Which food is given as an example of natural toxins present at low levels?

Which food is given as an example of natural toxins present at low levels?

• A. Peach
• B. Bread
• C. Milk
• D. Sugar

Answer: (A)

Many foods have small amounts of natural toxins as part of the plant’s defenses, but these are usually confined to non-edible parts or are present at very low levels in the part we eat. Peaches illustrate this because the seeds contain cyanogenic compounds, such as amygdalin. When a seed is crushed or chewed, these compounds can release hydrogen cyanide, a potential toxin. The flesh of the peach, which is eaten, contains only trace amounts and is generally considered safe, making it a classic example of a natural toxin present at low levels. In contrast, bread, milk, and sugar are not typically cited for inherent natural toxins in their edible forms.

Many foods have small amounts of natural toxins as part of the plant’s defenses, but these are usually confined to non-edible parts or are present at very low levels in the part we eat. Peaches illustrate this because the seeds contain cyanogenic compounds, such as amygdalin. When a seed is crushed or chewed, these compounds can release hydrogen cyanide, a potential toxin. The flesh of the peach, which is eaten, contains only trace amounts and is generally considered safe, making it a classic example of a natural toxin present at low levels. In contrast, bread, milk, and sugar are not typically cited for inherent natural toxins in their edible forms.