Did you know that the seeds of certain fruits can be toxic? Here’s what it is and how to behave to avoid problems.

Of all the fruits available throughout the year, apples are certainly the most emblematic and appreciated. Present in different varieties, crunchy and juicy, they are perfect for any occasion. But special attention must be paid to an often overlooked detail: the seeds.

Apples and seeds, what to watch out for

Apples are  one of the most widespread and popular fruits practically on the entire planet. In addition to their unmistakable flavor,  apples provide a rich variety of vitamins  , fiber and antioxidants. Available all year round, they are one of the most popular fruits, especially for little ones.

Often, however, when we are enjoying a juicy apple,  we do not pay attention to the seeds it contains  , especially if we are used to biting into the fruit without cutting it.

Apple seeds are considered toxic  , in reality they can be ingested accidentally without serious health risk. But there is one detail that is essential to pay attention to: these seeds  contain traces of a substance called amygdalin  , which leaves a bitter taste in the mouth that anyone who accidentally bites into a seed will have experienced.

Amygdalin is a substance found in the seeds of apples and other fruits, such as peaches and apricots. Basically, amygdalin is harmless, although  it contains hydrocyanic acid  , also called cyanide. The latter is known to be very toxic and  if ingested in large doses, it can be really dangerous  .

There is no reason to worry, however: the amount of amygdalin present in an apple seed is so minimal that the human body is able to manage and eliminate it without any health risks.

What happens if you ingest an apple seed

Occasional or involuntary ingestion of seeds therefore does not represent a threat to humans, however in certain situations  it is appropriate to pay more attention  . Young children or pets may be more sensitive to the effects of hydrogen cyanide because their digestive systems may not tolerate this substance as well as an adult’s.  Always make sure children and pets do not ingest apple seeds  , although one or two should not cause any danger.

However, a significant reaction is unlikely to occur unless large quantities of seeds are ingested. It is estimated that  to have negative effects on the body of an adult,  one must ingest around 200 seeds, a decidedly very high number for anyone.

In addition,  the substance that poses a risk to our body is released when the seed breaks  , so if it were swallowed whole, without being chewed, there would be no problem.

We must therefore not demonize apples, we just need to pay attention to their seeds. If they accidentally end up in your mouth, there is no cause for alarm.  If you want to use apples for cooking instead  , simply 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 beforehand to avoid breaking them and releasing amygdalin into the juices.