Ten foods that should never be eaten raw

However, this is not always the case - there are certain foods that can pose serious health risks when eaten raw. Check out these 10 foods that should never be eaten raw.

1. Potatoes

This vegetable contains glycoalkaloids - toxic substances that, when eaten raw, can cause indigestion, dizziness, and in severe cases, even paralysis. Potatoes must be cooked to reduce the concentration of these dangerous compounds.

2. Rice

Whether it is black or white, raw rice always contains a certain amount of cyanide. These toxins can harm the liver and central nervous system. Therefore, rice should be boiled or parboiled.

3. Beans

Raw beans, like many other legumes, contain lectins - proteins that interfere with the absorption of nutrients. In addition, unprocessed beans contain phytohemagglutinin - a substance that causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Heat treatment helps to neutralize these dangerous components.

4. Chicken eggs

Raw eggs can contain salmonella - a bacterium that causes severe food poisoning. To protect yourself, eggs must be thoroughly boiled or fried.

5. Mushrooms

Many types of mushrooms, even edible ones, can be poisonous when raw. Some toxins in them are destroyed only by prolonged heat treatment. Therefore, mushrooms need to be carefully prepared - boiled, fried or stewed.

6. Meat

Whether it is beef, pork or poultry, raw meat always carries the risk of contamination with parasites, bacteria and viruses that can cause dangerous infections. Meat products must be cooked.

7. Milk

Raw cow, goat or sheep milk, if improperly stored, can become a source of pathogens such as salmonella, listeria or campylobacter. Therefore, it must be pasteurized.

8. Sweet almonds

Unlike bitter almonds, sweet varieties contain trace amounts of hydrocyanic acid, a toxic substance that can be dangerous to health when raw. Sweet almonds should be blanched or roasted.

9. Greens

Especially dangerous in their raw form are the leaves of spinach, cabbage, arugula and other green crops, which can be contaminated with harmful bacteria, such as salmonella. Greens must be thoroughly washed and cooked.

10. Sweet potatoes

Like regular potatoes, this root vegetable contains toxic glycoalkaloids, the concentration of which is reduced only by cooking.

Following these recommendations, you can protect yourself from possible food poisoning and other negative consequences of eating raw foods. Remember: for many types of food, cooking is vital!