Are Apple seeds harmful if ingested?
In the realm of fruits, apples, cherries, and pears, among others, belong to the Rosaceae family and share a common characteristic - the presence of amygdalin in their seeds. This compound, also found in apple seeds, can release cyanide when metabolized, especially when the seeds are crushed or ground.
While swallowing whole apple seeds is generally harmless as they pass through the digestive system mostly intact, crushing or grinding the seeds releases cyanide, a toxic substance that can be potentially fatal in high amounts. The amount of amygdalin in apple seeds can vary, making it difficult to determine a safe threshold when consuming ground or crushed seeds.
Normal consumption of a few whole apple seeds typically results in cyanide levels that are within safe limits for humans. However, eating large quantities of crushed or ground seeds increases cyanide exposure, which can lead to poisoning symptoms including nausea, headache, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and, in extreme cases, death.
It's essential to avoid consuming large amounts of crushed or ground apple seeds. Eating whole seeds accidentally or in small numbers is unlikely to cause harm, but intentionally grinding and ingesting a large quantity poses significant health risks.
If you are considering using apple seeds for any supposed health benefits, it is safest to consult a healthcare provider first. Bitter almonds contain more amygdalin than the sweet almonds available in stores, so be mindful of this when making any consumption decisions.
Fortunately, processing methods, such as heating or pasteurization, can reduce the amount of amygdalin in foods. For instance, roasted or cooked almonds are safer than raw almonds due to the heating process reducing the amount of amygdalin. Similarly, pasteurization of apple juice reduces the amount of cyanide in the juice, making it safer for consumption.
It's important to note that apples themselves are rich in beneficial antioxidants, vitamins, and dietary fiber. They are a valuable part of a healthy diet, especially when the seeds are consumed whole.
In case of swallowing a large number of apple seeds, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or use the POISONCONTROL online tool. Remember, your health is your most valuable asset, and it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to potential toxins like amygdalin.
Sources: [1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Cyanide poisoning. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-cyanide-poisoning/basics/art-20062489 [2] National Library of Medicine. (2021). Amygdalin. Retrieved from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/amygdalin [3] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2019). Cyanogenic glycosides in food. Retrieved from https://www.fao.org/3/a-i6953e.pdf [4] University of California, Davis. (2021). Amygdalin. Retrieved from https://ucanr.edu/sites/nutrition/files/311437.pdf [5] European Food Safety Authority. (2011). Cyanogenic glycosides in food. Retrieved from https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2011.2163 [6] U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2021). Cyanide. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002190.htm [7] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2019). Cyanide in food. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging/cyanide-food [8] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Cyanide. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/chemicals-veterinary-medicine/cyanide
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