Although it may seem harmless, zucchini – a powerhouse of fiber and potassium and the star of many side dishes and baked goods – can also be extremely dangerous to eat. In some rare cases, this winter vegetable is also poisonous.

In a recent study published in Polish Archives of Internal Medicine, A case of ridge gourd poisoning was uncovered as a 54-year-old relatively healthy woman arrived at a hospital emergency department with severe abdominal pain after eating ridge gourd bread. He also suffered severe vomiting and bloody, watery diarrhea and was diagnosed with liver damage.

After examination, doctors said she had cucurbitacin poisoning, which is caused by toxic compounds formed in zucchini. According to experts, cucurbitacin toxicity occurs when compounds present in the vegetable disrupt cellular processes, causing tissue irritation, especially in the gastrointestinal tract.

what is zucchini toxicity,

Experts warn that the bitter taste is a hallmark of high cucurbitacin concentrations and is often the only immediate indicator.

Zucchini belongs to the organic compounds cucurbitacins, which produce bitter taste as a plant defense mechanism. Other plants such as cucumbers, squash and melons have a similar effect. According to doctors, even though these compounds are medicinally effective against inflammation, cancer, atherosclerosis and diabetes, they can be toxic when ingested through food.

Signs and Symptoms of Zucchini Toxicity

Even though cucurbitacin toxicity is not fully understood, experts believe that the compounds disrupt the gastric lining, causing:

• vomit
• Diarrhea
• is bleeding
• Harmful effects on the vascular system

Doctors say symptoms of cucurbitacin poisoning usually appear suddenly within minutes to hours of consumption and even small amounts can be dangerous.

In most cases, cucurbitacin poisoning causes mild pain or gastrointestinal upset and does not require medical care. However, serious symptoms are mostly rare and may include nausea, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea. In some cases, it also causes hypotension or low blood pressure. While there is no antidote for cucurbitacin poisoning, doctors say treatment focuses on managing symptoms. Most patients with severe symptoms recover within a few days, although stomach discomfort may persist for a little longer.

In very rare cases, cucurbitacin poisoning can be fatal. While one patient in the Netherlands fully recovered, another died less than 24 hours after eating poisoned zucchini.

Should you quit eating zucchini?

Doctors say that since most of the time only rare cases require serious medical care, you do not need to give up eating ridge gourd altogether, but rather be careful about its taste.

Health benefits of eating ridge gourd More than the risks. Rich in nutrients like iron, calcium, zinc and many other B vitamins, zucchini is also rich in antioxidants that protect your body from free radicals.

It is rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, promotes healthy digestion and is great for weight loss. Additionally, zucchini’s high fiber content helps stabilize blood sugar, preventing levels from rising after meals and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

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