Apple seeds can kill you ?

Pharmacy
1

Did you know that eating apple seeds can kill you ?

Apple seeds contain amygdalin. It is a natural toxin that turns into hydrogen cyanide when digested.

But the toxin is only released when the seed is crushed and chewed.

Even then, the amount present is too small to cause any harm. Our bodies can digest the cyanide without any harm. To face the risk of serious poisoning, you will have to eat 150 - 200 seeds all at once.

Nature’s defense mechanisms are fascinating, but human metabolic pathways are even smarter. What is your favorite piece of medical trivia regarding natural toxins? Share your insights below!

MBH/PS

10 Likes
2

A great reminder that dose matters. Many natural compounds can be toxic but risk depends on how much you’re exposed to. Fascinating!

3

A fascinating example is cassava. Raw cassava contains cyanogenic glycosides that can release hydrogen cyanide, but traditional preparation methods such as soaking, fermenting, and thorough cooking greatly reduce the toxin, making it safe to eat. It’s a great reminder that understanding toxicology and metabolism is just as important as knowing what’s naturally present in our food. Nature is remarkable, and so is the science that helps us use it safely.

1 Like
4

Weel an important reminder that natural doesn’t always mean safe. And how the dose matters

5

Yes, that’s true human digestive system has capability to digest minute amount of cyanide, which rather is a poison. Well the story of crushed apple seed and poison preparation is really interesting and has been already filmed in the Bollywood movie Aarya.

6

Very interesting fact! It’s a good reminder that the dose makes the poison. Many natural substances can be toxic in large amounts, but understanding the science behind them helps prevent unnecessary fear and promotes evidence-based awareness.

7

I like that this post separates myths from evidence instead of taking an extreme position. Hair oil isn’t a magic solution for hair growth, but it can help reduce dryness, protect the hair shaft, and improve scalp comfort when used appropriately.

At the same time, persistent hair loss should always be evaluated for underlying causes like nutrition, hormones, or medical conditions. Thanks for sharing a science-based perspective.

8

Interesting, I didn’t know that apple seeds can be toxic when crushed. Very informational.

9

To some extent everything is safe, but beyond certain limit it life threatening. It just remind me of bollywood movie " MOM", where is shows how excess of apple seeds can cause cyanide poisoning.

2 Likes
10

Very informative, I was not know this about apple seeds. This shows that so many toxins are present in so many things, even in apple seeds.

11

Very informative post. Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade) acts as a powerful neurotoxin. But it is also used as medicine.

12

Interesting post. A very good reminder that dose can matter. thanks for sharing this information.

13

Informative post! This is why learning toxicology is so interesting. A substance can be harmful, but the dose always matters.

14

truee, as a kid i remember eating a single seed and being so scared for the whole of the coming week after that about the poisoning

15

It’s very interesting that how a thing can sometimes be both a toxin and a medicine depending on its dose and application.

16

I had heard about apple seeds before, but I didn’t know our bodies can safely handle such small amounts. Really informative!

17

It was an informative post, got to know today that apple seeds have a toxin inside them despite apple being a food which is so nutritious in nature.