30 Fruits Which Are Not As Healthy As They Seem

By molly atherton 8 months ago
Step aside, apples and bananas! It's time to peel back the truth on those sneaky fruits that have been secretly sabotaging our well-intentioned healthy diets. Brace yourself for a juicy rollercoaster ride as we reveal the 30 fruits that are not as innocent as they appear. From deceptively high sugar counts to unexpected dietary pitfalls, it's time to unmask these fruity villains and restore order to our produce aisles. Get ready, folks, because this is a fruit exposé like no other!

1. Dates

Dates possess a delightful, almost caramel-like essence that makes them utterly irresistible, tempting you to indulge beyond just a handful. In culinary endeavors, dried dates unveil their versatility, especially in baking, where their natural sweetness adds a unique dimension to recipes.
Image source: Reddit
Dates are lovely and sweet with a caramel texture which means you can't stop at eating just a couple at a time. Dried dates can be used in recipes, particularly baking, as a natural sweetener. Although they are rich in antioxidants, they are very high in calories and sugar. A cup full of dried dates is 450 calories and 100 grams of sugar!Original content sourced from Femanin.com

2. Ripe Banana

Introducing sliced banana into your morning routine, atop cereal or nestled within yogurt, can be a nutritious addition that fuels you through the morning until lunchtime. However, the choice of ripeness in bananas might warrant a second thought due to their carbohydrate composition...
Image source: Reddit
A sliced banana over cereal or in yogurt can be part of a nutritious breakfast, to keep you going until lunch time. However, think twice if you are consuming a ripe banana as it contains almost all carbs. - 93% to be exact!  Also, around 15% of the banana is sugar.

3. Strawberries

Strawberries are a delightful treat packed with essential vitamins vital for our body's well-being. Yet, beneath their luscious exterior lies a paradoxical dilemma. Meeting the year-round demand for these berries often compels farmers to resort to the use of toxic chemicals.
Image source: Reddit
Delicious strawberries are good for you and contain essential vitamins that our body needs.  There is a catch though.  In order to keep up with demand and for strawberries to be available all the year round, farmers rely on toxic chemicals to keep the plants producing through every season and these chemicals are bad for the environment.

4. Cherries

The allure of cherries lies in their diminutive size, often deceivingly easy to consume in abundance. Much like mangoes and grapes, cherries boast a delectable sweetness, attributed to their notably high sugar content. Surprisingly, just a single cup of these petite delights encapsulates a substantial amount of sugar...
Image source: Reddit
Because of their small size, it's easy to eat a pound of cherries without even realising.  Like mangoes and grapes, cherries have a very high sugar content.  A cup of cherries contains 18 grams of sugar which makes this fruit a poor choice for dieters and diabetics.

5. Cranberries

The enduring belief in cranberries as a potential remedy for urinary tract infections (UTIs) has been a prevalent notion passed down through generations. However, while widely regarded as a natural solution, the American Medical Association offers a differing perspective.
Image source: Reddit
We are often told that cranberries and cranberry juice are a natural remedy for UTIs but the American Medical Association states there is no substantial evidence that this is the case.  They have found that the amount of hippuric acid present in the fruit is not sufficient to make an impact.

6. Avocado

Avocados, often touted as a nutritional powerhouse, boast a treasure trove of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that significantly contribute to our overall well-being, particularly aiding in digestive health. This creamy, green fruit stands out as a go-to choice for health-conscious individuals.
Image source: Reddit
Avocados are simply loaded with vitamins and minerals together with fiber, to support our digestive health.  Smashed avocado on toast is a favorite of mine!  Whilst avocados are very low in sugar, a cup contains approximately 22 grams of fat and around 240 calories.

7. Mango

Mangoes, oh, they're a sheer delight—soft, creamy, and their sweetness is simply irresistible! These tropical gems are a treasure trove of goodness, boasting an array of essential nutrients like Vitamin C, copper, and folate. Their luscious flavor and vibrant color make them an instant favorite for many.
Image source: Reddit
Mangoes are soft, creamy and very sweet. That's why we love them so much!  They're literally brimming with goodness, with nutrients such as Vitamin C, copper and folate.  There is a catch you should be aware of before you rush out to buy some. They contain the highest amount of sugar per cup than any other fruit, 23 grams in this case.

