In Japan, eating fugu, a highly toxic pufferfish, is almost a ritual. Its flesh is a delicacy… but if improperly prepared, it becomes a deadly poison, more than 200 times more potent than cyanide. This isn't a movie: paralysis, then death, can occur within hours. Fortunately, only highly trained chefs are authorized to serve it. And if you feel a slight tingling on your tongue… it's not always a coincidence!
The carambola: a double-edged star
Despite its harmless appearance, star fruit can be fatal for people with kidney disease. This fruit, as pretty as it is tasty, contains a neurotoxin that can cause severe neurological problems. For those with weakened kidneys, even a small portion can be enough to cause hiccups, confusion, or even a coma.
Pits and seeds: sweets to handle with care
Cherry pits and apple seeds are not as harmless as they seem. Chewing or crushing them releases amygdalin, a substance that can be converted into cyanide in the body. It is therefore better to throw them away than to eat them.
Green potatoes: beware of solanine
