Top 5 banned foods

[Ray]

Top 5 banned foods


5 illegal foods from across the globe."¦

Posted By Realbuzz, Thursday, 17 February 2011 11:06 GMT

While we are generally allowed freedom of choice when it comes to what we eat, there are some foods that have been deemed so controversial they have been banned from sale. In fact, a surprising number of foods have been banned across the globe due to suspected negative effects on the health, safety and wellbeing of consumers. Here are our top 5 forbidden foods.

Haggis
Traditional Scottish dish haggis has been a source of contention between the Scottish Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for twenty two years, when the offal-based dish was banned in the USA. Following Britain's BSE outbreak in 1989, authorities made the controversial decision to ban imports of haggis, although both SEERAD and the British Food Standards Agency have subsequently asserted the consumption of haggis is perfectly healthy.

While rumours circulated back in January 2010 that the US was due to lift its ban on haggis, unluckily for American haggis fans, the ban - which has been under review for over a year - is still in place today. Although US residents are able to get their hands on American haggis, this is generally considered to be very different from the real thing, often being made from beef and always lacking one essential authentic ingredient: sheep's lungs - an ingredient that has been illegal in the US since 1971.

Japanese Puffer Fish
The puffer fish - or fugu - is considered something of a delicacy in Japan and Korea and is available on the menus of many Japanese restaurants, as well as several licensed restaurants in the US. However, selling or consuming this notorious dish is completely banned in the European Union, due to the fact that most puffer fish contain lethal amounts of a poison called tetrodotoxin, which can paralyse the body and cause death by asphyxiation.

Although poisoning from fungu prepared by trained chefs is quite rare, many view eating the fish as a "Russian roulette" experience, as eating the wrong part of a puffer fish will more than likely kill you. While the EU is currently alone in completely banning the food, several cases of puffer fish poisoning led Vietnam to ban the catching and selling of the fish between 2002 and 2010, and prompted the state of Florida to also consider imposing a puffer fish ban in 2006.

Absinthe
Absinthe is often considered the drink of genius' due to its reputation for inducing creativity. However, the potent spirit - nicknamed the green fairy - is actually said to have harmful neurological effects due to its inclusion of controversial ingredient thujone. Due to its perceived link to violence and mental illness, absinthe has over the years been banned in many places around the world, including Switzerland (1910), USA (1912) and France (1915).

However, although in many cases its formula is somewhat different from the traditional one (with low levels of thujone), absinthe is one product that has actually managed to reinstate itself as a perfectly legal tipple in most countries, although the ban still stands in the New Hebrides and certain regions of New Zealand. Furthermore, the USA have imposed regulations that, while absinthe may be bought, it must be free from thujone and the term "absinthe" must not stand alone on the label.

Raw Milk
Raw milk is another banned food at the centre of much debate. Prior to the industrial revolution, raw milk was commonly drunk by most people, however, when pasteurisation became more common, the consumption of raw milk was banned. Although improved standards of farm sanitation mean that raw milk is a lot healthier today than it was when originally banned, many places still maintain the decision to ban the product from being sold.

In fact, selling raw milk is currently banned in 22 American states, as well as Canada, Australia and Scotland, with partial bans in many other countries. This is a particularly controversial one as, while the bans imposed on raw milk are qualified by health and safety reasons, to protect consumers from harmful bacteria, in some countries raw milk is actually sold as a health food, with many believing raw milk is a far healthier option and that pasteurisation destroys the milk's nutrients and good bacteria.

Stevia
Stevia - also commonly known as sweet leaf or sugarleaf - is a plant-based sweetener that has been banned in the USA, the EU, Singapore and Hong Kong. In the early 90s, the FDA made the decision to ban stevia in the US based on the belief that it was an "unsafe food additive". However, this ban was later removed to allow stevia to be used under the provision it was labelled as a dietary supplement rather than a food additive, a stipulation that has also been subsequently removed.

The EU has been more firm with its ban of the controversial sweetener, however, and it has remained illegal to import or sell stevia as a sweetener in the UK and other EU countries since 1999. While these bans reflect health concerns over the use of stevia - which has been linked to fertility problems and cancer - there has so far been insufficient research to back up these claims, and the sweetener is widely available in many other countries - particularly Japan - where it is thought to have positive health effects, such as weight loss and lowered blood sugar levels.

http://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/food-drink/top-5-banned-foods-blog-35-real-buzz.html

For info for all those who care about their health.

