and the juices run clear.
Uncooked Eggs
Raw eggs can carry Salmonella, too. This is why you shouldn’t eat raw cookie dough or lick the cake batter bowl. Eggs need to be cooked until both the white and yolk are firm. If you’re making something with raw eggs, like homemade mayo, use pasteurized eggs instead.
Raw Sprouts
Sprouts like alfalfa or bean sprouts can be risky when raw. The warm, moist conditions they grow in are perfect for bacteria. These germs are hard to wash off because they can be inside the sprouts too. It’s safer to cook sprouts before eating them, especially for kids, older people, or anyone with a weak immune system.
Unwashed Fruits and Veggies
Fruits and veggies can have dirt, germs, or pesticides on their skin. Always wash them well before eating, even if you’re going to peel them. Use clean running water and scrub firm produce with a brush. This simple step can prevent many foodborne illnesses.
Raw Milk
Milk that hasn’t been pasteurized can contain dangerous bacteria. These germs can cause serious illnesses, especially in children or people with weak immune systems. Stick to pasteurized milk, which has been heated to kill harmful bacteria while keeping the good nutrients.
Uncooked Flour
Raw flour might seem harmless, but it can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. This is another reason not to eat raw cookie dough or cake batter. Flour needs to be cooked to kill any germs. Even when making play dough at home, use cooked flour to be safe.
Raw Kidney Beans
Kidney beans have a natural toxin that can make you very sick if eaten raw. Just a few raw beans can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. Always soak dried kidney beans and cook them thoroughly. Canned kidney beans are already cooked and safe to eat.
Unpasteurized Juice
Some fresh-squeezed juices in stores or at farmers’ markets aren’t pasteurized. These can contain harmful bacteria from the fruit’s skin. This is especially risky for young children, older adults, and people with weak immune systems. Look for juices labeled as pasteurized to be safe.
Raw Shellfish
Eating raw or undercooked shellfish like oysters, clams, and mussels can be dangerous. They can contain viruses and bacteria that cooking normally kills. These germs can cause serious illnesses, especially in people with liver disease or weak immune systems. It’s safest to thoroughly cook shellfish before eating.
Wild Mushrooms
Never eat wild mushrooms unless you’re an expert or they’ve been checked by one. Some mushrooms are very poisonous and can make you extremely sick or even cause death. It’s hard to tell the safe ones from the dangerous ones just by looking. Stick to mushrooms from the store to be safe.
Raw Potatoes
Raw potatoes contain solanine, a substance that can cause nausea and stomach problems. The green parts of potatoes contain even more of this. Always peel potatoes and cut away any green or sprouted parts. Cooking potatoes breaks down the solanine, making them safe and tasty to eat.
Rhubarb Leaves
While rhubarb stalks are fine to eat when cooked, the leaves are dangerous. They contain high levels of oxalic acid, which can cause serious kidney problems. Always throw away rhubarb leaves and only use the stalks in your cooking. Even a small amount of leaves can make you very sick.
Bitter Almonds
Regular almonds from the store are safe, but bitter almonds are different. They contain a substance that turns into cyanide in your body. Eating just a few raw, bitter almonds could be fatal. These aren’t usually sold in stores, but be careful if you come across them in specialty markets.
Raw Cassava
Cassava, also called yuca, can be toxic when raw. It contains substances that can turn into cyanide in your body. Always peel, chop, and cook cassava thoroughly before eating. Proper preparation removes the harmful compounds and makes this starchy vegetable safe to enjoy.
Uncooked Lima Beans
Raw lima beans contain a compound that can turn into cyanide when eaten. Luckily, cooking them makes them safe. Dried lima beans need to be soaked and boiled for at least 10 minutes. Canned lima beans are already cooked and safe to eat. Never eat raw lima beans, even just a few.
Raw Elderberries
While elderberry syrup is popular for boosting health, raw elderberries are not safe. The seeds, stems, and leaves contain a substance that can cause nausea and vomiting. Always cook elderberries before using them in recipes. It’s best to use store-bought elderberry products that have been properly prepared.
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