hazard to humans Until we know, it’s best to eat mushrooms in moderation Protease Inhibitors and Lectins These are proteins that interfere with digestion: inhibitors block the action of proteindigesting enzymes, and lectins bind to intestinal cells and prevent them from absorbing nutrients Lectins can also enter the blood-stream and bind red blood cells to each other They’re found mainly in soy, kidney, and lima beans Both inhibitors and lectins are inactivated by prolonged boiling But they can survive in beans that are eaten raw or undercooked, and cause symptoms similar to food poisoning Flavor Chemicals Flavor chemicals are generally consumed in only tiny amounts, but a few may cause problems when overindulged in Safrole, the main aromatic in oil of sassafras and therefore of traditional root beer, causes DNA damage and was banned as an additive in 1960 (root beer is now made with safe sarsaparilla or artificial flavorings) Myristicin, the major flavor contributor in nutmeg, seems largely responsible for intoxication and hallucinations that result from ingesting large amounts Glycyrrhizin, an intensely sweet-tasting substance in true licorice root, induces high blood pressure Coumarin, which gives sweet clover its sweet aroma and is also found in lavender and vanilla-like tonka beans (Dipteryx odorata), interferes with blood clotting Toxic Amino Acids Toxic amino acids are unusual versions of the building blocks for our proteins that interfere with proper protein functioning Canavanine interferes with several cell functions and has been associated with the development of lupus; it’s found in large quantities in alfalfa sprouts and the jack bean Vicine and convicine in the fava bean cause a blood-cell-destroying anemia, favism, ... functioning Canavanine interferes with several cell functions and has been associated with the development of lupus; it’s found in large quantities in alfalfa sprouts and the jack bean Vicine and. .. Coumarin, which gives sweet clover its sweet aroma and is also found in lavender and vanilla-like tonka beans (Dipteryx odorata), interferes with blood clotting Toxic Amino Acids Toxic amino acids are unusual versions of the building... 1960 (root beer is now made with safe sarsaparilla or artificial flavorings) Myristicin, the major flavor contributor in nutmeg, seems largely responsible for intoxication and hallucinations that