Overview

Apples are a popular and healthy fruit that are a big part of
American culture and history. Through resilient genetic
diversity, apples are easy to cultivate and tailor to certain
tastes. They are also healthy, with antioxidant properties that
help protect against cancer-inducing oxidative damage that
can lead to various health problems. The saying an apple a
day keeps the doctor away has withstood the test of time
because of the impressive health profile of apples.
But as you bite deep into an apple, reaching its core, you are
confronted with something not so sweet: tiny black seeds.
Unlike the sweet tang of the fruit, the tiny black seeds found
in an apples core are another story. They contain amygdalin,
a substance that releases cyanide when it comes into contact
with human digestive enzymes.

Part 2 of 5: How Cyanide Works

How Cyanide Works

Cyanide is a chemical that has gained infamy as one of the
deadliest poisons with a long history in chemical warfare and
mass suicide. Many compounds that contain cyanide called
cyanoglycosides are found in nature, often in fruit seeds.
Amygdalin is one of these.
Apple seeds have a strong outer layer that is resistant to
digestive juices. But if you chew the seeds, amygdalin could
be released in the body and produce cyanide. Small amounts
can be detoxified by enzymes in your body, but large
amounts can be dangerous.

Part 3 of 5: Lethal Dose

How Much Cyanide Is

Lethal?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
1-2 mg/kg is a fatal oral dose of cyanide for a 154 lbs. (70 kg)
man. You would need to finely chew and eat about 200 apple
seeds, or about 20 apple cores, to receive a fatal dose.
The Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry says that
exposure to even small amounts of cyanide can be
dangerous. Exposure to cyanide can harm the heart and
brain, and even lead to coma and death. They add that
people should avoid eating the seeds of apples, and pits of
peaches, apricots, and cherries.
Symptoms of cyanide poisoning can occur rapidly. They can
include shortness of breath and seizures, both of which can
lead to loss of consciousness.

Part 4 of 5: Apple Seed Oil

What About Apple

Seed Oil?
Apple seed oil is a byproduct of juice processing, and is made
from the raw apple pomace. People use it for its fragrance, as
well as to condition hair and calm skin inflammation. Some
studies suggest that its also a good source of antioxidants

and shows some potential as an anti-cancer agent. Another

studyfound apple seed oil to be active against bacteria and
yeast. The amount of amygdalin found in apple seed oil is
generally very small.

Part 5 of 5: The Takeaway

The Takeaway
Apple seeds contain amygdalin, a substance that releases
cyanide into the blood stream when chewed and digested.
When comparing the amount of cyanide present in apple
seeds with the amount needed to induce death, apple seeds
in small amounts do not contain enough cyanide to cause
harm. However, it is better to spit out seeds to avoid any
potential issues.