Apples, celebrated for their nutritional value, stand as a global favourite for healthy snacks and culinary use. Laden with antioxidants, they offer protection against cancer-inducing oxidative damage, contributing to overall health. However, the narrative takes a turn when it comes to apple seeds. Notably, apple seeds are a whole different story. There are many myths and beliefs that surround these tiny black seeds. While some believe that these seeds are healthy, others think of them as poisonous. Read on to learn the truth behind the effect of apple seeds on your health.
| Fun Fact: An apple boasts five seed pockets, each containing a different number of seeds. |
Are Apple Seeds Toxic?
While apples offer a trove of healthful compounds like vitamins, antioxidants and fibre, a note of caution is warranted when it comes to their seeds. Apple seeds contain amygdalin, a plant compound integral to the seeds’ chemical defences. When the seeds are intact, their robust outer layer shields against digestive juices, rendering the amygdalin harmless. However, when the seeds are damaged, as in chewing, amygdalin can be released, leading to the production of cyanide – a highly toxic and potentially lethal substance. Notably, amygdalin is found in elevated concentrations in the seeds of fruits within the Rosaceae family, encompassing apples, apricots, peaches, almonds and cherries.
How Many Apple Seeds Can Cause Cyanide Poisoning?
Consuming cyanogenic compounds found in apple seeds can lead to cyanide poisoning, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including anxiety, dizziness, headache, confusion, and in acute cases, high blood pressure, decreased consciousness, paralysis and coma. Fatalities are possible, particularly in more vulnerable young children.
The precise quantity of apple seed poison required to induce illness depends on factors such as body weight, apple variety and individual tolerance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that a fatal oral dose of cyanide for a man weighing 70 kg is around 1-2 mg/kg. As apple cores typically contain about five seed pockets each, and the amygdalin content varies, approximately 200 finely chewed apple seeds, equivalent to 40 apple cores, could yield a fatal dose. However, this estimate is subject to variations in seed toxicity based on plant health and apple type.
Is Consuming Apple Seeds Dangerous?
While eating a few whole apple seeds is generally considered safe due to the protective seed coating that prevents contact with digestive enzymes, caution is advised. Large quantities of ground or crushed seeds, such as consuming cups of them, could potentially be fatal or cause severe illness due to the release of amygdalin. Although swallowing whole seeds is unlikely to result in symptoms, it’s recommended to avoid eating apple seeds or removing them before juicing to minimise amygdalin exposure.
| Pro Tip: In particular, it’s advisable to remove seeds before giving apples to young children or pets to ensure their safety. |
How to Remove Seeds from Apples?
To enjoy apples while avoiding exposure to the potential amygdalin content in their seeds, follow these steps to remove seeds from apples:
- Cutting Technique: Cut the apple either vertically or horizontally, whichever you prefer. Cut around the core using a knife, creating four quarters.
- Core Removal: Identify the center of each quarter. Carefully cut out the core, containing seeds with a small, sharp knife.
- Alternative Slicing: If you like apple slices, then place each quarter flat and cut out the core along with seeds in a controlled manner.
- Apple Peeler/Corer: You can use an apple peeler/corer tool to facilitate easy and fast removal of the core and seeds.
- Seed Check: After cutting or coring, spend a few seconds to check each piece to ascertain that no seeds were left behind.
By doing so, you will be able to enjoy the goodness of apples, and at the same time, not risk much exposure to apple seed poison.
Conclusion
While apples remain a nutritional powerhouse with vitamins, antioxidants and fibre contributing to overall well-being, their seeds tell a cautionary tale. The presence of amygdalin, a compound integral to the seeds’ defences, poses a potential risk. When intact, the fruit seeds are harmless, shielded by a robust outer layer. Yet, when damaged, amygdalin may release cyanide, a highly toxic substance. Although consuming a few whole apple seeds is generally safe, large quantities or ground seeds could be fatal. To enjoy apples safely, especially for young children or pets, it’s prudent to remove seeds using simple techniques.
