5. Apple Seeds
Apples are one of the most popular and nutritious fruits, offering a range of health benefits, including fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. However, the seeds inside apples contain amygdalin, a compound that can release cyanide when metabolized. Like cherry pits, swallowing whole apple seeds generally doesn’t cause harm, as the seed coating protects against digestion, but chewing or breaking the seeds can release cyanide, which can be dangerous in large amounts.
The average person would need to consume a significant number of chewed apple seeds to experience symptoms of cyanide poisoning. Nonetheless, it’s still wise to avoid ingesting the seeds, especially for children or pets, who are more vulnerable to toxins due to their smaller body sizes. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include dizziness, shortness of breath, and confusion, which can escalate to more severe effects if large amounts are consumed.
For peace of mind, always remove apple seeds before blending, juicing, or feeding apples to children. Even though apple seeds are rarely fatal, avoiding them completely helps ensure you and your family safely enjoy the many benefits of apples.
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