Beware of eating the seeds of this fruit!

eating the seeds of this fruit

 They may be toxic... Beware of eating the seeds of these fruits!

There is no doubt that many people around the world, especially children, love cracking the pits of some fruits, such as apricots and peaches, unaware of the danger they contain.

Despite the well-known health benefits of fruits, which are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, some types of seeds may pose a health risk due to the chemical compounds they contain that can be toxic if consumed in large quantities, according to the Times of India website.

Safe and Nutritious Seeds

While some seeds, such as flax and chia, are nutritious and safe, the seeds of some fruits may contain compounds that produce cyanide, a highly toxic substance.

Therefore, experts warn against eating them due to their content of a substance known as "amygdalin," which is converted in the body into hydrogen cyanide. While accidentally eating a few seeds is not dangerous, consuming large quantities, especially if crushed or chewed, can be a serious health risk.

Dangerous Seeds

The pits of fruits such as apricots, peaches, cherries, and plums contain the same dangerous compound, as their inner seeds also contain amygdalin. The European Food Safety Authority recommends that adults should not eat more than three small apricot seeds at a time to avoid potential toxic effects.

Lychee Seeds

Despite their sweet taste and rich fiber and antioxidant benefits, lychee seeds contain a compound known as hypoglycin-A, which can cause dangerously low blood levels.

In rare cases, severe injuries have been reported in children as a result of eating large quantities of unripe fruit or its seeds, leading to nausea, convulsions, and even coma.

Nutrition experts always advise against consuming non-edible fruit seeds or pits, and caution should be exercised, especially when giving them to children. They recommend limiting consumption to seeds known for their safety and nutritional benefits.