Nutrient Depleters The anti-nutrients oxalate, tannins, cyanide, and phytic acid are found in pumpkin. Although pumpkins contain the toxin cyanide, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry indicates that the level of cyanide in plants in the United States is negligible. Therefore, it is unlikely that any harmful effects would result from eating pumpkin. Cyanide is a toxic chemical that can be found in foods such as nuts, beans, grains, potatoes, tomatoes, and vegetables. It occurs naturally in some products of bacterial decay and can also be added to products as an insecticide. Cyanide is very dangerous because even small amounts can cause death due to loss of consciousness followed by respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. In order to destroy cyanide, the body must get help from enzymes. Enzymes are proteins that activate substances so they can do their job. One enzyme that helps the body break down cyanide is called cyanide glycosylase. This enzyme is found in liver tissue. People who eat a diet high in raw or undercooked fruits and vegetables may be at risk for exposure to cyanide through this method of ingestion. Exposure to cyanide can also happen when people eat foods that have been contaminated with it. For example, farmers use pesticides to protect their crops against insects. These chemicals include cyanide compounds.