8. Dried Fruit

The convenience and concentrated sweetness of dried fruits often make them an appealing snack choice. Yet, the startling revelation lies in the stark contrast between their calorie content and that of their fresh counterparts. When you reach for a handful of dried fruit, what might seem like a modest portion actually packs significant calories...
Image source: Reddit
You may be shocked to discover that when you eat a handful of dried fruit, you are consuming many more calories than you would if you ate that same amount in the form of fresh fruit. The concern with dried fruit is the portion size and not the amount of sugar. A 160 gram serving is 477 calories.

9. Prunes

Prunes, the dried counterparts of plums, have long been hailed as a natural remedy to alleviate constipation owing to their substantial fiber content. However, akin to various other dried fruits, prunes harbor a nutritional duality, boasting benefits alongside noteworthy concerns.
Image source: Reddit
Prunes are a dried fruit that are made from plums. They are used as a natural remedy for constipation due to the high quantity of fiber they contain but, like other dried fruits, they are high in calories, carbs. and sugar. A cup of pitted prunes is 418 calories with 66 grams of sugar.

10. Lychee

Lychees, these exotic delights originating from southeastern China, captivate with their distinct appearance and tantalizing flavor profile. Packed with essential nutrients like Vitamin C, copper, and potassium, they stand out as a delectable addition to any fruit basket.
Image source: Reddit
Lychees, the tropical fruit native to southeastern China, have a unique appearance and taste. They contain Vitamin C, copper and potassium. If you are on a low sugar diet or are diabetic, be mindful that a cup of raw lychees contain about 29 grams of the sweet stuff.

11. Dried Coconut

Shredded coconut, a popular addition to smoothie bowls, breakfast dishes, and baked goods, imparts a delightful tropical flavor and a satisfying texture. It's celebrated for its rich content of essential minerals such as copper, manganese, and selenium, which contribute to overall well-being.
Image source: Reddit
Shredded coconut is often used in smoothie bowls, breakfast dishes and baked foods.  It's true that it's high in copper, manganese and selenium but the downside is that it's a high fat product and quite calorific. A single cup contains 560 calories which you probably would not expect.

12. Candied Fruit

Candied fruit, a confectionary delight achieved by submerging fruit in a sugary syrup, emerges with an enticingly sweet flavor and an extended shelf life. The process of soaking and heating fruits in this manner yields a product that's a treat for the taste buds.
Image source: Reddit
Candied fruit is made by soaking and heating fruit in a sugar syrup, resulting in a product with a sweet flavor and a long shelf life. It's high in sugar and carbs, contains lots of calories and is very low in fiber. With 322 calories per 100 gram serving and 81 grams of sugar, think twice before you get stuck in there.

13. Grapes

Grapes, those irresistibly convenient bite-sized fruits, often find themselves quickly devoured due to their ease of consumption and delightful taste. Their fruit status might lead one to assume an automatic seal of nutritional goodness. However, within this seemingly innocuous snack lies a complex tale...
Image source: Reddit
Grapes are so easy to eat and you can get through a whole bag of them in no time at all.  They are a fruit so must be so good for you or......  Unfortunately there are negative side effects to eating grapes.  They can actually cause you to gain weight as they are full of carbs.  They can cause gut issues and even allergy attacks so take heed.

14. Fruit Juice

Fresh fruit juice, often a go-to choice for a quick nutrient boost, allows for the consumption of a multitude of fruits in a single serving. The allure of sipping on a refreshing smoothie or fruit juice might paint a picture of healthfulness. However, hidden within these vibrant concoctions lies a nutritional complexity...
Image source: Reddit
Drinking fresh fruit juice is a way of consuming lots of fruit in one go. When you are enjoying your smoothie, remember that there is lots of sugar and carbs in the liquid, depending on which fruit you have added to the mix. A high intake of these juices has been linked to type 2 diabetes.

15. Canned Fruit In Syrup

Canned fruit undoubtedly offers unparalleled convenience, providing an effortless means of incorporating fruit into one's diet. However, beneath this convenience lies a nuanced nutritional profile that warrants attention, particularly for individuals managing diabetes.
Image source: No Frills
There's no doubt that canned fruit is a convenient way of getting a few servings of fruit into your diet.  Having said that, for those with diabetes, stay clear. This is because canned fruit is usually higher in sugar and carbs and lower in fiber than other kinds of fruit.

