With the arrival of autumn, squash fill the market stalls. However, you have to be vigilant, because some are not edible and can even cause serious poisoning.
Autumn is in full swing. Squashes, pumpkins, pumpkins and pattypan squash are found on many plates and fill supermarket shelves. However, you must be wary of what you consume, because in this season, the poison control centers (CAP) are often called for poisoning. Indeed, some squashes are not edible, and are even poisonous. In a press release published on October 31, 2019ANSES warns of the dangers.
From nausea to bloody diarrhea
Varieties of squash “contain cucurbitacins, very irritating and bitter substances which can be responsible quickly after ingestion for digestive pain, nausea, vomiting, sometimes bloody diarrhea, even severe dehydration requiring hospitalization”, recalls ANSES. In addition, these substances are resistant to cooking.
Pumpkins only for decoration
In reality, there are ornamental, “decorative” gourds. The gourds are all considered toxic for example. However, they are sold in shops, and sometimes even in the fruit and vegetable departments. You also have to pay attention to your vegetable garden. Sometimes squash become inedible as a result of wild hybridization. This phenomenon occurs when bitter varieties coexist with quite edible varieties, and the seeds are harvested from year to year. To avoid this, ANSES recommends buying new seeds each time you want to sow them.
Call 15 in case of severe symptoms
According to a study on squash poisoning recorded by the Anti Poison Center from 2012 to 2016, 353 people presented the following symptoms: digestive problems, bitterness in the mouth. More serious symptoms appeared in 4% of cases: bloody diarrhea, intense stomach pains, dehydration, leading to some hospitalizations. If you show signs of poisoning, call the poison control center or see a doctor. In case of bleeding, dial 15.
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