3. Tomatoes (Leaves and Stems)
Tomatoes are a staple in kitchens around the world, but parts of the tomato plant — specifically the leaves and stems — contain a toxin called tomatine, which can be harmful in large quantities. Though rarely fatal, it can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headaches.
Tomatine is a glycoalkaloid, similar to solanine found in potatoes. While the ripe red fruit is perfectly safe to eat, green tomatoes and the plant itself should be approached with caution. Cooking generally reduces tomatine levels, but eating raw green parts is not advised.
Accidental ingestion usually happens when people grow tomatoes at home and aren’t aware that the green parts are toxic. Some herbal remedies also include dried tomato leaves, which may increase the risk of toxicity if consumed in large amounts.
The danger to pets is even greater. Dogs and cats have shown symptoms of poisoning after chewing on tomato plants. Always ensure that pets and children don’t have access to these parts of the plant.
As with most foods on this list, moderation and proper knowledge are key. Tomatoes are incredibly healthy when eaten correctly, just be sure to remove all green, non-fruit parts.
