Never eat these 5 vegetables raw; they will be more harmful than healthy

Health benefits of vegetables: To get the most out of your vegetarian diet, never eat these raw. They may contain parasites that can enter our gut, bloodstream, or even the brain (Images: Canva)

Social media trends may suggest that eating vegetables in their raw form is healthier than cooking them, as cooking reduces their nutritional value due to exposure to heat, water, or air. While this is not far from the truth, it doesn’t hold true for certain vegetables that can cause serious health issues when consumed raw.

They may contain parasites that can enter our gut, bloodstream, or even the brain. Health expert Dimple Jangda, who is also the national bestselling author of Heal Your Gut, Mind & Emotions, shared five vegetables that should never be consumed raw.

Don't eat these 5 vegetables raw

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Colocasia leaves

Also called Arbi ka Patta, Dimple said they house pathogens, unhealthy bacteria, and tapeworm eggs on their surface, and these survive despite washing them well. Hence, it’s best to boil, blanch, steam, sauté, or lightly cook them. Not doing so can lead to cysticercosis and gastrointestinal infections.

Spinach and Kale

She called them notorious for harbouring unhealthy pathogens like strongyloides, giardia, tapeworm eggs, ova, and larvae. These parasites can cause havoc once they enter your bloodstream. They are high sources of oxalates and can lead to kidney stones when consumed raw.

When you boil, blanch, steam, sauté, or cook them, it reduces the oxalate levels and kills the harmful parasites and bacteria, making them safer to consume. Dimple also mentioned how the Jain community completely avoids both spinach and kale in the monsoons due to the greater incidence of microorganisms and pathogens in them.

Cabbage

Cabbage shouldn’t be consumed raw either, as the rough surface of its leaves is perfect for laying tapeworm eggs. They can enter your bloodstream and brain, causing serious health issues like epilepsy and blackouts. It’s best to boil or cook it to protect yourself from gastrointestinal infections.

Capsicum

The nutritionist advised not ignoring the crown inside the capsicum, which has seeds that resemble tapeworm eggs. She said this is due to the use of animal manure and contamination of the soil, water, and fertilisers, which also affects capsicum. She advised removing the crown and rinsing the capsicum under water to remove all the seeds, parasites, and bacteria.

Aubergine or Brinjal

Aubergine also has a notorious reputation for harbouring parasite cysts and eggs. Dimple said that’s the reason this vegetable is forbidden in many cultures. It’s best to cook it well to get rid of any kind of parasites, tapeworm eggs, and cysts.

In the end, she advised that cooking food has multiple benefits. It protects you from infections, boosts immunity, and improves nutrient absorption. All you need to learn is the right cooking method for a strong gut and overall health.