2023-08-18 20:15:20
The apple is a fruit that should be incorporated into people’s diet, since it has multiple health benefits. In addition, a study by the National Institute of Health in the United States concluded that consuming an apple a day improves health.
This institution carried out a study where it surveyed 8,400 people, of which 10% consumed an apple a day. In the same way, it was stated that this 10% was less prone to smoke and had a higher academic performance.
Similarly, Amber Sommer, nutritionist at the Cleveland Clinic commented, “Apples are popular for a reason,” she added, “they are convenient as a snack and have an exceptional flavor.”
The apple brings several health benefits | Photo: Christopher T. Stein
In addition, it is no secret that the red apple is the most desirable and it should be noted that it is the variety with the highest content of antioxidants, substances that help inhibit the action of free radicals on cells, according to the Mejor con Salud portal.
However, not all the components of this rich fruit bring health benefits, and it is about the apple seeds, which are usually discarded when consuming the fruit; however, some people manage to ingest them by accident.
A study shared in the journal Nutrients noted that “these seeds are a source of protein, dietary fiber, and lipids, mainly present in their endosperm. Therefore, it is suggested that they may be beneficial for the health of the digestive, cardiovascular and metabolic systems.”
Why are they attributed toxicity? In addition to the nutrients mentioned, the seeds contain a substance called ‘amygdalin’, which, when broken down, produces hydrogen cyanide (HCN). This substance can be poisonous and affect the cells’ ability to use oxygen.
What happens if they eat the apple seeds, is it dangerous? | Photo: Getty Images
Fortunately, apple seeds are highly unlikely to cause poisoning and death. An adult would have to consume at least 150 seeds to be at risk of experiencing adverse effects. However, it is important to note that an average apple contains only 5-8 seeds.
Why are apple seeds toxic to humans?
As previously mentioned, these seeds contain a substance called amygdalin which, when interacting with enzymes in the stomach, produces cyanide, but only in small amounts. It is important to note that in order to release the cyanide, the seeds must be chewed and consumed in large quantities.
Possible effects of this intake include nausea, headaches, and muscle aches. For ingestion to be deadly, about 4,300 seeds would need to be consumed at one time, making the chance of poisoning really low.
Even so, as a preventive measure, it is recommended to avoid eating the core of the apple and discard the seeds to avoid possible risks.
What happens if the person consumes crushed apple seeds in juice?
Usually, when making drinks like juices and apple smoothies, the seeds are often crushed together with the fruit, which could release small amounts of amygdalin. However, as with raw seeds, the risk of poisoning remains extremely low.
Apple seeds are not recommended to be eaten. | Photo: ©2014-2018 Tomasz Skoczen
0.01–0.04 mg per milliliter (ml) in squeezed apple juice.0.001–0.007 mg per ml in long-life apple juice.
Following this line of thought, apple juice is considered safe to be consumed by humans. However, as with the whole fruit, it is recommended to remove the seeds before juicing or processing.
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