Poisonous Truth About Apples: A Review on Apple Seeds

Have you heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away?” This popular adage has stood the test of time, thanks to the numerous health benefits associated with apples. Juicy and delicious, apples are not just a tasty treat but also a powerhouse of nutrition. They are rich in fibers, vitamins, and minerals and also contain many antioxidants, relieving oxidative stress and preventing cell damage. Because of these benefits, apples have become a widespread important source of nutrients. Many medical professionals and researchers have found that apples contain nutrients that can improve mental health, reduce the risk of strokes and diabetes, lower cholesterol levels, boost heart health, and more.

However, hidden within this otherwise healthy fruit lies a potential danger. While apples are generally beneficial, their seeds contain a toxic compound called amygdalin. Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glycoside, which means it contains both sugar and cyanide. When amygdalin is metabolized in the digestive system, the sugar is broken down, and cyanide is released.

Cyanide is a highly toxic chemical used in various industries, including paper manufacturing, textiles, and plastic production. It is also employed in metallurgy and electroplating and cyanide gas is used to exterminate pests. It was also infamously used as a chemical warfare agent. Cyanide is colorless and can exist in several forms—gas, liquid, or solid—and is dangerous in any state. There are many compounds that contain cyanide and these compounds are called cyanogenic glycosides. Amygdalin, found in apple seeds, is one such cyanogenic glycoside.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a fatal dose of cyanide for a 70 kg (154 lbs) adult is approximately 1-2 mg/kg. The minimum potentially lethal dose is around 0.56 mg/kg. Apples typically contain 5 to 7 seeds per core, with each seed holding 1 to 4 milligrams of amygdalin. Calculations suggest that ingesting about 200 crushed apple seeds could potentially result in a lethal dose of cyanide.

Cyanide poisoning can have severe effects on the body, impacting the heart, brain, and overall health. If exposed to too much, it could lead to comas and even the possibility of death. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include shortness of breath, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

Fortunately, it’s unlikely that someone would intentionally eat apple seeds. Not only are they bitter, but they are inedible. Apple seeds possess an outer cover that makes them indigestible by humans and other animals in their whole form. So the only way for cyanide to be released would be if the seeds were crushed or chewed thoroughly. So technically, a fatal dose is around 200 apple seeds that are crushed or finely chewed. If apple seeds are swallowed whole, they do not pose a threat because the amygdalin will not be released from the seed. 

If you accidentally crush and consume a few apple seeds, there’s no need for immediate alarm. The human body can detoxify small amounts of cyanide. It is only when a large quantity of seeds is consumed that the risk of cyanide poisoning becomes significant, as the body might not be able to detoxify the cyanide fast enough.

Ultimately, apple seeds have the potential to be dangerous. While it does contain the lethal substance cyanide, the seeds contain a nonlethal amount. While you should not worry about cyanide poisoning from consuming a few seeds, you should still take out the seeds to avoid any potential harm. I hope you learned something new! Keep a lookout for the next post!

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Brazier, Y., Veazey, K., Kubala, J. (2022 Aug. 11). What to know about apples. Medical News Today. Retrieved October 2, 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/267290#nutrition

CureJoy. (2016 Dec. 26). Are Apple Seeds Poisonous? Yes, But Only If You Have Too Many. CureJoy. Retrieved October 2, 2022, from https://curejoy.com/content/are-apple-seeds-poisonous/

New York Department of Health. (2006). The Facts About Cyanides. New York Department of Health. Retrieved October 2, 2022, from https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/emergency/chemical_terrorism/cyanide_general.htm

Olsen, N. (2020 July 13). Are Apple Seeds Poisonous?. Healthline. Retrieved October 2, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/are-apple-seeds-poisonous#the-takeaway