Pawpaw and cooking: is there a real risk?

Yes be careful with all pawpaw
"
Consumption of annonacin-containing plant products has been linked to increased prevalence of atypical parkinsonism in previous studies of tropical-dwelling populations. We describe a case of possible progressive supranuclear palsy-speech-language variant (PSP-SL) in a patient in the Northeast United States who habitually consumed annonacin-containing pawpaw fruit."

Also be careful of starfruit

Starfruit (Carambola) Risks

  • Kidney Toxicity: Contains caramboxin, a neurotoxin that healthy kidneys excrete, but builds up in kidney disease, causing severe neurological issues.
  • Symptoms: Hiccups, vomiting, mental confusion, seizures, coma, and death.
  • Recommendation: Avoid if you have kidney disease; even healthy people should limit consumption, especially on an empty stomach.

Cherimoya Risks & Benefits

  • Toxicity: Seeds, leaves, and stems are poisonous and should not be eaten.
  • Benefits: The creamy, sweet flesh is rich in flavor and nutrients, excellent for fresh eating or in desserts like ice cream.
  • Recommendation: Enjoy the ripe flesh, but carefully discard the seeds and other plant parts.
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