Did you know that the seeds of some fruits can be poisonous? Here’s what they are and what to do to avoid problems.Fruit seeds – Imilanesi.Nanopress.it
Of all the fruits available throughout the year, apples are certainly the most iconic and beloved. Available in different varieties, crunchy and juicy, they are perfect for any occasion. But there is a detail that is often overlooked that needs special attention: the seeds.
Apples and seeds, what to pay attention to
Apples are one of the most popular and appreciated fruits practically all over the planet. In addition to their unmistakable flavor, apples provide a rich variety of vitamins , fibers and antioxidants. Available throughout the year, they are among the most appreciated fruits also and especially by the little ones.
Often, however, while we are busy enjoying a juicy apple, we do not pay due attention to the seeds inside it , especially if we are used to biting into the fruit without cutting it.Apple seeds – imilanesi.nanopress.it
Apple seeds are considered toxic , but in reality they can be accidentally ingested without serious health risks. But there is one detail that you should pay attention to: these seeds contain traces of a substance called amygdalin , which leaves a bitter taste in the mouth that anyone who has accidentally bitten into a seed will have experienced.
Amygdalin is a substance found in the seeds of apples and other fruits, such as peaches and apricots. Amygdalin is basically harmless, although it contains hydrocyanic acid , also known as cyanide. The latter is known to be highly poisonous and if ingested in high doses can be very dangerous .
However, there is no reason to worry: the amount of amygdalin present in an apple seed is so minimal that the human body is able to handle and eliminate it without any health risk.
What Happens If You Ingest an Apple Seed
Occasional or accidental ingestion of seeds is therefore not a threat to humans, but in some situations it is advisable to be more careful . Young children or pets may be more susceptible to the effects of hydrocyanic acid, as their digestive systems may not tolerate this substance as well as adults. Always make sure that children and pets do not ingest apple seeds , although one or two should not cause harm.
However, it is unlikely that a significant reaction will occur unless large quantities of seeds are ingested. It is estimated that approximately 200 seeds would have to be ingested to have any adverse effects on an adult’s body , which is a very large number for anyone.Apples – imilanesi.nanopress.it
Furthermore, the substance that is risky for our body is released when the seed breaks , so if it were swallowed whole, without being chewed, there would be no problems.
So there is no need to demonize apples, just be careful of their seeds. If they accidentally end up in your mouth, there is no reason to be alarmed. If you want to use apples for cooking , just remove the seeds before using them as an ingredient. Even in the case of smoothies or centrifuged juices, it is recommended to remove the seeds in advance to avoid breaking them and releasing amygdalin into the juices.