No doubt, fruits are beneficial for us as they offer a complete diet in themselves. However, some fruits can be deadly if consumed in large amounts. Many fruits and seeds contain small quantities of cyanide and other poisonous elements, which can create serious or even fatal consequences. Now the question arises: which fruits are deadly or dangerous for us? Some fruits we may have heard of before, and some we may not. Now I am going to tell you the 10 most deadly fruits in the world. These fruits can cause discomfort, so we should reduce or avoid their intake.
10: Apricot Seeds – One of the Deadly Fruits
Apricot is known as one of the most tasty and healthy fruits in the world. Even its seeds are used for multiple purposes, such as ingestion and cancer treatment, because they contain a high amount of Vitamin B17, which helps boost the immune system. A small amount may not be risky, but a high dose can be fatal because it produces a dangerous level of cyanide. It can cause nervousness, low blood pressure, or even death. Its seeds are now banned in the US, and the European Food Safety Authority especially warns about their use in Turkey, where these seeds often cause cyanide poisoning in children. Hence, apricot seeds are considered deadly fruits.
9: The Yellow Star Fruit – A Dangerous Fruit for Kidney Patients
Have you heard about yellow star fruit? It looks pretty and tastes good. Star fruit has benefits for healthy people: low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in Vitamin C. But sadly, it has a dangerous side for kidney patients because it contains a high amount of oxalates, which are not good for the kidneys. Taking a large quantity of star fruit can lead to kidney damage, seizures, and even death. So it is one of the deadliest and dangerous fruits.
8: Ackee – One of the Most Deadly Fruits in the World
Ackee is a yummy fruit from Jamaica. It is their national fruit, which is why they consume it daily. But improper intake is very hazardous. Eating the fruit before it fully ripens may cause vomiting, leading to coma or even death. This is because it contains hypoglycin, which is poisonous to the human body. Ackee is truly one of the deadliest fruits in the world.
7: Elderberries – Poisonous Fruit When Unripe
Elderberries grow in bright red clusters on trees and are used in jellies, jams, and tea. Although ripe berries are edible, the unripe berries and other parts of the plant are extremely harmful. They contain toxins that cause diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Therefore, elderberries are included in the list of dangerous and deadly fruits.
6: Manchineel Fruit – The Most Dangerous Fruit Known
Manchineel fruit is round and beautiful. It is also called the “beach apple.” In Spanish, it is called manzanilla de la muerte, meaning “little apple of death.” Due to its toxic properties, it is known as one of the most deadly fruits in the world. The tree has a white milky sap that contains toxins, causing skin blistering. Touching the tree is dangerous, and burning its wood causes severe eye irritation.
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5: Jatropha – Highly Poisonous and Deadly Fruit
Jatropha is a flowering plant from the Spurge family “Euphorbiaceae.” Its name comes from the Greek, meaning “physician,” and it is universally known as the physic nut. Jatropha is one of the deadliest fruits. Its stems are used for basket making by the Seri people in Mexico. Although it has various uses, it is also called the “vomit nut” because its intake causes a burning sensation in the throat and abdominal pain. Severe cases include dehydration and cardiovascular collapse.
4: Yew Berry Tree – Deadly Seeds and Poisonous Parts
Across America, Europe, and North Asia, the yew tree produces red berries. The tree looks harmless with its green leaves, and the berries look delicious. The fruit flesh itself is not deadly, but the leaves and seeds are highly poisonous. Symptoms include diarrhea, headache, stomach pain, dizziness, and muscle weakness. Severe effects can cause breathing problems, irregular heartbeat, and even death.
3: Lychee – A Dangerous Fruit When Unripe
Lychee is a beautiful and sweet fruit that seems harmless. But eating it before it ripens exposes you to toxins that can cause extremely low blood sugar, especially in people who already have low sugar levels. These toxins can cause fever, encephalopathy, and even death. You may remember the mysterious illness in Indian children every year—researchers discovered that unripe lychees were responsible. That is why lychee is considered one of the dangerous and deadly fruits.
2: Raw Cashews – Poisonous Dry Fruit in Raw Form
Raw cashews contain a compound similar to poison ivy, which can cause serious skin rashes and can be toxic if consumed in large amounts. You might wonder why the “raw” cashews sold in markets don’t cause problems, because all commercial cashews are actually cooked to remove the shell. Truly, raw cashews are considered deadly dry fruits due to their toxic nature.
1: Sugarcane – Can Become a Deadly Fruit When Spoiled
Naturally sweet sugarcane is not harmful by itself. But when stored for a long time, it becomes deadly and dangerous because fungus grows on it, producing toxins that cause various problems—from vomiting to death. So, stored or spoiled sugarcane juice is considered one of the dangerous and deadly fruits in certain conditions.
