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Many people don’t know that the apple seeds they eat everyday contain a poison called cyanide.
While a few apple seeds aren’t going to kill you, eating a large quantity can be very dangerous. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what poison is in apple seeds and how much is too much.
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Introduction
Apple seeds Poisoning occurs when someone eats crushed or chewed apple seeds or swallows whole apple seeds. There is enough cyanide compounds in a single seed to potentially kill a small child. Larger seeds contain less of the compound, but eating several apple seeds can be fatal for both children and adults.
What are apple seeds made of?
are the seeds of apples poisonous? The answer is both yes and no. There is a small amount of cyanide in apple seeds, but not enough to harm you. However, if you ate a large number of apple seeds, it could be harmful.
Cyanogenic Glycosides
Cyanogenic glycosides are a type of naturally occurring compound that is found in many fruits and vegetables, including apples. When ingested, these compounds can release cyanide, a poisonous gas. However, the amount of cyanide released is usually not enough to cause harm in healthy adults.
Amygdalin
Apple seeds contain a compound called amygdalin, which is a natural cyanogenic glycoside. When the seeds are chewed, amygdalin is broken down into two compounds: hydrogen cyanide and benzaldehyde. Both of these compounds are toxic.
How does cyanide work?
Cyanide is a fast-acting poison that works by inhibiting the body’s ability to use oxygen. When cyanide binds to certain enzymes in the body, it prevents them working properly and cells soon die.
What are the symptoms of cyanide poisoning?
Cyanide is a fast-acting poison that causes death within minutes. The cyanide ion (CN−) is produced when cyanide salts, such as sodium or potassium cyanide (KCN, NaCN), are dissolved in water. Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and cyanogen chloride (CNCL) are two other common compounds that release cyanide ions when mixed with water. Cyanide can also be found in the seeds of many fruits, such as apples and apricots. In small amounts, cyanide is not harmful to humans, but ingesting large quantities can lead to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and respiratory failure. If you think you or someone else has been exposed to cyanide, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
How much cyanide is in an apple seed?
Cyanide is found in trace amounts in fruits and vegetables, including apple seeds. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, a study found that the average adult would need to eat somewhere between 150 and 200 apple seeds to ingest a lethal dose of cyanide. Given that there are only about five to eight seeds in an apple, it’s unlikely that you would eat enough to reach a deadly level of cyanide poisoning.
Are there benefits to eating apple seeds?
Yes, there are some potential benefits eating apple seeds Although they contain a small amount of cyanide, they also contain amygdalin, a compound that may have cancer-fighting properties. Additionally, apple seeds are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
Conclusion
While apple seeds contain a form of cyanide, it’s in a compound called amygdalin. Your body would have to break down the amygdalin in order to release the cyanide. The process of breaking down amygdalin requires more oxygen than is available in your cells, so it can’t happen. Even if you ate an entire bushel of apples, the amount of cyanide you’d get from the seeds would be very small and poses no threat to you.