 

[Ray]

Top 10 most toxic foods

10 surprisingly toxic common foods

While most people know that cakes and chocolate aren't great for your health, there are other seemingly healthy foods whose dangerous properties slip under the radar. While it is unlikely moderate amounts of these foods will harm you, in large quantities – or in certain conditions – they may do more damage to your health than you think. Here are some of the most toxic common foods.
Mushrooms

While mushrooms available in most supermarkets should be pretty safe to eat, mushroom fans need to be careful about what species' they are consuming as many varieties can be highly dangerous and even fatal. Around 100 species of mushrooms are said to be dangerous to humans, with symptoms ranging from headaches to seizures or even death. In 2010 a small variety of mushroom called the Little White was blamed for an estimated 400 deaths in China.
Chillies

Chillies are renowned for their heat, which is what makes them so popular. However, it is actually the chemical that causes this spiciness (capsaicin) which can cause toxic effects such as stomach pain, itchy skin and, in extreme cases, death. For most people eating chillies will do little harm, however capsaicin is best eaten sparingly so make sure to take it easy and avoid any chilli eating challenges!
Rapeseed oil

There has been much controversy about this seemingly innocent natural oil, but the general consensus seems to be that it could have many negative implications on our health. Reports state that the rape plant - from which the oil is produced - is extremely toxic, and side effects of consuming its oil could include respiratory problems and blindness.
Rice

It is impossible to dispute that rice has many great health benefits. However, like with most things, it may be best eaten in moderation due to its reportedly unsafe levels of arsenic. One study has suggested that one in five packs of American long-grain rice contain potentially harmful levels of the toxic substance, while others have reported concern for the levels of arsenic in rice milk and baby rice. While there is relatively little risk of the odd bowl of rice causing any long lasting harm, the consumption of high levels of arsenic has been linked to cancer.
Nutmeg

Perhaps one of the most immediately dangerous foods on this list is also one of the most surprising, and that is the common store cupboard spice, nutmeg. Although, like many of the foods on the list, nutmeg does have reported health benefits, it can also be extremely dangerous when taken in large doses. Containing a toxic substance called myristicin, moderate proportions of nutmeg can cause hallucinations, while larger doses can cause convulsions, palpitations, nausea, dehydration and death.
Non-organic apples

Although it is advisable to buy as much organic fruit and veg as you can, in reality this is hard to do on most people's budgets. When making decisions over whether or not to go organic, it is important therefore to note that some foods have a higher concentration of pesticides than others, and apples are one of the fruits that top this list. Because apples are vulnerable to insect infestations and growths, growers are liable to coat the fruit in chemical pesticides and fungicides, some of which will absorb into its flesh. To minimise health risks, try to buy organic apples wherever possible, or at least remove the skin before eating.
Farmed Salmon

We may be constantly urged to eat more oily fish, but research has suggested that consuming farmed salmon may not be the best way to do it. A study found that 13 different toxins - including PCBs, which have been classed as a probable human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - are at much higher levels in farm-raised salmon than in wild salmon. Due to the possible health dangers of consuming these toxins, it is advisable to either reduce your portions of farmed salmon (guidelines are for a half to two portions a month, depending on where the salmon is from) or switch to the wild variety.
Microwave popcorn

Although eating microwave popcorn is not believed to be particularly harmful, it has been found that butter flavoured versions of the snack contain a dangerous chemical (diacetyl) in the flavouring which releases toxic fumes when microwaved. While this has mainly affected factory workers so far - with many developing a lung condition dubbed "popcorn lung" - one consumer is now known to have also developed lung problems due to this toxin.

However, this is clearly a case of moderation being key, with the sufferer admitting to eating microwave popcorn at least twice a day for 10 to 12 years. Unless you are eating your popcorn in similar quantities, it is most likely safe to consume popcorn at home, just be careful to avoid the fumes when opening the bag.
Potatoes

Potatoes may look innocent enough, but did you know they actually come from the same family as poisonous plant the deadly nightshade? Although they are not quite as dangerous as this family member, potatoes do pose certain risks to our health due to them containing toxic compounds known as glycoalkaloids, the most worrying of which is solanine which affects the nervous and digestive systems, causing headaches, weakness, confusion, diarrhoea and vomiting amongst other things.

