Each year, more than 200 people die from consuming what is often referred to as the "world’s deadliest food," yet nearly 500 million people still eat it.
There are numerous foods around the world that can fill you up quickly, but you likely won’t find many of them on the dinner table every night. So, what food are we talking about?
Cassava, both a plant and a food, plays a significant role in the diets of millions. Every year, around 500 million people consume cassava, and hundreds of millions of tonnes are harvested.
Native to South America, cassava is a widely consumed food staple, but it can be extremely hazardous if not properly prepared. The plant's stems, peel, and leaves are toxic and contain hydrogen cyanide, which makes it dangerous to eat raw.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 200 deaths occur annually from consuming improperly prepared cassava. This is why it's often called the “world’s deadliest food.”
The WHO explains: "Cassava tubers contain varying amounts of cyanogenic glucosides that protect the root from attacks by animals and insects. Proper processing can reduce the cyanogenic glucoside content. If high-cyanogenic cassava is not processed properly, it can lead to significant cyanide exposure.
"This is particularly common in times of famine and conflict. The cyanide found in cassava can lead to acute cyanide poisoning and various diseases, including konzo."
Konzo, a condition linked to the consumption of bitter cassava combined with low protein intake, results in irreversible spastic paraparesis and is often seen in areas of extreme poverty. While it usually appears in epidemics, there are also isolated cases reported.
Despite its reputation as the "world’s deadliest food," millions of people eat cassava every day without incident.
So, how can you ensure that cassava is as safe as possible? Proper preparation is key. One important step is soaking the plant for up to 24 hours before consumption.
In Venezuela, deaths were reported when people consumed salty foods in desperation during times of food scarcity, as reported by El Pais.
Clogged arteries often develop quietly, showing subtle symptoms that are easy to dismiss until it’s too late. Learning to recognize these early warning signs can give you the chance to take action before serious complications like heart attack or stroke
When investigative journalist Lucie Morris-Marr was told she had stage-four bowel cancer, she was at the peak of her personal and professional life. Now, she’s speaking out about a hidden dietary danger she believes more people need to take seriously
Giving up sugar for two weeks may sound like a simple diet tweak, but a new simulation shows the change can trigger a chain reaction inside your body — from energy surges to mental clarity. The journey isn’t without its challenges, but the long-term r
While some red dots on your skin may resolve on their own or with simple remedies, others can and should require medical attention.
Sleeping with a fan might seem harmless — even comforting — but its hidden effects can chip away at your comfort and long-term sleep quality.
Diabetes is a serious health condition with long-term consequences if left unmanaged.
While finger clubbing itself is a symptom rather than a disease, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help reduce the risk of underlying conditions that cause it.
Cloves aren’t just a fragrant kitchen spice — they’re a centuries-old natural remedy packed with healing power. From boosting immunity to easing pain, these tiny buds hold surprising benefits you can easily tap into at home.
Clogged arteries often develop quietly, showing subtle symptoms that are easy to dismiss until it’s too late. Learning to recognize these early warning signs can give you the chance to take action before serious complications like heart attack or stroke
When investigative journalist Lucie Morris-Marr was told she had stage-four bowel cancer, she was at the peak of her personal and professional life. Now, she’s speaking out about a hidden dietary danger she believes more people need to take seriously
A veteran hospice nurse has shared the deeply moving — and sometimes surprising — last phrases she’s heard from patients in their final moments. Her insights reveal that real-life goodbyes are far from the dramatic Hollywood scenes we’ve come to e
Giving up sugar for two weeks may sound like a simple diet tweak, but a new simulation shows the change can trigger a chain reaction inside your body — from energy surges to mental clarity. The journey isn’t without its challenges, but the long-term r
While some red dots on your skin may resolve on their own or with simple remedies, others can and should require medical attention.
Leftover rice may seem harmless, but if stored the wrong way, it can quickly become a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria. Experts warn that this common mistake, known as “fried rice syndrome,” can cause serious foodborne illness within hours.
Sleeping with a fan might seem harmless — even comforting — but its hidden effects can chip away at your comfort and long-term sleep quality.
Diabetes is a serious health condition with long-term consequences if left unmanaged.
While finger clubbing itself is a symptom rather than a disease, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help reduce the risk of underlying conditions that cause it.
Cloves aren’t just a fragrant kitchen spice — they’re a centuries-old natural remedy packed with healing power. From boosting immunity to easing pain, these tiny buds hold surprising benefits you can easily tap into at home.