16. Mandarin

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, often brings about discomfort due to acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. While fruits are generally regarded as nutritious and essential components of a balanced diet...
Image source: The Takeout
For those who suffer with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux, certain fruits, mandarins included, could worsen your symptoms.  These fruits are nutritious and can easily fit into a balanced diet but you should limit your intake if you find they tend to trigger symptoms of acid reflux.

17. Orange

Oranges and their citrus counterparts are renowned for their nutritional prowess, boasting a wealth of essential vitamins like Vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. However, alongside their nutritional benefits, they carry a dual nature that warrants consideration, particularly for individuals grappling with GERD or acid reflux.
Image source: Reddit
Oranges and other citrus fruits are packed with Vitamin C, potassium and fiber. They are also highly acidic and could worsen heartburn for those who struggle with GERD. One medium sized orange contains 75 calories and 12 grams of sugar. The sweeter the fruit, the more sugar it contains.

18. Tomato

Ah, the great debate over whether tomatoes are fruits or vegetables! Nutritionally, they're a powerhouse, boasting an array of nutrients like fiber, Vitamin C, and the star player, lycopene—a potent antioxidant that has garnered attention for its potential health benefits.
Image source: Reddit
Tomatoes are both a fruit and a vegetable, depending on who you speak to! They are very nutritious, rich in fiber, Vitamin C and lycopene, the latter being proven for its antioxidant effects. As with citrus fruits, the acid in tomatoes and tomato based foods can trigger symptoms for those with acid reflux.

19. Grapefruit

Grapefruit, with its tangy and slightly bitter taste, stands out among citrus fruits for its unique flavor profile. Nutrient-wise, it offers a commendable roster of benefits. Low in calories yet bursting with essential nutrients, grapefruit embodies a healthful addition to many diets.
Image source: Reddit
Grapefruit is a citrus fruit recognised for its tart and slightly bitter flavor. On the plus side, it's low in calories, rich in Vitamins A and C, thiamine and potassium. On the negative side it can be a trigger for people with GERD. Best to eat this fruit in small quantities.

20. Lime

Limes indeed stand out as a zesty addition to various dishes, renowned for their nutritional value, vitamins, and antioxidant properties. They often find their way into beverages, cuisines, and even skincare routines due to their potential health benefits.
Image source: Reddit
It's tough to point out what is wrong with limes. Full of nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants they have to be beneficial to your body. "Healthline" say that they fall into the "don't eat" category because limes contain furocoumarin, a chemical which reacts with sunlight. If it absorbs into your skin it can cause blisters which take ages to heal.

21. Pineapple

Pineapple, with its exotic appeal and irresistible taste, often finds its way into culinary delights worldwide. Its sweetness is certainly a highlight, but nestled within this tropical treat lies a notable sugar content. A single cup of pineapple serves up approximately 17 grams of sugar!
Image source: Reddit
Pineapple, tropical and totally delicious, comes in at 17 grams of sugar per single cup. It contains manganese which assists in regulating blood sugar, if taken in moderation.  Pineapple is sometimes served salted in some countries which cancels out its goodness.

22. Watermelon

Watermelon, with its refreshing and hydrating nature, often gets heralded for its high water content, leading many to assume it's low in calories or sugar. Surprisingly, this juicy summertime staple does contain a notable amount of natural sugars, which might come as a surprise to some.
Image source: Reddit
You would think that watermelon had no calories whatsoever as it is mainly water but, shock horror, it contains a ton of sugar, the same amount as a mango!  A couple of wedges of watermelon is sufficient to gain health benefits but any more and you will be in sugar overload!

23. Apple

The age-old adage, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away," holds a grain of truth regarding the nutritional benefits of apples. However, while these crisp fruits offer a plethora of nutrients, they also contain natural sugars—a factor worth considering.
Image source: Reddit
There is a saying that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. It might not keep the dentist away though!  Apples contain lots of sugar so if you are a diabetic, best to avoid the crunchy fruit. If you do fancy an apple, don't eat it late at night as the acid in it will go for your teeth.

24. Kiwi

While kiwis are celebrated for their vibrant green flesh, tangy flavor, and nutritional richness, they also carry an aspect that demands attention: the presence of actinidin, found abundantly in kiwis, can indeed elicit allergic responses in some people.
Image source: Reddit
Kiwis can be quite dangerous as they contain an actinidine compound . This can cause an allergic reactions in some individuals. Those that do develop a reaction could have difficulty breathing and their throat might swell up. Kiwis are also high in sugar compared to other fruits.

