Foods that contain natural poisons that can cause death or harm your health

Oftentimes, it is easy to forget that many of the foods we eat daily can contain natural poisons. While it may be natural and present in many of our favourite dishes, these toxins and poisons can lead to serious health risks and even death if not consumed in moderation. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common foods that have naturally occurring Poisons that can cause harm and ill health when consumed in high dosages.


One of the most common foods that contain natural poisons is potatoes. Most potato varieties contain a compound called ‘solanine’, which is a toxic alkaloid that can cause severe stomach pains, headaches, flushing, diarrhoea, vomiting, and even death when consumed in large quantities. Over-consumption of potatoes can also lead to glycoalkaloid poisoning, which causes nausea, irritability, and delirium, and can even collapse the nervous system. As a result, it is recommended to consume potatoes in moderation and to avoid consuming potato plants, stems, leaves, and sprouts as they contain higher concentrations of solanine.

Another food that contains naturally occurring poisons is eggs. According to mayoclinic. Raw eggs and egg products contain a compound called avidin which binds to biotin, a B-complex vitamin essential for our body. Avidin can also cause an ‘egg white-ovomucoid’ reaction in some people, which results in anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can cause difficulty in breathing, swelling, and other serious reactions. To prevent this, ensure any egg products consumed are cooked thoroughly and follow good kitchen hygiene while preparing dishes that contain eggs.

Fish and seafood are rich sources of essential nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids, however, the consumption of fish and seafood must be done carefully to the potential for poisoning.

For example, certain types of pufferfish contain a poison called tetrodotoxin, which causes numbness in the lips and tongue, vomiting, diarrhoea, and even death when consumed in large quantities.


Cheese, especially mould-ripened varieties, can also be dangerous when consumed in excess. This is because certain mould-ripened cheeses, such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola and Bleu cheese may contain the toxin ‘penicillium’ which can cause digestive upset and food poisoning if consumed in large amounts. Additionally, some types of blue cheese can contain botulinum toxin, which can cause life-threatening paralysis when ingested.

Finally, edible mushrooms are also a common food that contains natural poisons. Mushrooms contain a variety of toxins and poisons, some of which are toxic enough to cause death. Examples of such lethal mushrooms include ‘Death Cap’ and ‘Destroying Angels’. It is therefore essential to be extremely cautious when consuming edible mushrooms and it is recommended to purchase them from trusted vendors.

In conclusion, it is important to be aware that some of the food that we consume daily may contain natural poisons that can cause health risks and even death. Therefore, when consuming dishes with potatoes, eggs, fish and seafood, cheese, and edible mushrooms, ensure to abide by safe consumption guidelines and always make sure to purchase the ingredients from reliable sources.