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Cherry pits and apple seeds contain amygdalin, a compound that turns into cyanide when crushed or chewed. In large amounts, this can cause dizziness, nausea, breathing problems, and even death.
While the fruit itself is safe, the pits should never be crushed or consumed. Swallowing a whole cherry pit won’t harm you, but breaking them open releases toxins.
Toxic side dish
When green potatoes are exposed to light, it produces chlorophyll, which is completely harmless. But Healthline warns “it can also encourage the production of certain compounds,” like solanine that “can be toxic to humans in high doses. However, reports of serious illness are rare.”
Eating enough can even lead to paralysis or coma.
But green potatoes are safe if peeled properly. Discard any with a green tinge or sprouting eyes to avoid toxicity.
Nutty by nature
Raw cashews contain urushiol, the same toxin found in poison ivy or poison oak.
“If you were to handle or consume cashews in their raw form, you would likely experience a reaction similar to that caused by poison ivy, such as an itchy and inflamed skin rash that may cause a burning sensation,” Healthline writes.
However, cashews labeled as raw at the grocery store have been shelled and heat-treated to remove any urushiol residue, making them safe.
Note: Mango skin also contains urushiol.
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