25. Pear

Pears, with their succulent sweetness and nutritional richness, are indeed packed with natural sugars. A medium-sized pear contains around 17 grams of sugar, making portion control essential for those mindful of their sugar intake, especially when aiming for weight management.
Image source: Reddit
As a medium sized pear contains 17 grams of sugar, don't eat a whole one if you're trying to lose weight. Add a few thin slices to some low fat yogurt or add to a salad to jazz it up, with a touch of balsamic vinegar over it. If the pear is overripe, the sugar content will go up.

26. How Much Is Too Much Fruit?

Absolutely, fruit consumption is an integral part of a healthy diet, providing essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. For a healthy adult without specific health concerns, incorporating a variety of fruits into their diet is generally beneficial.
Image source: EUobserver
Is there such as thing as too much fruit if you are a healthy adult with no serious underlying health conditions? Well,  most Americans don't eat nearly enough of it. Adults should consume at least 1 ½ cups of fruit every single day. Being a “fruitarian” where fruit is all you eat can be concerning as you are not getting enough nutrients from other foods.

27. Which Fruit Burns Fat At Night?

Melons, including cantaloupe and honeydew, emerge as excellent evening choices for those aiming for weight management. These fruits boast a high water content and are relatively low in calories, making them a smart and satisfying option for curbing late-night cravings.
Image source: Reddit
Here's a good one for you! The best fruits to eat in the evening which may help you with weight loss are melons, both cantaloupe and honeydew. They have a high water content and are low in calories. Melon can satisfy a sweet tooth, so will keep you off the candy and cookies!

28. Are Fruit Smoothies Good For You?

Starting your day with a nutritious smoothie can indeed set a positive tone for your morning. When crafted with a medley of healthy ingredients, a smoothie offers a convenient and wholesome option for breakfast. The beauty of a smoothie lies in its versatility.

Image source: Reddit
Sipping a smoothie in the morning is healthy for you! This is the case when you put healthy ingredients into it. If your smoothie consists mainly of fruit (and vegetables) it can fill you up and counts as a healthy breakfast. It can even go towards a calorie controlled diet.

29. Chew Fruit Or Blend It - Which Is Best

The process of digestion doesn't solely rely on the texture or appearance of food; it's primarily about breaking down the food into smaller particles to release nutrients that your body can absorb. Blending or processing food, like in smoothies or soups, does alter the appearance and texture.
Image source: Reddit
When you swallow your food, it enters the stomach and the process of digestion begins. The chewed up food is further broken down and releases even more nutrients for your body to absorb. With blending, the process is changed because of the appearance and texture but this process DOES NOT make food lose its nutrients.

30. What Should "Five A Day" Include?

The "five a day" guideline encourages a diverse intake of fruits and vegetables, emphasizing the importance of their varied nutrient profiles. Fruits and vegetables encompass an array of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, each offering a unique nutritional composition.
Image source: Reddit
If you want to get the most out of your "five a day", then the portions should include both fruit and vegetables. This is because different fruits and veggies contain different combinations of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.  Pretty much all fruit and vegetables count towards this target and remember that frozen produce counts as well!

31. Dangerous foods you didn't know could kill you: mushrooms

It's true that some mushrooms, particularly wild or foraged varieties, can be toxic or even deadly if ingested. However, in the context of commercially available mushrooms commonly found in grocery stores, the concern regarding toxicity is minimal.
image source: reddit.com
Mushrooms do have a reputation for being poisonous, deadly or - sometimes - used for something other than cooking... but in terms of dangerous food specifically, you might want to avoid cremini mushrooms, because this type can have certain ones that contain poison.

32. Tomatoes

It sounds like you're referring to a plant or fruit that contains glycoalkaloids, which can indeed be toxic in certain parts of the plant. Glycoalkaloids are natural compounds found in various plants, particularly in the leaves, stems, and sometimes in the green parts of certain fruits.
image source: reddit.com
We spoke about this particular fruit not being as healthy as it seems, but there's something else you should be aware of: those nasty leaves! Be careful not to accidentally consume any of the leaves because they contain a poison named Glycoalkaloid - and this includes in the stems, too.

33. Rhubarb

When it comes to rhubarb, it's the leaves that pose a serious health risk due to the presence of oxalic acid and anthraquinone glycosides. These compounds make the leaves highly toxic when ingested in significant quantities. The leaves contain higher concentrations of oxalic acid compared to the stalks.
image source: reddit.com
The good news for you fans of baked sweet treats is that you don't have to worry about the rhubarb itself - it's more the leaves you have to watch out for! Rhubarb leaves are poisonous, which can result in a variety of serious side effects, including kidney failure, and in some cases, death!

