Gluttony often exerts an irresistible and dark force that invites us to indulge in the pleasures and vices of the palate.
It is no coincidence that gluttony rightfully occupies its place among the seven deadly sins and, at times, can be deadly not only for the soul but also for earthly life.
Every day, in every part of the world, there are people who knowingly take serious risks to their health just to taste very dangerous foods, in some cases even losing their lives just to satisfy their appetite. Here are some of the most lethal delicacies in the world.
In Japan he is famous and infamous fuguea puffer fish known for its dangerousness. Contains tetrodotoxina deadly poison that can paralyze and kill in minutes. Only highly skilled chefs can prepare it, carefully removing the poisonous parts.
In Jamaica you risk feeling very ill just to enjoy it‘ackeea tropical fruit that should be eaten only when fully ripe. Its seeds contain hypoglycin, a toxin that can cause severe vomiting and even death.
In Korea they are crazy about a dish with a truly horror aftertaste. Its name is sannaki and it is a dish made with live octopus. The suckers on the tentacles can stick to the throat, causing choking. It is essential to chew each bite well.
Still in the East, many Chinese risk a lot just to eat the “Blood Clam“, the “blood clams”. These clams can contain dangerous viruses and bacteria such as hepatitis A and C. They must be boiled thoroughly to reduce the risk of infection and are very often not cooked enough.
The Icelanders They descend from the ancient Vikings and have certainly retained their courage in nibbling on a dish that is truly for strong stomachs.hakarl It is fermented shark meat, a traditional dish on the island. Shark contains high levels of uric acid, which can be toxic if not handled properly. It smells strongly of urine and tastes very unique too. Not for everyone.
In Namibia They love to consume amphibians with an almost prehistoric appearance and impressive dimensions. In the African country, the bullfrog is eaten whole, larger than a kid. Young frogs, in particular, contain toxins that can cause kidney failure and for this reason it is better to cook them for a long time.
In Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, people eat a fruit that literally causes violent vomiting.
Also known as the “fruit of nausea“, Pangium edule contains hydrocyanic acid and must be boiled to eliminate the dangerous cyanide salts before being consumed.
In some parts of Europe, berries are consumed that can be very dangerous when raw. Elderberries should only be consumed when they are very ripe and cooked. The seeds and leaves contain cyanide, which can cause serious poisoning and hallucinations. So much so that in the past they were used to make poisons and drugs.
The cashews are much loved and used, often in delicious exotic dishes based on chicken or beef. Not everyone knows that these nuts must also be eaten with caution. Raw cashews contain urushiola toxic substance also found in poison ivy. They must be steamed for a long time to be safe to eat.
Prized and even considered a status symbol among members of the Asian triads, there is a food that combines cruelty, danger and disgust. The monkey brainwhich is eaten raw and often while the animal is still alive.
It can transmit prion diseases, similar to mad cow disease, which can lead to a gruesome death.
Many of these dishes are the result of ancient traditions, others are generated by crazy and execrable fashions. Surely it would be really wise to give up really stupid risks just for a futile sin of gluttony.