Table of contents:
- Is it true that apple seeds contain cyanide?
- Can eating apple seeds cause cyanide poisoning?
- What are the symptoms of cyanide poisoning?
- How do I treat cyanide poisoning?
- What about apple seed oil?
Apples are indeed healthy and refreshing fruit. Apart from that, apples also have amazing benefits for the body. The antioxidant content found in apples can protect the body from damage caused by oxidation. However, recently it was rumored that apple seeds contain cyanide. For those of you who love apples, it's natural for you to feel worried. Indeed, what you eat is the apple flesh, but if it is true that apple seeds contain cyanide, does this mean that if we accidentally ingest the apple seeds, there is a risk of cyanide poisoning?
Is it true that apple seeds contain cyanide?
Apple seeds contain amygdalin, a substance that can release cyanide when it comes in contact with human digestive enzymes. However, acute poisoning caused by accidentally ingested apple seeds is a rare case. Amygdalin is not only found in apples, but you can also find apricot seeds, peach seeds, prunes, and almonds.
What is amygdalin? Amygdalin is a toxic glycoside that can produce hydrogen cyanide, when combined with gastrointestinal / digestive enzymes. Compared to apples, fruit seeds that have greater amygdalin are apricots and peaches. Of course, when you hear the word 'cyanide', you think of 'poisoning'. You need to know that fruit or seeds that contain amygdalin can be processed to remove toxic substances. For example, the toxins found in almonds can be processed in such a way, either they are removed from toxic substances, or converted into harmful substances altogether.
Can eating apple seeds cause cyanide poisoning?
Of course you have heard that cyanide is a deadly poison. Cyanide has a long history of use in chemical warfare and mass suicide. What about cyanide in apple seeds, is it also dangerous? The fact is that there is only a small amount of amygdalin in apple seeds. Also, to convert it to cyanide, you have to chew the seeds.
If the seeds are chewed just a little, that's fine. This small amount can be detoxified by enzymes in your body. In small amounts, the body converts cyanide to thiocyanate, which is harmless and can be excreted in the urine. In addition, it turns out that this small amount is actually beneficial for maintaining healthy nerves and red blood cells, when combined with other chemicals that can form vitamin B12. However, a different opinion was expressed by the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, which was quoted by the Healthline website, according to him that even the minimum amount is still dangerous. Contamination with cyanide can cause heart and brain damage, even coma, and death.
If you eat it in large quantities, of course it will be dangerous. Cyanide in large amounts can bind to the function of blood cells that carry oxygen, because this substance is able to quickly enter the bloodstream. In an instant, the cells will be deprived of oxygen and of course the cells will die. Cyanide poison will attack the heart, respiratory system and central nervous system.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, quoted by the Healthline website, the dose of cyanide that can cause fatal conditions is around 1-2mg / kg, or roughly you have to eat about 200 apple seeds, or 20 apples in the middle. With the pros and cons, apple seeds should not need to be eaten, apart from being careful, they also taste bitter. Of course it's better, you just eat the apple flesh, which is refreshing and healthy.
What are the symptoms of cyanide poisoning?
There are several health effects of cyanide poisoning or overuse of cyanide, these signs can occur within seconds to minutes. Some of these signs are:
- Feeling weak, and confused
- Headache
- Nausea, stomach pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Heart failure
- Fast heart rate
- Shaky
How do I treat cyanide poisoning?
Cyanide poisoning can be treated by medical professionals. Usually the patient is given oxygen. Fresh air can be one step to overcome it. Sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate are commonly used to stop the effects of poisoning. Serious symptoms require immediate medical attention, because the patient can cause loss of consciousness.
What about apple seed oil?
Apple seed oil is a byproduct of the juice processing, and is made from raw apple pomace. Usually apple seed oil is used because of its fragrance, but it is also good for relieving skin inflammation and improving hair condition. Some studies suggest that apple seed oil is a source of antioxidants and potential anticancer properties. Other studies have even found apple seed oil can fight bacteria and fungi. Cyanide can be formed when the amygdalin substance in apple seeds reacts to digestive enzymes, aka if swallowed.
