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Tag: Neurotoxin

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

Foods that Contain Saxitoxin and Its Dangers

4 min read
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), caused by saxitoxin, is one of the most common and severe forms of seafood-related food poisoning. This potent neurotoxin is produced by certain types of marine algae, which are then consumed by filter-feeding marine life, concentrating the toxin in their tissues. The primary concern for human health is the consumption of seafood contaminated with saxitoxin.

Are Pawpaws Safe to Eat? Understanding the Risks and Rewards

5 min read
While pawpaws have a rich history in North America, with Indigenous peoples and early American settlers enjoying this native fruit for generations, modern research has brought caution to its consumption. Understanding if pawpaws are safe to eat involves knowing which parts are toxic, how to consume them properly, and the risks associated with overconsumption.

What is excessive consumption of khesari dal?

5 min read
Lathyrism, a paralytic disease, historically linked to famines, is caused by the excessive consumption of khesari dal. This condition occurs when the neurotoxin β-ODAP, present in the pulse, accumulates in the body over time, leading to significant neurological damage. It is crucial to understand the risks associated with this legume, particularly when it forms a major part of the diet.

What is the toxin in khesari dal and its dangerous side effects?

4 min read
According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, outbreaks of neurolathyrism have historically occurred in regions where khesari dal (*Lathyrus sativus*) became a dietary staple during times of drought or famine. The cause of this debilitating disease lies in a powerful, naturally occurring neurotoxin within the legume.

Which Foods Contain Tetrodotoxin? Exploring Sources and Risks

5 min read
Did you know that tetrodotoxin is more potent than cyanide and is not destroyed by cooking? This lethal neurotoxin is most famously found in pufferfish, but many other surprising marine and terrestrial animals also contain tetrodotoxin and pose a significant risk to humans if consumed.

What is the name of the toxin in puffer fish?

4 min read
According to scientific sources, the neurotoxin found in puffer fish is up to 1,200 times more potent than cyanide. This dangerous substance, which is not destroyed by cooking, is known as tetrodotoxin (TTX) and can cause rapid, life-threatening paralysis in humans if ingested.

Which Vitamin Is Associated with Neurolathyrism? The Role of Vitamin C

4 min read
Epidemics of neurolathyrism, a debilitating neurological disease, have been documented for centuries, often during famines when reliance on the grass pea legume is high. In this context, understanding which vitamin is associated with neurolathyrism is crucial for both prevention and mitigation of this crippling illness.

What is the Cause of BOAA Toxin?

4 min read
Overconsumption of the resilient grass pea legume, *Lathyrus sativus*, is the primary cause of BOAA toxin-induced neurolathyrism, a devastating paralytic disease. The concentration of this neurotoxin can be heavily influenced by environmental stressors like drought.