Over 200 people are k.il.l.ed by the “world’s de.a.dl.iest food” every year, but almost 500 million people still eat it.
There are certainly many foods out there that can make you feel full fast—but they’re not typically part of everyday meals.
So let’s focus on a staple food that’s commonly eaten by people across the globe.
Cassava, both a crop and a source of nourishment, plays a vital role in the diets of millions.
Each year, around 500 million people consume cassava, and hundreds of millions of tonnes are produced worldwide.
Cassava is a plant that grows naturally in South America. It is a famous food and a mainstay of many people’s diet, but it can be very dangerous.
You see, the plant’s stems, peel, and leaves are all poisonous and can make hydrogen cyanide, so they should not be eaten raw.
According to The World Health Organization (WHO), about 200 people die every year from eating poisoned cassava. This is why it is called the “world’s de.adli.est food.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) says: “Cassava tubers contain a varying quantity of cyanogenic glucosides which protect the root against attack by animals and insects. Appropriate processing before consumption can reduce cyanogenic glucoside content of cassava. When high cyanogenic cassava is not processed correctly, high dietary cyanide exposure occurs.
“This often happens during times of famine and war. Cyanide in cassava is associated with acute cyanide poisoning and several diseases including konzo.
“Konzo is an irreversible spastic paraparesis of sudden onset, associated with the consumption of bitter cassava 22, 23 and a low protein intake. It is a disease of extreme poverty. Konzo mostly occurs in epidemics, but sporadic cases are also reported.”
The plant has been called the “world’s d.e.adliest food,” but a lot of people eat it every day and are fine.
How can you make sure that cassava is as safe as it can be?
Well, getting ready is important. A big part of making cassava safe is getting the plant ready, which can mean soaking it for up to 24 hours.
People in Venezuela were d.ying because they were eating salty food to stay alive when there was not enough food, according to El Pais.
Sophia Reynolds is a dedicated journalist and a key contributor to Storyoftheday24.com. With a passion for uncovering compelling stories, Sophia Reynolds delivers insightful, well-researched news across various categories. Known for breaking down complex topics into engaging and accessible content, Sophia Reynolds has built a reputation for accuracy and reliability. With years of experience in the media industry, Sophia Reynolds remains committed to providing readers with timely and trustworthy news, making them a respected voice in modern journalism.