Why is it called “the most dangerous food in the world”?
This somewhat alarming nickname comes from the fact that, each year, approximately 200 people worldwide lose their lives after consuming improperly prepared cassava. This occurs primarily in contexts of crisis, famine, or extreme poverty, where preparation methods are sometimes shoddy out of necessity.
The World Health Organization itself reminds us that “cassava must be processed properly to avoid dangerous exposure to cyanide.” So, it’s not a matter of stopping eating this root, but of knowing how to cook it properly!
A little-known disease linked to cassava: konzo
In some areas affected by extreme poverty, people can develop a serious neurological condition called konzo. It manifests as sudden muscle weakness, especially in the legs, and can leave irreversible damage.
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