Poisoning from potatoes occurs very rarely but fans of the popular vegetable should take measures to protect themselves by avoiding potatoes with sprouts - which tend to have a higher concentration of glycoalkaloids - and those which have turned green. Although the green colour of the potatoes is harmless in itself, it does indicate that the potatoes have been exposed to light, which can also encourage solanine levels to rise over the safe level for consumption.
Peanuts

Not only are peanuts one of the most common food allergens, but the popular bar snack may also be dangerous to those who don't suffer from allergies. Peanuts are particularly best avoided by those with kidney or gallbladder problems as they contain oxalates which can crystallise and cause kidney and gallbladder stones.

However, even for the rest of us peanuts can be toxic due to their susceptibility to mould and the frequently occurring presence of aflatoxin - a highly toxic carcinogen - that is produced by a fungus called Aspergillus flavus invading the nuts. If you simply can't resist snacking on peanuts, try to purchase ones produced in arid areas - such as New Mexico -where the soil is dry and the risk of aflatoxins is lower.

Farmed Salmon

We may be constantly urged to eat more oily fish, but research has suggested that consuming farmed salmon may not be the best way to do it. A study found that 13 different toxins - including PCBs, which have been classed as a probable human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - are at much higher levels in farm-raised salmon than in wild salmon. Due to the possible health dangers of consuming these toxins, it is advisable to either reduce your portions of farmed salmon (guidelines are for a half to two portions a month, depending on where the salmon is from) or switch to the wild variety.
Microwave popcorn

Although eating microwave popcorn is not believed to be particularly harmful, it has been found that butter flavoured versions of the snack contain a dangerous chemical (diacetyl) in the flavouring which releases toxic fumes when microwaved. While this has mainly affected factory workers so far - with many developing a lung condition dubbed "popcorn lung" - one consumer is now known to have also developed lung problems due to this toxin.

However, this is clearly a case of moderation being key, with the sufferer admitting to eating microwave popcorn at least twice a day for 10 to 12 years. Unless you are eating your popcorn in similar quantities, it is most likely safe to consume popcorn at home, just be careful to avoid the fumes when opening the bag.
Potatoes

Potatoes may look innocent enough, but did you know they actually come from the same family as poisonous plant the deadly nightshade? Although they are not quite as dangerous as this family member, potatoes do pose certain risks to our health due to them containing toxic compounds known as glycoalkaloids, the most worrying of which is solanine which affects the nervous and digestive systems, causing headaches, weakness, confusion, diarrhoea and vomiting amongst other things.

Poisoning from potatoes occurs very rarely but fans of the popular vegetable should take measures to protect themselves by avoiding potatoes with sprouts - which tend to have a higher concentration of glycoalkaloids - and those which have turned green. Although the green colour of the potatoes is harmless in itself, it does indicate that the potatoes have been exposed to light, which can also encourage solanine levels to rise over the safe level for consumption.
Peanuts

Not only are peanuts one of the most common food allergens, but the popular bar snack may also be dangerous to those who don't suffer from allergies. Peanuts are particularly best avoided by those with kidney or gallbladder problems as they contain oxalates which can crystallise and cause kidney and gallbladder stones.

However, even for the rest of us peanuts can be toxic due to their susceptibility to mould and the frequently occurring presence of aflatoxin - a highly toxic carcinogen - that is produced by a fungus called Aspergillus flavus invading the nuts. If you simply can't resist snacking on peanuts, try to purchase ones produced in arid areas - such as New Mexico -where the soil is dry and the risk of aflatoxins is lower.

 

[Ray]

The top 10 worst foods to eat

10 foods that are really bad for your body

True, we are surrounded by junk foods, packed with sugar, fat and salt and generally processed to the extreme — but which ones are the real no nos, foods that you really should avoid? We've selected 10 of the big hitters, 10 foods that are really bad for your body and your long-term wellbeing.

Now we are not saying that these types of foods should never pass your lips again, it's just a heads up on the fact that they shouldn't feature too heavily in your diet if you want to maintain healthy nutrition and maybe lose a few pounds.

