Are Apple Seeds Poisonous?

Apple Seeds

Introduction

Apples are one of the most popular fruits in the world, loved for their crunchy texture and sweet taste. But what about their seeds? Are apple seeds poisonous? This question has been around for a long time, and many people are still unsure about the answer. In this article, we will explore the truth about apple seeds and whether or not they are safe to eat.

The Myth of Apple Seeds

There is a common myth that apple seeds are poisonous and should never be eaten. This myth is based on the fact that apple seeds contain a small amount of a compound called amygdalin, which can release cyanide when it comes into contact with stomach acid. However, the amount of amygdalin in apple seeds is so small that it would take a large amount of seeds to cause any harm.
Apple Tree

The Truth About Apple Seeds

The truth is that you would have to eat a huge number of apple seeds to be at risk of cyanide poisoning. In fact, you would need to eat about 200 apple seeds to get a lethal dose of cyanide. This is equivalent to the number of seeds in about 20 apples. So, unless you are planning on eating a lot of apples in one sitting, you have nothing to worry about.

What Happens If You Eat Apple Seeds?

If you accidentally swallow a few apple seeds, there is no need to panic. Your body will simply pass them through your system without any harm. However, if you do eat a large number of seeds, you may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headache. In extreme cases, eating too many apple seeds can lead to coma or even death.
Apple Juice

How to Avoid Eating Apple Seeds

If you are still concerned about the potential danger of apple seeds, there are a few things you can do to avoid eating them. First, you can simply remove the seeds before eating the apple. This can be done easily by cutting the apple into slices and removing the core. Alternatively, you can choose to eat seedless apples, which are available at most grocery stores.

Conclusion

In conclusion, apple seeds are not poisonous, but they do contain a small amount of cyanide. However, you would need to eat a huge number of seeds to be at risk of poisoning. So, unless you are planning on eating a lot of apples in one sitting, you have nothing to worry about. If you are still concerned, simply remove the seeds before eating the apple or choose seedless apples instead.

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