Symptoms include dizziness, headaches, nausea, rapid breathing, goiters, paralysis, and in severe cases, death.
Despite these dangers, cassava is a lifeline. It grows in poor soil conditions, is highly drought-resistant, and provides a rich source of carbohydrates essential for survival.
When processed correctly—through peeling, soaking, fermenting, drying, or boiling—the cyanide content is drastically reduced, making it safe to eat. For many people, avoiding cassava is not an option;
it is an essential source of calories and nutrition, highlighting the complex balance between risk and necessity in human diets.
Deadly Delicacy: Fugu (Pufferfish)
Fugu, a Japanese delicacy made from pufferfish, is notorious for containing tetrodotoxin, a neurotoxin considered approximately 200 times more lethal than cyanide.
Tetrodotoxin poisoning can be swift and severe: it often begins with numbness around the lips and mouth, progresses to muscle paralysis, and may ultimately result in death while the victim remains fully conscious.
he Japanese Ministry of Health reports around 50 cases of fugu poisoning per year, with only a few fatalities, primarily involving amateur chefs or individuals attempting to prepare the fish at home.
In Japan, the dish is highly regulated, and only licensed chefs who undergo rigorous training are permitted to prepare fugu.
