2024-08-22 06:00:59
Apple seeds may be toxic to humans when consumed (in large amounts) due to the concentration of substances within.
Last updated: August 22, 2024
We usually discard apple seeds when we eat fruit. However, Some people ingest them through negligence or accident. This brings up the question of whether it is dangerous to eat them.
In this article, we’ll tell you what the science says and under what circumstances apple seeds pose a risk to your health.
Are apple seeds poisonous?
The core of the apple contains five small bags of seeds, which have a bitter taste when chewed. Opinions on their consumption are mixed. indeed, Some people think they are healthy, while others claim they are poisonous. What does science say about this?
Research shared in the journal Nutrients These seeds were shown to be a source of protein, dietary fiber and lipids, which are primarily found in their endosperm. Therefore, it has been hypothesized that they may benefit digestive, cardiovascular, and metabolic health.
So why do we say they are poisonous? In addition to the nutrients mentioned, They concentrated a substance called “mygdalin.” When metabolized, it breaks down into hydrocyanic acid (HCN). This can cause toxicity and affect the cells’ ability to use oxygen.
Fortunately, apple seeds are unlikely to cause poisoning and death. An adult must eat at least 150 seeds to be at risk of this effect. But as an articleEncyclopedia Britannicathe average apple has only 5 to 8 seeds.
The human body has the ability to handle small doses of hydrogen cyanide. So unless someone eats a lot of apple cores on a consistent basis, the risk is pretty low.
It must also be considered amygdala Can only be obtained by crushing (as juice) or by chewing the seeds. When ingested whole, the seeds pass through the digestive system intact without any risk.
Also read: Best Fruits for Stomach Pain Relief
About cyanide poisoning
It must be taken into account that cyanide has been one of the classic poisons in human history. Based on information from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)doses of 1 to 2 mg/kg are lethal in men weighing 70 kg.
In a small amount of cases, It can cause heart and brain damage. Severe cases can lead to coma and death. Therefore, it is unwise to eat apple seeds and the pits of other fruits that contain this substance (apricots, cherries, and peaches) at the same time.
It is important to note that other symptoms of cyanide poisoning include shortness of breath, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
Now, while the general advice is to avoid eating these seeds, it’s okay if you accidentally eat some. As we pointed out, The average content in a single apple is not enough to cause poisoning.
What happens when you consume crushed apple seeds in juice?
In most cases, apple seeds are crushed along with the fruit when preparing drinks such as juices and smoothies. Therefore, they are likely to release amygdalin. But just like raw seeds, the risk of poisoning remains low.
in a research report food chemistryresearcher Very small amounts of amygdalin are found in some commercial brands of apple juice. More precisely, the measurement is reported as follows:
Pressed apple juice contains 0.01–0.04 mg per milliliter (mL) and shelf-stable apple juice contains 0.001–0.007 mg per mL.
In this spirit, The juice is considered safe for human consumption. But as with any fruit, it is recommended to remove the seeds before juicing.
in conclusion…
Eating apple seeds is said to be harmful to health. This is because They contain a substance called amygdalin, which releases cyanide when chewed and digested. However, research shows that you would have to eat more than 200 seeds to be poisoned by the substance.
Therefore, you are unlikely to be harmed by accidentally ingesting the seeds from a single apple. As a precaution, it’s best to remove them from the fruit before eating it.
All cited sources are thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, timeliness and validity. The bibliographies included in this article are believed to be academically or scientifically reliable and accurate.
Bolarinwa, IF, Orfila, C., & Morgan, MR (2015). Determination of amygdalin in apple seeds, fresh apples and processed apple juice. Food Chemistry, 170, 437–442. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25306368/Christodoulides S, Dimidi E, Fragkos KC, Farmer AD, Whelan K, Scott SM. Systematic review and meta-analysis: Effects of fiber supplements on chronic idiopathic constipation in adults. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2016 Jul;44(2):103-16. doi:10.1111/apt.13662. Epub May 12, 2016. Nutritional and health-related effects of diets containing apple seed powder in rats: a case study of amygdalin. Nutrients, 9(10), 1091.
Petruzzello, M. (2017). Can apple seeds kill you? En Encyclopedia Britannica.Hendry-Hofer TB, Ng PC, Witeof AE, Mahon SB, Brenner M, Boss GR, Bebarta VS. Review of cyanide ingestion: risks, clinical manifestations, diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Journal of Medical Toxicology. 2019 Apr;15(2):128-133. doi:10.1007/s13181-018-0688-y. Epub December 11, 2018. PMCID: PMC6441064.
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