With the trend of the raw food diet still very popular, individuals wonder if all the food should be eaten in this manner. This is definitely not the case. As a matter of fact, there are some foods that are actually harmful to the health of individuals if they are first cooked or processed. Then there are those foods that can be consumed raw however, caution should be taken when doing this. We believe that people should know the foods that should not be consumed in their raw state. This way we can do justice to both our body and the food.
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Milk
Milk that is fresh is considered to be the best sort of milk for us. However, fresh milk does not translate to milk directly from the camel, buffalo, sheep, goat or cow. Unpasteurized milk or raw milk could contain dangerous bacteria and other germs which could make individuals really sick. It could be fatal as well. It could result in severe infections such as E. coli, listeria, and salmonella. Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that outbreaks as a result of raw milk consistently threatens the health of individuals.
Kale
Practically everyone knows that kale is considered one of the healthiest vegetables in the world. However, consuming a large quantity of raw kale could result in irregularities in the hormones. This could lead to blood sugar fluctuations, as well as weight instability and variations in the overall metabolic health. Individuals could experience swelling of the goiter or the thyroid because of this.
Eggs
Although consuming raw eggs is mostly practiced in countries such as Korea and Japan, the habit was popularized in the movie Rocky when the boxer consumed raw eggs. A study discredited the myth that raw eggs were healthier than cooked ones. It discovered that the absorption of protein was higher in the cooked eggs than in the raw ones. The cooked eggs absorbed ninety percent while the raw eggs absorbed fifty percent. Salmonella outbreaks have been reported due to contaminated eggshells. Although this occurs, individuals can still consume Hollandaise sauce once it is prepared with pasteurized eggs.
Almonds
Due to the bountiful supply of healthy fats, fiber, and protein provided by almonds, they are nutritious snacks. However, these seeds, which are incorrectly referred to as nuts, also consist of cyanide which is naturally produced. Consuming just four or five bitter almonds can result in abdominal cramping, nausea and lightheadedness. Even though raw bitter almonds are illegal in the United States, in other countries they are legal.
Elderberries
Antioxidants are found in elderberries, plus they are thought to enhance the immune system, safeguard against the flu, alleviate colds. However, drinking and eating raw elderberries or any other toxic section of the plant could result in stupor, dizziness, vomiting, and nausea. Fortunately, the substances that are toxically discovered in the elderberries could be removed safely by cooking them.
Flour
Consuming a spoonful of raw batter or dough, in particular, if it is cookie dough, is difficult to refuse to accept. However, not only would the individual be at risk of receiving a salmonella infection due to raw eggs, but they may also be at risk because of the E. coli in flour. An outbreak of E. coli infections in 2016 that was associated with raw flour, ended with sixty-three individuals falling ill. Given that the bacteria are killed when food made with flour is cooked, individuals need to manage their urges until the heat eliminates the bacteria.
Brussels Sprouts
Adults love to tell children, eat their Brussels sprouts and this is for a great reason. They are rich in nutrients and high in antioxidants. Even though Brussels sprouts could be consumed in their raw form and should not be overcooked. Eating them raw should be avoided if the individual suffers from hypothyroidism as they are one of the probable toxicants found in thyroid dysfunction.
Apples
We have all heard the saying that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. However, care is required to be taken when biting into the raw apples. Chewing an apple seed accidentally could result in the release of cyanide, as it contains amygdalin. Even though the individual may need to eat roughly forty apple cores in order to get a dose that is fatal. The ATSDR or the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry stated that even the smallest quantity of cyanide could be dangerous. They strongly recommend that apple seeds should not be consumed.
Cashew Nuts
Cashew nuts are considered a delicious snack; however, they reduce the risk of heart attack, decrease bad cholesterol. They also assist in maintaining a weight that is healthy. Although, raw cashews consist of urushiol, which is a toxic substance located in poison ivy. A plant that derives from the same botanical family as the cashew nut tree. Simply coming into contact with it could activate a reaction in the skin in a few individuals.
Tuna
When most people consider eating ahi poke or sushi, they think about eating the freshest of raw tuna. Although raw tuna can be consumed, individuals may face the risk of an illness that is foodborne. Especially, if the raw tuna is not stored separately from other raw fish or raw meat. There is also a very high content of mercury, which could have effects that are toxic on the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. Cooked fish contains forty to sixty percent lower content of bioaccessible mercury than raw fish.
