Tuna is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and a great source of protein. However, tuna also tends to be contaminated by something called methylmercury due to pollution in the oceans. Increased exposure to mercury may lead to fertility problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, and impaired brain development in children. Thankfully, several brands these days have come up with sustainably fished tuna with strict mercury limits. You can opt for those if you can’t resist having tuna regularly.
2. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is the favorite of many and this delicious spice is also known to have several medicinal properties. While small to moderate amounts of cinnamon are perfectly fine, eating too much of it can cause some health problems. Cinnamon is high in antioxidants, but it also contains high amounts of a compound called coumarin. Large doses of it can harm our body.
According to health experts, the acceptable daily intake of coumarin is 0.1 mg per kg of body weight. Taking more than this on a regular basis raises the risk of liver toxicity and cancer. Of the two types of cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon contains less coumarin. While you can consume 5 grams (1 teaspoon) of Ceylon cinnamon per day, the recommended daily intake of Cassia cinnamon is 0.5–2 grams.
3. Spinach
Spinach is often regarded as one of the healthiest vegetables out there. While this leafy green offers a plethora of good nutrients, it can also harm our body if we go overboard with it. Spinach is high in fiber and takes time to get digested. Eating too much of it may cause bloating and cramps since our body will take time to digest the excessive load of spinach and won’t be able to metabolize it quickly.
Furthermore, spinach is a high oxalate food which may form calcium oxalate stones in the kidneys if we consume it in excessive amounts. Also, the oxalic acid in spinach forms tiny crystals that do not dissolve in water. This may result in our teeth getting gritty and coarse. Most dietitians say that a bowl of spinach with lunch and dinner is fine but remember not to overstuff yourself with it.
4. Almonds
How can almonds be bad for health, right? After all, they are highly nutritious and rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. But consuming almonds in excess can lead to toxicity in your body. That’s because they contain hydrocyanic acid and too much of it can cause breathing problems, nervous breakdowns, and choking. Moreover, like spinach, almonds are also high in oxalates, and hence kidney stones may be a problem with them, too, if there is an over-consumption of it.
Also, lest we forget, almonds are the highest-fiber nut and too much of them inside our body can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. To be on the safe side, it would be best to stick to an average serving size of one ounce (28.3 gm) of almonds per day. One ounce of almonds, or about 23 almond nuts, is the ideal daily portion recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
5. Carrots
Carrots are full of beta-carotene, a molecule that transforms into vitamin A when digested. While a limited amount of beta-carotene is very healthy for our body, an extravagant amount could lead to various issues. The beta-carotene can build up in the blood and can cause carotenemia, a condition that turns your skin yellowish.
Infants generally are more at risk of this condition since they're often fed pureed carrot baby food. However, adults can get it as well if they eat too many carrots. According to Columbia University, if you are eating three large carrots a day, you are exposing yourself to the risk of carotenemia.
6. Kombucha
Kombucha has captured the imagination of countless fitness fanatics in recent times. The Chinese drink has been touted to have an abundance of digestive benefits and is said to feed beneficial gut bacteria. This has caused many people to overdose on this drink. You should be warned, however, that kombucha is a high FODMAP food and contains byproducts of yeast fermentation that can cause bloating and digestive distress if taken in excessive quantities.
More significantly, though, drinking too much kombucha can lead to excess sugar and caloric intake. Kombucha is also unpasteurized and contains small amounts of caffeine and alcohol. People with weakened immune systems, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people who are sensitive to caffeine should hence be cautious while drinking kombucha.
Ideally, one to two servings of kombucha per day is considered safe enough to enjoy its health benefits without causing any harm to the body.
7. Avocado
Avocados are all the rage right now and for good reason. They a good source of healthy unsaturated fat and antioxidants and are high in fiber and potassium. These pear-shaped fruits can also help you lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and maintain your cells due to their high content of monosaturated fat. That being said, since avocados are high in fiber, having excessive amounts of them can cause uncomfortable side effects like bloating, gas, and cramping. Also, too much potassium can cause symptoms of fatigue, chest pain, and even heart palpitations in people with heart or kidney conditions.
An average avocado packs about 250 calories and between 20 and 25 grams of fat. Eating them every single day can increase the calories and fat content in your body too. Dietitians recommend eating half or 1 avocado a day.
8. Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are a good source of healthful fats, protein, fiber, and selenium. Now, selenium is a trace mineral our body only needs in small amounts. Eating too many Brazil nuts can result in selenium toxicity which can lead to brittle hair and nails, along with gastrointestinal and neurological issues, kidney failure, heart attack, or even death in extreme cases.
The average person only needs 55 micrograms of selenium per day while one Brazil nut contains 95 micrograms of this mineral. Thus, as nutritious and tasty as they are, it’s recommended that you eat these nuts only occasionally.
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