They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but as little as a single apple contains a little time bomb: apple seeds. Apples are a member of the botanical family Rosaceae, and the seeds contain amygdalin, also known as vitamin B17, which is made up of cyanogenic glycosides. Are apple seeds genuinely toxic? Can they do real harm to humans? Should they be eaten, never go into the blender, or can they be used for health benefits? Let’s find answers to all the queries in this detailed blog.
Are Apple Seeds Poisonous?
Although apple seeds are often called “toxic,” few individuals have ever been harmed by consuming a few. Apple seeds contain cyanide, but a person would have to chew and consume a large amount of them to get enough cyanide in the system to cause anything more than an upset stomach. Whole seeds will pass through the digestive system without the cyanide being released.
How Many Apple Seeds Will Kill A Human?
The image of biting an apple, consuming the seeds, and experiencing cyanide poisoning may seem far-fetched and absurd. When apple seeds are chewed or digested by humans or animals, the body can convert the poison into deadly hydrogen cyanide. Still, no one has become seriously ill or died from intentionally or accidentally eating many apple seeds. Despite the lack of evidence that swallowing or even chewing apple seeds is likely to cause harm, the belief or myth about apples that they are poisonous has become widespread.
Do Apple Seeds Contain Cyanide?
Yes, when apple seeds are chewed or broken, a substance called amygdalin that they contain can produce cyanide. Nonetheless, most of the time, there isn’t enough cyanide generated to be dangerous. The hazards of apple seeds have become popular due to accidental ingestion in children. However, extreme risk is not a concern in our practical lives as long as people maintain a healthy and balanced life and eat food in moderation.
How much cyanide is in an apple seed?
The cyanide content in one gram of apple seeds is approximately 0.6 mg. The excessive amount that can harm human guts is likely around 50 mg. However, it would be suggested that even this amount of apple seed only disturbs digestion.
Fiction About Apple Seeds
Apple seeds are usually shy and indecisive, significantly different from what we experience in myths and literature. Apple has been used in literature as a form of symbolism. How the author uses apple seeds in their novel should be highlighted, and why the choice is essential should be explored. When writers use a symbol in their book or story, they illustrate something we are already familiar with, allowing them to be more expressive. However, imagination and reality are two different things. With today’s science and technology, we can say that apple seeds are not poisonous.
Apple Seeds And Toxicity
Apples have a long history of offering many health benefits. Apples contain antioxidants and pectin, whether the whole fruit, skin, or pulp. Removing cores from apples before juicing them produces juice containing tiny amounts of naturally occurring cyanide gas. That’s why apple seeds are considered toxic seeds. Small doses are not likely to cause such problems, but avoiding the consumption of apple seeds is recommended to cut the risks of symptoms. Small children tend to be more prone to the adverse symptoms, so avoid giving apples with seeds to your kids.
Symptoms Of Apple Seed Poisoning
It was determined that a lethal dose of cyanide was present in one gram of apple seeds or two to three crushed seeds. Whether the seeds are consumed whole or ground, cyanide poisoning may occur. It is suggested that apple seeds can cause poisoning crises when chewed or swallowed. But it happens rarely but may occur in small kids.
Usually, seeds pass out of our bodies without releasing cyanide. Clinical findings of apple seed poisoning may involve nausea, vomiting, hypotension, shock, and dysrhythmia, while coma or seizure may occur in severe cases. Since all types of apple seeds contain amygdalin, the possibility of apple seed poisoning should be considered when symptoms indicating hypotension are encountered.
Conclusion
Apple seeds are often presented in fruit juice or given to children. In general, there is no awareness of the risk of apple seed poisoning in children. Older children may eat several apples because it takes a long time to chew and consume a few apple seeds. Since all types of apple seeds contain amygdalin, the possibility of apple seed poisoning should be considered when symptoms indicating hypotension are shown.
FAQs
Can Apple Seeds Kill You?
No, Apple seeds can not kill you unless you eat an excessive amount of them. It would take thousands of crushed apple seeds to poison or kill a grown-up individual.
Which seeds contain the most cyanide?
Some amounts of cyanide were detected in plum seeds, apple seeds, flax, peach, and almonds. These natural plant compounds can be found in various plant seeds.
How many apple seeds can a dog eat?
Apple seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide, but the number of seeds should be in the thousands in number to be a lethal dose for humans or animals. So don’t panic for the safety of your pets.
Is the core of the apple good for you?
The core of an apple contains good bacteria, but gut health is the same as yogurt. So, eating an apple’s core is healthy and safe and doesn’t harm humans or animals if it is not consumed in excessive amounts. Grown-up individuals have better immunity systems, so they can digest the core and even seeds without causing any health issues.