Is it dangerous to eat apple seeds?

We usually throw away the apple seeds when consuming the fruit. However, Some people even ingest them through carelessness or accident. This raises the question of whether their consumption is dangerous.

In this article, we’ll tell you what the science says and under what circumstances apple seeds can put your health at risk.

Are apple seeds poisonous?

Inside the apples are five small pockets of seeds that, when chewed, have a bitter taste. Opinions differ regarding their consumption. In fact, Some suggest they are healthy, while others claim they are toxic. What does science say?

Research shared by the magazine indicates that these seeds are a source of protein, dietary fiber, and lipids, which are found primarily in their endosperm. Hence the hypothesis that they may be beneficial for digestive, cardiovascular, and metabolic health.

So why do we say they are toxic? Beyond the nutrients mentioned, They concentrate a substance called “amygdalin.” Which, when metabolized, breaks down into hydrocyanic acid (HCN). This causes poisoning and affects the cells’ ability to use oxygen.

Fortunately, apple seeds are very unlikely to cause poisoning and death. An adult would have to eat at least 150 seeds to be at risk of such effects. But as an article in the , the average apple only has 5 to 8 seeds.

It must also be considered that l’amygdaline is only obtained by crushing (as in juices) or by chewing the seeds. When ingested whole, the seeds pass through the digestive system intact, posing no risk.

About Cyanide Poisoning

It should be taken into account that cyanide has been one of the classic poisons in human history. According to information from the , doses of 1 to 2 mg/kg are lethal in men weighing 70 kilograms.

In small quantities, It can cause heart and brain damage. In severe cases, it causes coma and death. For this reason, it is not advisable to consume both apple seeds and the pits of other fruits containing the substance (apricots, cherries and peaches).

Now, while the general suggestion is to avoid eating these seeds, it’s okay if you accidentally eat a few. As we’ve pointed out, The average amount contained 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 making drinks such as juices and smoothies. Therefore, they are likely to release amygdalin. But just like raw seeds, the risk of poisoning remains very low.

In a study reported by the researchers found very low amounts of amygdalin in some commercial brands of apple juice. To be more precise, the reported measure was as follows:

• 0.01–0.04 mg per milliliter (ml) in squeezed apple juice.
• 0.001–0.007 mg per mL in long-life apple juice.

In this vein, The juice is considered safe for human consumption. But as with any piece of fruit, the suggestion is to remove the seeds before juicing.

Conclusion…

It is said that eating apple seeds is dangerous for your health. It is because that they contain a substance called amygdalin which releases cyanide when chewed and digested. However, it has been shown that you would have to eat more than 200 seeds to be exposed to poisoning by this substance.

So, it is unlikely that you will suffer any harm from accidentally ingesting the seeds of a single apple. As a precaution, it is best to remove them from the fruit before eating it.