Pork scratchings (pork rind or crackle)
Heavy and hard, we are talking fatty pig skin deep fried and then doused in salt. Also, if you are lucky you might even get one sporting a few hairs; pig hair is usually removed by quickly burning the skin before it is cut into pieces and cooked in the hot fat. Plus they are not great for your teeth either; we couldn't get the stats on how many dental injuries have been inflicted by eating these suckers but we are guessing it's pretty high.

Fried desserts
Fried desserts feature high up on the list of worst foods to eat as essentially you are dipping something in batter that is already high in sugar and fat, and then deep frying it. And don't be fooled by pineapple and banana fritters either, they are no better because they are fruit, the layer of batter and the fact they are swimming in sugary syrup make them no go dishes too.

Cheesy fries
Fries could feature as a bad food on their own, but, as you know we are all about moderation here at realbuzz.com and seriously cutting these from your life totally would be a hard move. But taking a plate fried potato and layering it in cheese, well, that takes them up a notch in the bad food stakes. Cheese typically contains over 10 times as much saturated fat as fish and white meat and coupled with deep fried carbs, a serving of cheesy chips are a big bad no no.

Fizzy drinks
Pop and soda — yeah they're bad, mainly because they pack massive amounts of calories, even in small quantities, so you are adding to your daily calorie quota and getting little nutritional value in return. Studies have also linked fizzy drink consumption to osteoporosis, tooth decay and heart disease. And diet drinks are not recommended either, granted they are lower in calories but as they contribute to dental erosion (the bubbles in the drink are acidic) they are a no go as well.

Coloured alcopops
Cutting alcohol totally from your diet is a bit like the chip situation, not entirely practical and could lead to a generally joyless existence, but there are boozy drinks that are far worse than the others and alcopops are one of them. Alcopops are again big calorie culprits as they are packed with sugar and calorific alcohol. Plus the fact that they are full of colours and flavourings all contribute to making them a pretty toxic tipple. Little rule of thumb, the brighter the colour of the alcopop, potentially the worse it is for you. Instead opt for clear spirits with soda, tonic or fruit juice and steer clear of the technicolor stuff.

Liquid meals
Okay, they aren't inherently bad for you, but liquid meals or meal-replacement drinks do keep you from eating proper food. You need to make sure you eat eating whole, natural foods to ensure you gain all your nutrients. Meal replacements maybe okay for people who are too ill to eat, but don't let them replace the real foods in your diet.

Processed meats
These are also sometimes referred to as 'mystery meats' because it's ambiguous as to what some of them actually contain. But you can be assured that if it comes from a can and is kind of unrecognisable — it's not going to be great for your body. Try to steer clear of sausages and salamis too, these food stuffs are generally all the unwanted bits churned up with fat and salt, we are talking heads, knees and toes (plus a few other less-desirable bits).

Chicken nuggets
First off, chicken nuggets that are not made from fillets are the real bad guys. Again it's similar to the sausages situation, all the leftover carcass bits mixed up with sawdust-type stuff to bulk out the meat so manufacturers can crank out more portions. But it's when these little nuggets are deep fried that really boosts their 'worst-food' status and it's all to do with the size. Smaller fried items, i.e. nuggets absorb more fat that larger pieces of fried goods, so a portion of nuggets will pack way more fat that a single larger fried piece. So if you want fried chicken — go for a big breast.

Doughnuts
If there is one food that epitomises the 21st century junk food it's the doughnut. Coated, filled, glazed, sugared, jam crammed or plain old ring they are not great for your body. And it's not only the refined flour, refined sugar and then the frying in the refined oil that makes them bad for you. Doughnuts will upset blood-sugar balance, and give a quick high followed by a crash and burn low, then you guessed it, you're hungry again and reaching for another one — that's why they generally come in boxes of 10.

Canned soups
Now, soups don't seem to be one of the bad boys and in comparison to some of the above, and they probably can sit quite comfy in the middle of the bad-food scale, but it's their salt-packing stealth that gets them into this list. Soups mainly sport a healthy identity; wholesome, warming and good for you. The reality is many canned varieties are super-high in salt, so if you must have soup, avoid the canned ones or make your own.

 

[Ray]

This is for your information that I have posted.

Have you something to add so that we are all aware?

