Certain foods, while delicious and nutritious, can carry harmful parasites if not prepared properly.

Parasites such as amoebas, dysentery organisms, roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms can enter the human body and cause a range of health issues—from mild digestive upset to severe infections and organ damage.

To minimize the risks, it’s essential to maintain strict hygiene and cook food thoroughly.

Here are eight common foods you should approach with caution:

1. Eels

Eels often live in stagnant waters, which are perfect breeding grounds for parasites. Golden eels are especially prone to infections—during breeding season, up to half of them may carry harmful organisms. These eels can be intermediate hosts for over 15 types of parasites, including roundworm and tapeworm larvae.

If roundworm larvae enter the human body, they may travel to the eyes, affecting vision. Tapeworms, on the other hand, can spread rapidly to vital organs and even the brain.

Safety Tip: Clean thoroughly and boil for at least 4–5 minutes before eating.

2. Snails

Snails, a popular delicacy, are commonly found in swamps and ponds, where they’re likely to contract parasites. A major threat is the Angiostrongylus cantonensis roundworm, which a single snail can carry in quantities as high as 3,000.

If consumed, these larvae may travel to the brain, causing symptoms like headaches, fever, stiff neck, and in serious cases, meningitis or memory loss.

Safety Tip: Always soak, clean, and cook snails thoroughly.

3. Raw or Undercooked Buffalo and Beef

While rich in protein and nutrients, buffalo and beef can carry beef tapeworm larvae (Cysticercus) in the muscles, heart, and diaphragm. Once ingested, these larvae develop into worms that attach to the intestinal lining and grow as long as 4–10 meters.

Health issues include intestinal damage, malnutrition, weight loss, anemia, and chronic abdominal pain.