34. Peanuts

Peanut allergies are recognized as one of the most prevalent and potentially severe food allergies. For individuals with this allergy, even a small exposure to peanuts or peanut products can trigger a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, a rapid result.
image source: reddit.com
This only counts if you have a peanut allergy, but the trouble is, a lot of people might not know they have an allergy before they eat one... Peanut allergies are among the most well known, and can be very serious, resulting in loss of consciousness, restricted airways and death.

35. Shellfish

Shellfish allergies can be extremely severe and life-threatening for those who are allergic. Shellfish allergies are among the most common food allergies and can cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. An allergic reaction to shellfish can occur upon exposure to shellfish proteins.
image source: reddit.com
If you're a lover of seafood, no doubt shellfish is one of your top favorites, especially as a treat out at a restaurant - which is all well and good if you're not allergic to shellfish. If you are, it can be very dangerous, resulting in restricting your airways and can even be life-threatening.

36. Potatoes

Certain parts of the potato plant, such as the leaves, stems, and sprouts, contain toxic compounds known as glycoalkaloids, particularly solanine and chaconine. Consuming the stems, leaves, or sprouts of a potato plant can potentially lead to symptoms of poisoning.
image source: reddit.com
Potatoes are a staple for most people, whether as fries, baked potato or jacket potato smothered in cheese. So you might be surprised to hear they can be life-threatening! While potato poisoning is very rare, it can still happen - but it's the stems and leaves you have to watch out for.

37. Cherries

Cherry seeds, also known as pits, kernels, or stones, contain compounds known as amygdalin, which can metabolize into hydrogen cyanide when ingested. While the amount of amygdalin in cherry seeds is relatively small, consuming a large number of cherry seeds could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning.
image source: reddit.com
If you were already reeling about the high sugar revelation when it comes to cherries, we have even worse news for you. Cherries can also be very dangerous - or, more specifically, the cherry seeds can be. The seeds in cherries contain something you'll want to avoid: a poison named hydrogen cyanide.

38. Raw meat

Absolutely, consuming undercooked or raw meat can pose significant health risks due to the presence of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. These bacteria are commonly found in raw meats and poultry and can cause foodborne illnesses.
image source: reddit.com
Okay, so this might go without saying, but sometimes you can consume uncooked meat without intending to. Like if you enjoy a very, very rare steak, or you don't bother to check whether your meat is actually cooked. Raw meat contains salmonella bacteria, which can lead to poisoning - and even death in people with very weak immune systems.

39. Uncooked eggs

Raw or undercooked eggs can indeed harbor Salmonella bacteria, posing a risk of foodborne illness if consumed. The risk of Salmonella contamination primarily exists in raw eggs, and consuming them increases the likelihood of contracting salmonellosis.
image source: reddit.com
The same actually goes for uncooked eggs. Sometimes people might consume raw eggs if they're making some sort of hangover cure smoothie, or if they don't cook them well enough in the pan. Uncooked eggs, just like raw meat, contain salmonella bacteria which can lead to the same issues.

40. Almonds

It's true that bitter almonds, a specific variety of almonds, do contain amygdalin, which can be metabolized into cyanide in the body. Bitter almonds are different from the sweet almonds commonly sold for consumption, which undergo processing to reduce their cyanide content.
image source: reddit.com
Almonds are delicious, but they can also be deadly. While they have a lot of health benefits, they also have the potential to be poisonous. In their raw form, bitter almonds contain cyanide. This toxin is removed through an extensive heat treatment, which is why the raw almonds are the ones to be avoided!

41. Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are often recognized as a significant choking hazard, especially for young children. Their cylindrical shape and texture can pose a choking risk, particularly if consumed without proper chewing or for individuals who have difficulty swallowing.
image source: reddit.com
You might want to swerve every hot dog vendor the next time you go to a busy city like New York - and no, luckily, we don't mean because they're secretly poisonous. The main problem with hot dogs is that they're one of the biggest choking hazards, especially for young children.

