What parts of a vegetable can’t you eat?
Many vegetables are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, highly beneficial for our health. However, when it comes to some vegetables, there are certain parts that are not meant to be eaten. These parts of vegetables can be dangerous to our health and can even cause serious illnesses if ingested.
Vegetable Leaves
Although they may be edible depending on the vegetable itself, leaves are generally not safe to eat as they often contain high levels of toxins and harmful compounds. Typical examples of vegetables with leaves that should not be consumed include rhubarb and tomato.
Potato and Tomato Stems & Vines
Even though potatoes and tomatoes have edible leaves, their stems and vines contain high levels of toxins. These toxins can be harmful to the human body if ingested, so they should not be eaten.
Eggplant Stalks and Calyxes
The stalks and calyxes (the protective casing that covers the eggplant) should not be eaten as they can contain traces of toxins. These toxins, if ingested, can cause thoughts, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Asparagus Stems and Tips
The asparagus stems, and in some cases the tips, should not be eaten. They contain levels of toxins that can cause serious discomfort such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Garlic Sprouts
Garlic sprouts contain an enzyme which when ingested can cause pain, vomiting and in extreme cases, internal bleeding. Garlic sprouts are best avoided to avoid these symptoms.
Onion Leaves and Shoots
Onion leaves and shoots contain high levels of sulfide that can cause symptoms such as burning of the throat and headaches if ingested. Therefore, they should be avoided.
In conclusion, it is important to note that some parts of vegetables can be dangerous to our health if consumed. We should always be aware of these warnings in order to ensure our safety.
So remember – eat everything, but eat safely!
