NOPE in my opinion + long msg why

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Posted by Iguanamomma on October 14, 1999 at 11:23:15:

In Reply to: Lambs Quarters-good IG food?? posted by BA on October 14, 1999 at 00:00:36:

From the research I just finished on this for you (*smile*), I personally wouldn't feed it to an iguana or other pets for that matter. It may be suitable for human consumption. There are two websites that I use whenever I do this sort of research. You may want to mark them and have them for your own use whenever you wonder about a plant/food. They are:

http://www.sonic.net/~melissk/plants.html
http://www.metalab.unc.edu/pfaf/D_search.html

Here's what I found out -

From the list of edible/harmful plants:

LAMB'S QUARTERS (Chenopodium album); plant may contain toxic levels of nitrates.
PIGWEED (Chenopodium spp.); entire plant; may contain toxic levels of nitrates.

From the Plants for a Future Database I found this list of known hazards re this plant:

Known Hazards: The leaves and seeds of all members of this genus are more or less edible. However, many of the species in this genus contain saponins, though usually in quantities too small to do any harm. Although toxic, saponins are poorly absorbed by the body and most pass straight through without any problem. They are also broken down to a large extent in the cooking process. Saponins are found in many foods, such as some beans. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K]. The plants also contain some oxalic acid, which in large quantities can lock up some of the nutrients in the food, but these plants are very nutritious vegetables in reasonable quantities. Cooking the plant will reduce its content of oxalic acid. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[238]. There is also a report that very large quantities of the leaves have caused photosensitivity in some people[74]. Only the raw leaves can cause problems, and then only if large quantities are consumed[172]. A further report says that if the plant is grown in soils that contain too much nitrates then the plant can concentrate these substances in the leaves. Nitrates have been shown to cause many health problems including stomach cancers and blue-baby syndrome. In nitrogen-rich soils, the plants can also concentrate hydrogen cyanide[218]. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.
*********

So there you have it! Hope this helps you in your OWN decision.

glenda

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: From the research I just finished on this for you (*smile*), I personally wouldn't feed it to an iguana or other pets for that matter. It may be suitable for human consumption. There are two websites that I use whenever I do this sort of research. You may want to mark them and have them for your own use whenever you wonder about a plant/food. They are: : http://www.sonic.net/~melissk/plants.html : http://www.metalab.unc.edu/pfaf/D_search.html : Here's what I found out - : From the list of edible/harmful plants: : LAMB'S QUARTERS (Chenopodium album); plant may contain toxic levels of nitrates. : PIGWEED (Chenopodium spp.); entire plant; may contain toxic levels of nitrates. : From the Plants for a Future Database I found this list of known hazards re this plant: : Known Hazards: The leaves and seeds of all members of this genus are more or less edible. However, many of the species in this genus contain saponins, though usually in quantities too small to do any harm. Although toxic, saponins are poorly absorbed by the body and most pass straight through without any problem. They are also broken down to a large extent in the cooking process. Saponins are found in many foods, such as some beans. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K]. The plants also contain some oxalic acid, which in large quantities can lock up some of the nutrients in the food, but these plants are very nutritious vegetables in reasonable quantities. Cooking the plant will reduce its content of oxalic acid. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[238]. There is also a report that very large quantities of the leaves have caused photosensitivity in some people[74]. Only the raw leaves can cause problems, and then only if large quantities are consumed[172]. A further report says that if the plant is grown in soils that contain too much nitrates then the plant can concentrate these substances in the leaves. Nitrates have been shown to cause many health problems including stomach cancers and blue-baby syndrome. In nitrogen-rich soils, the plants can also concentrate hydrogen cyanide[218]. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death. : ********* : So there you have it! Hope this helps you in your OWN decision. : glenda

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