42. Elderberries

Elderberries are indeed becoming more popular in various food products, beverages, and even in herbal remedies due to their potential health benefits. However, certain parts of the elderberry plant, such as the stems, leaves, seeds, and unripe berries, contain cyanogenic glycosides.
image source: reddit.com
Elderberries are not as well known as fruits like apples or oranges, but they crop up a lot more than you'd think, in things like sodas, liquors and even in medicines. The trouble with elderberries is that the plant - specifically the stem and leaves - can cause some severe stomach upset.

43. Castor Oil

Castor oil is being widely used in various industries, including skincare, pharmaceuticals, and even in some food preparations. Castor oil is derived from the seeds of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis), and the seeds themselves contain a potent toxin called ricin.
image source: reddit.com
Castor oil is used in a lot of things these days, including even skincare routines as well as cooking. Castor oil itself is generally safe to use - provided the original castor beans were properly prepared. The original bean plant is full of the poison called ricin, so castor oil needs to have been prepared safely.

44. Sannakji

Sannakji, a Korean dish featuring live octopus, is indeed known for its unique preparation and consumption of live tentacles. The dish involves slicing the octopus alive and serving it immediately, often with the tentacles still squirming.
image source: reddit.com
If you already weren't a fan of seafood or calamari, then it's about to get worse - sannakji is a dish made from live octopus, popular in Korean cuisine. That's right, you actually eat a live octopus. The life-threatening concern with this one is that if you don't chew it properly and swallow with the suction cups still fully intact, they can get stuck in your throat.

45. Ackee

Unripe Ackee contains a toxin called hypoglycin, primarily concentrated in the seeds and pulp. This toxin can be harmful, causing a condition known as Jamaican Vomiting Sickness (JVS). Symptoms of JVS include vomiting, hypoglycemia, and, in severe cases, can lead to seizures, coma, or even death.
image source: reddit.com
Ackee is a fruit which looks a little like a pear, and as long as it's been riped fully, it's not an issue. But if you don't let the ackee ripen fully, it will still have traces of a toxin that could be fatal. This is also the reason that importing the ackee in its raw form is banned in the US.

46. Honey

Unpasteurized or raw honey can potentially contain spores of Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium known to produce botulinum toxin, which can be harmful to humans. The spores themselves are not harmful, but in certain conditions they can germinate and produce the toxin.
image source: reddit.com
Don't worry, we're not going to put you off eating your favorite creamy sweet treat - just as long as the honey you're consuming has been pasteurized properly. If not, honey will have traces of poisonous toxins which, best case, can lead to headaches and vomiting and, worse case, death.

47. Tuna

Mercury contamination is a concern associated with certain types of fish, particularly large predatory species like tuna. Mercury, a heavy metal, accumulates in the flesh of these fish through a process called bioaccumulation. Larger predatory fish tend to accumulate higher levels of mercury over time.
image source: reddit.com
Mercury poisoning is a danger most people are aware of when it comes to certain raw fish, and it's something you should definitely take care with. People who enjoy sushi should very much pay attention to their raw tuna intake, as it can result in dangerous symptoms including high blood pressure.

48. Bean sprouts

While bean sprouts are nutritious and often used as a salad topping or in various dishes, consuming them raw can indeed pose a risk of bacterial contamination. Bean sprouts, including varieties such as mung bean sprouts, are often grown in warm and humid conditions, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth.
image source: reddit.com
Bean sprouts are a popular choice for topping on salads, which is also why you might think they're completely healthy and nothing to worry about. The real danger from bean sprouts, though, comes from the fact they're usually eaten raw - which can risk things like e.coli and salmonella still being present.

49. Chili peppers

Chili peppers contain capsaicin, a compound responsible for their heat. When consumed in moderate amounts, capsaicin can provide various health benefits, including potential pain relief and improved metabolism. However, excessive consumption of capsaicin can lead to adverse effects.
image source: reddit.com
If you're a lover of hot and spicy food, then no doubt chili peppers are always something you pick up at the grocery store. Chili peppers contain a chemical called capsaicin, and while it's not a problem if you're just eating one or two, if you're eating a ton of them, it could result in your lungs constricting.

50. Marshmallows

Competitive eating challenges involving marshmallows, especially those that encourage consuming large quantities in a short period, do indeed pose a significant choking hazard. The soft and sticky texture of marshmallows makes them particularly risky when attempting to eat large amounts quickly.
image source: reddit.com
The main reason these sweet treats are life-threatening is the peak in trends - namely, the competition of putting as much marshmallows in your mouth as possible. As you can imagine, this makes marshmallows a choking hazard - and unfortunately some people have died from trying to do this.