Apples are known to be healthy – but what about apple seeds? According to a popular belief, they contain toxic hydrogen cyanide, which is why many people don’t eat the apple core. We’ll explain to you what the story is about.
Apples are rich in vitamin A, B vitamins and vitamin C, among other things. There are also valuable nutrients that contribute to the healthy functioning of our immune system. Apple seeds also contain nutrients. However, you often hear that eating apple seeds is not recommended. This is due to the hydrogen cyanide, which can potentially be released when the kernels are chewed. But what is really behind this statement?
Despite the poison: you can eat apple cores
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / Pezibear)
Apple seeds, like many other seeds, contain the substance amygdalin. This is converted into hydrogen cyanide in the body. Hydrocyanic acid is toxic in high doses and in some cases even fatal. However, the substance sits deep in the seeds and apple seeds are usually swallowed whole. In this case, the amygdalin remains in the core and is not absorbed by the body at all.
But even if you chew the seeds once, you don’t have to worry. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), a daily intake of cyanogenic glucosides (including amygdalin) of up to 20 μg per kilogram of body weight is harmless to health. A few apple cores don’t reach this guideline.
Are apple seeds healthy?
Other opinions about apple seeds say that the nutrients they contain can even be healthy: hydrogen cyanide is also said to have an anti-cancer effect. However, as the consumer advice center informs, this has not been scientifically proven.
In any case, the apple seeds also contain a variety of secondary plant substances. This includes many substances that, for example, help relax the blood vessels. The fibrous shell that surrounds the kernels is also rich in fiber. The nutrients in the apple core can support our immune system and the intestines.
Conclusion: You can eat the apple cores without any worries.
Further tips about the apple (core)
(Photo: Eating apples with seeds – no problem.)
In addition to the nutrients from the apple core and pulp, the most important nutrients are contained in the apple peel. Unfortunately, this is also where most pesticide residues are found, at least in apples from conventional farming. That’s why it’s better to use organic apples and always eat the peel.
Tip: If you store apples correctly, they will last for several months without any problems. However, since industrial storage is very energy-intensive, you should ideally buy apples between August and November. Until May, organic stored apples are more climate-friendly than those imported from abroad – but not anymore.
By the way, you can even use the apple seeds to plant your own apple tree. However, it takes several years for the apple tree to bear fruit for the first time.
Read more on Techzle\.com:
- Malic acid (malate): special features, effects and uses
- Make apple chips yourself: this is how you use old apples
- Cake in a glass: recipe for apple and pear crumble
German version available: Are Apple Seeds Poisonous? It’s complicated
Edited by Lina Brammertz
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