Apples are delicious and nutritious fruits, widely consumed around the world. However, there is a curiosity about its seeds that raises concern: do they contain poison? The short answer is yes, but with some important caveats.
The Poison in Apple Seeds
Apple seeds contain a substance called amygdalin , a cyanogenic glycoside that can release hydrogen cyanide when metabolized in the human body. Cyanide is a highly toxic chemical compound known to interfere with cells' ability to use oxygen, which can lead to cell death and poisoning.
How Amygdalin Works
Metabolization : When the seeds are chewed or crushed and then ingested, amygdalin is converted to hydrogen cyanide in the intestine.
Toxicity : Hydrogen cyanide prevents cellular respiration, which can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in extreme cases, it can lead to respiratory failure and death.
Quantity of Seeds Required for Poisoning
The amount of seeds needed to cause poisoning varies depending on the size of the person and the amount of amygdalin in the seeds. On average, an apple seed contains approximately 0.6 mg of amygdalin. For a lethal dose of cyanide to be achieved, a person would need to consume a large number of seeds at once:
Adults : An adult would have to chew and ingest about 150 to several hundred seeds to reach a lethal dose.
Children : For children, the amount would be significantly less due to their lower body weight.
Safety When Consuming Apples
Whole : Eating a whole apple, including the seeds, is not recommended due to the presence of amygdalin in the seeds.
Juice and Pulp : Commercial apple products, such as juice and pulp, are processed in a way that removes the seeds, eliminating the risk of cyanide exposure.
Although apple seeds contain a potentially poisonous compound, the amount a person would normally find when consuming an apple does not pose a significant danger. However, it is prudent to avoid deliberately consuming large quantities of apple seeds. Enjoying the fruit itself, without the seeds, is safe and healthy.
References
For more information about the amygdalin content in apple seeds and its effects, check out the following resources:
Live Science: Why Apple Seeds Are Poisonous
Healthline: Are Apple Seeds Poisonous?
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI): Cyanogenic Glycosides
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