What specific toxins found in unripe ackee fruit can cause Jamaican Vomiting Sickness?
Answer
Hypoglycin A and Hypoglycin B
The text explicitly identifies the extreme danger associated with consuming unripe ackee or specific parts of the ripe fruit due to the presence of potent toxins named hypoglycin A and hypoglycin B. Ingestion of even small amounts of these compounds can trigger Jamaican Vomiting Sickness (JVS). JVS is a severe condition characterized by acute symptoms such as convulsions, coma, and severe vomiting, resulting from the toxins' action on the liver's ability to mobilize stored energy resources. The distinction between the safe, mature yellow aril and the toxic, immature portions is paramount for safety.
Related Questions
What specific toxins found in unripe ackee fruit can cause Jamaican Vomiting Sickness?Which mineral, abundant in ripe ackee, is crucial for counterbalancing excessive sodium intake and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels?The healthy fat profile of ripe ackee is noted for containing which specific fatty acid, also the main component of olive oil?What physical indicator is described as the most reliable field marker for confirming the safety and ripeness of a harvested ackee fruit?Which specific part of the ripe ackee fruit, surrounding the seed, is safe for consumption when properly prepared?Which vitamin present in ackee supports ocular health by being a necessary component for the production of rhodopsin?What primary physiological process is inhibited by hypoglycins, leading directly to the dangerously low blood sugar characteristic of Jamaican Vomiting Sickness?For consumers outside Jamaica wishing to try ackee while minimizing the risk associated with field harvesting judgments, which preparation method is recommended?What nutritional characteristic differentiates ripe ackee from many other common fruit varieties, making it calorie-dense relative to items like apples or berries?What is the botanical name officially assigned to the ackee fruit, the national fruit of Jamaica?