Favism

Favism sounds so similar to favoritism that you might not realize it's a genetic condition at first. However, it is a condition that affects people who lack the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. This enzyme is necessary for the maintenance of red blood cells. Even if you do have the condition, you should be fine in general. The issue arises when a person with it consumes certain compounds found in medications or certain foods. When these are consumed, red blood cells can burst within the body, resulting in severe anemia.

So far, it appears to be a strange condition, but not all that strange. That comes into play when you consider what causes this anemia reaction. It's made from fava beans, hence the name favism. You can get the same effect by eating broad beans, which are related to fava beans and contain the same glucoside compounds.

The symptoms will appear within six to twenty-four hours. Victims may develop jaundice and have dark urine. The condition has the potential to be fatal.