When we were children, we were told that we shouldn’t eat apple cores because it would make an apple tree grow in our stomachs – which, of course, is nonsense. But how true is it that apple cores are poisonous? IMAGE: Pixabay
Apple seeds contain amygdalin
Apples are considered very healthy. This is because they have many vitamins. The skin contains phytonutrients that are good for the digestive tract. The seeds also contain phytonutrients, which is why some people believe they are very healthy and may even help prevent cancer. According to the German Consumer Association, this has not been scientifically proven. What has been proven is that apple seeds contain amygdalin – a compound with hydrogen acid, which is toxic.
Calculation: Apple seeds are poisonous – but only after 150 pieces
However, the body absorbs hydrogen acid only when the seeds are chewed. (If you swallow an unchewed seed, it will be excreted.)
A second point is that the amount of amygdalin in a few apple seeds is far too small to have a critical effect on the body. This has been calculated by “OpenSicence“, for example, considering the consumption recommendations (or warnings) of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). According to the calculation, you would have to chew about 150 apple seeds to be poisoned with hydrogen cyanide.
The conclusion: You can eat apple seeds – but you don’t have to
As you can see, it’s not a problem to eat apple cores. You can even blend the apple with the core to make a smoothie. However, we strongly discourage homemade “supplements” made from fruit cores. In general, we are big fans of the zero-waste principle of not wasting food, but since the hydrogen cyanide has been scientifically proven, you can still dispose of the seeds in your organic waste. (Especially since no health benefits are expected).
You may also find this interesting:
Loading...
