Over 200 people die every year from the “world’s deadliest food,” but almost 500 million people still eat it

The "deadliest food on earth" you refer to is   cassava  , a staple food for over 500 million people worldwide. Despite its widespread consumption, improperly prepared cassava can be fatal due to its natural toxins.

⚠️Why cassava is dangerous

Cassava contains   cyanogenic glycosides  , compounds that  can release cyanide when consumed  . If the roots and leaves of the plant are improperly processed—for example, by soaking, boiling, or drying in the sun—the resulting cyanide can cause severe poisoning with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, paralysis, and even death. The World Health Organization estimates that improperly prepared cassava   causes over 200 deaths annually  .

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