 

[sandeepdg]

Well, if potatoes are toxic, how come half of the developed world survives on it for completing a fuller meal. Tell this to someone in India, and they will just laugh it off. This study is more focused on the American palate, it seems.

 

[Iamanidiot]

Gongura pachadi with mustard oil,Bhut jolokia spiked with cloves nutmed and star anise.Let me see how many DFI members will survive after eating this

 

[tarunraju]

Gongura pachadi with mustard oil,Bhut jolokia spiked with cloves nutmed and star anise.Let me see how many DFI members will survive after eating this

I survived Bhoot Jolakia. Once that chilli stings you, everything else will be tasteless. The chilli will overwhelm all other flavours.

I remember drinking about 5 liters of milk that day.

 

[Godless-Kafir]

The truth is you can eat saw dust and add glue for taste and your body will digest it. All it needs is some energy to go on and it is an filtering machine that takes care of itself as long as you dont abuse anything.

This is BULLSHIT. Rice is bad?

If you read all this moronic write ups written by mortally afraid health freaks you cant even eat a grain of rice with out being concerned or paranoid.

 

[Payeng]

Bhoot Jolokia is one of my favourite, in my local place people says it is not harmful like other available chilies in the local market plus it have some medicine values, it is so hot that if comes in contact with the soft skin part of the body other then the palm side one might feel an irritating blistering effect for a long duration.

It is said that its effect is only in the mouth in the form of hotness and not in the stomach in the form of stomach ache.

Personally after I started consuming Bhoot Jolokia, now I dont prefer other forms of chilles in my food habits.

Bhoot Jolokia is seasonal and its the high time of its availability, if you don't purchase this chilly now then it wont be available in for the other 11 months duration, Few days back I brought some 4 KGs @ 250/kg and have been preserving them in the form of achaar (pickle), and if it happens that some guest want to try some my eye brows get raised, not because it is costly but because I don't want to run out of stock before the next season comes.

not every one might like it but for those who like, can swear by the the name of this chilly.

 

[Singh]

I am a very conservative eater and drinker but I have consumed 4 out of the 5 banned foods.

Haggis, Raw Milk, Absinthe, Stevia.

====

Over the last few weeks I am eating healthy but not drinking healthy. Any advice ?

 

[Ray]

Eat, drink and be Merry, for tomorrow we will die!

 

[rudresh]

O my god most of the northindians here in bangalore eat potatos like no tomorrow especially biharis and south indians eat potato like any thing with puri and masala dosa if any hotel owner hear it i am sure he will get a heart attack.

in south india every day it starts with rice morning chitraanna {lemon rice} mosru anna{curd rice} in the afternoon and rice with mudde {made of ragi} and chapati......if some one is told in south india that rice is not good except for the diabetic patient he will just think the person as .........a crack.And if someone is told that rice contains poison..............it is just out of imagination and we must correct the mistake as early as possible saying that it was a joke made by americans.

 

[Yusuf]

Potatoes!!! Love them. Not that I am a daily consumer of it, but I do enjoy them. They are the staple of Ireland. They can't live without it.

South and rice are synonymous. I mean three times a day even. My employees laugh at me when I have rotis everyday for lunch and no rice and wonder how I survive and fill myself!!

 

[civfanatic]

I am South Indian and I despise rice. My preferred breakfast is either idli sambhar or dosa (lemon rice for breakfast? Give me a f*cking break). My preferred lunch is puri with channa masala. For dinner, chapati with some type of non-vegetarian masala curry.

The one rice dish that I enjoy is Hyderabad biryani. With lots of goat.

 

[Yusuf]

I love the pongal, dosa, idli vada with sambar and chutney. And yes the khara bath made here.

I think traditional Indian food has not been bad at all. Modern times have ruined our diet.

 

[civfanatic]

I love the pongal, dosa, idli vada with sambar and chutney. And yes the khara bath made here.

I think traditional Indian food has not been bad at all. Modern times have ruined our diet.

Traditional Indian food is one of the healthiest on the planet. It provides a wide variety of essential nutrients from various sources like rice, dairy, vegetables, fruits, etc.

Compare this to Western diets which are based overwhelmingly on starches (bread/potatoes) and animal protein (red meats).

 

[Iamanidiot]

I find the original south-indian diet which also includes Ragi muddha,millets and bean sprouts extremely healthy