Would you consume something that could potentially kill you? For the majority, food is primarily about nourishment, yet in various parts of the world, certain foods pose a genuine risk of death – and still, people choose to eat them. Let’s explore 10 of the most perilous foods on Earth and the reasons why they are still consumed.

Cyanide-laden staple

Cassava may appear to be a harmless tuber, but its roots and leaves harbor cyanogenic glycosides, which convert into cyanide when eaten raw or not properly processed. This can result in cyanide poisoning, leading to goiters, paralysis, and even death.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that cassava poisoning claims around 200 lives annually, earning this root vegetable the moniker of “world’s deadliest food.”