Consuming apple seeds regularly may lead to cyanide ingestion. Is repeated apple pip consumption detrimental to your health?
Apple seeds, a common part of the fruit, have been a subject of interest due to their potential risks and benefits. Here's what you need to know.
Apple seeds contain a compound called amygdalin, a glycoside that occurs naturally in many plants. When chewed, this compound can release cyanide, but fear not, as the amount in apple pips is unlikely to cause harm when consumed in small quantities.
However, eating a large amount of apple seeds daily (between 80 to 500 seeds) and chewing all the seeds can potentially lead to cyanide poisoning. This risk is particularly high for children or pets due to their lower body weight. An adult would need to eat over 150 seeds (about 15 apples worth) at once and chew them thoroughly to reach a toxic cyanide dose. Apple peels do not contain cyanide, and normal consumption of apple seeds is generally safe for adults.
Farzanah Nasser, a nutritional therapist, suggests removing apple seeds before eating to avoid bitterness. Unripe apples tend to have a higher concentration of amygdalin, making them more bitter.
Despite the potential risks, apples offer numerous health benefits. For instance, they are particularly helpful in reducing inflammation caused by histamine in the body during hayfever season. Apples are also beneficial for skin health due to their soluble and insoluble fibre, vitamin C, and quercetin.
A study published in a scientific journal suggests that apple cores contain the most beneficial bacteria. Consuming an apple with almond butter can support good blood sugar levels.
Organic apples were found to have the same number of microbes as conventional apples, but with more diversity. This finding underscores the importance of choosing organic produce, especially when it comes to the "Dirty Dozen" list (produce with the most pesticides).
There are very few documented cases of cyanide poisoning resulting from eating apple pips. One such case involved a 67-year-old woman who consumed several bags of apple seeds per week for several months as a home remedy for cancer.
Dr Federica Amati, a nutritionist and scientist, mentions that some apple varieties have higher levels of amygdalin than others. She emphasises the importance of moderation and encourages consumers to enjoy apples as part of a balanced diet.
Eating apple cores daily since the age of 11 has not caused any health issues for the writer or their 82-year-old father, providing reassurance that regular consumption of apple seeds can be safe when practiced responsibly.
In conclusion, while apple seeds contain a potentially harmful compound, the risks are minimal when consumed in small quantities. As with any food, moderation is key. Enjoy your apples, but remember to remove the seeds, especially when feeding them to children or pets.
