Here's why you should be extra careful while using spices
spices and plants in your home, which we often take for granted, can have adverse health effects when consumed in excessive quantities, experts said during a recent awareness event, 'Discover Tox', organized by the forensic medicine and toxicology department of King George Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow.
As per a TOI report, Dr. Ashutosh Kumar, one of the experts at the event, cautioned that spices like nutmeg (jaiphal), myrobalan (harad), and poppy seeds (posta), which are frequently used in our kitchens to enhance the flavor of dishes, can turn toxic when consumed beyond the recommended limits. Dr.
Kumar said, «The safe limit of jaiphal consumption is up to 5 grams per day. Exceeding this limit can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as vomiting, hallucination, and an accelerated heartbeat.»
Similarly, Dr. Kumar highlighted the potential risks associated with small and big harad, commonly used spices in ayurvedic medicines.
Overconsumption of harad can result in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and skin bruising.
The experts also sounded a cautionary note about poppy seeds (khaskhas or posta), a staple spice in many culinary delights. Dr. Kumar warned that excessive consumption of poppy seeds can lead to bradycardia (a slow heart rate), pinpoint pupils, and various skin-related issues.
He also added, «Even papaya and jatropha seeds, if ingested in large quantities, can cause distressing symptoms like dysentery and nausea. Papaya seeds are sometimes used to adulterate black pepper.»
Dr. Fatima Harsha, another expert, urged people to exercise caution with certain indoor and outdoor ornamental plants, specifically mentioning the sago palm plant.
