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 protein-
digesting 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