Food That Should Never Be Eaten by People, Yet Often Is

Many foods grace our tables despite their questionable status as edible. This article delves into a few food items that, while widely consumed, should really be avoided. Join us on this exploration of taste, tradition, and the hidden dangers behind seemingly harmless items.

The Marshmallow Paradox

Marshmallows, those fluffy, gummy treats, are a subject of great controversy. As a child, even I found them bland and tasteless. There are times when I would say, 'Not even food.' Yes, you heard that right. Marshmallows are not exactly what we would call sustenance. Their primary appeal seems to lie in the campfire scene, where they are often heated and used in SMores. But let me tell you, they really do not impress in this capacity either.

Once, I lost a bet with my wife to prove just how unappetizing marshmallows are. I went to the extreme, testing them with our dog and raccoons. My wife argued that our dog was biased, as he was trained by me. So, the raccoons it was. We placed marshmallows near shrimp in our garbage pails and discovered the next morning that the shrimp were gone but the marshmallows remained untouched. The marshmallow gods must've been testing me, for my collection of marshmallow remnants seemed to multiply. I won the bet, which was a lot of fun collecting.

So, folks, marshmallows are not food. They are one of those things that, while technically edible, should be consumed sparingly, if at all.

The Taboo of Eating dogs

While marshmallows might be on the margins of edible, the moral high ground of food consumption places dogs off-limits. I mean, we all know that it's a big no-no to eat dogs, right? But who hasn't envied the way cinematic heroes might consume dog meat as a last resort during a survival quest? Those scenes in movies always seem to hint at a survival instinct. However, in the real world, it's best to stick to domestic pet topics and avoid any talk of dining on four-legged friends.

The Dark Side of Processed Foods

Processed foods are everywhere, and people often indulge in them without a second thought. Dried fruits, cured meats, sugary snacks, drinks, and juices, MSG, glucose-fructose corn syrup—these are just a few of the many culprits. Everything that is unnatural and lacks the integrity of whole, natural foods is questionable at best. While it’s challenging to avoid processed foods in the supermarket, you should always be vigilant and check food labels.

The Oat Dilemma

Sir Samuel Johnson, a famous lexicographer, once made a profound observation about oats. He quipped, 'A grain which in England is generally given to horses but in Scotland supports the people.' This saying is both a humorous remark and a comment on the false equivalence between oats and other grains. In my experience, oats seemed to serve more as a base for processed breakfast cereals than as a staple food. This traditional Scottish perspective gives us a unique lens through which to view oats.

The Perils of Margarine

When it comes to fats, margarine has always been a thorny issue. In my opinion, margarine deserves to be expelled from the list of food items. It's a creation that should never have been allowed in the first place. The dangers of trans fat are true; they are a significant public health concern. However, modern margarine manufacturers have made strides, removing trans fat and reducing the fat content. These 'spreads' are now a question of personal choice and health.

Butter vs. Margarine: Which Is Healthier?

While margarine's health implications are clear, the debate on butter versus margarine continues. Butter, known for its high saturated fat content, is often vilified. On the other hand, margarine is sometimes seen as a healthier alternative, thanks to its lower fat content and the absence of trans fats. However, the real key to a balanced diet lies in moderation and a careful consideration of individual health needs.

A Summary of the Unhealthy Items

In summary, while these items are widely consumed, they may not be the best choices. Marshmallows, dogs, processed foods, oats, and margarine all have their own controversies. It's up to each individual to make informed choices about their diet, considering both tradition and health.