Apple Seeds are poisonous?

Yes! I had heard green potatoes are toxic, but I never knew an apple seed can be harmful.

Apple seeds contain cyanogenic acids. Cherry pits, and seeds from related fruits, including peaches, plums, almonds, pears, and apricots, all contain cyanogenic glycosides. Your body can detoxify small quantities of cyanide compounds, which means if you ingest a few accidentally, your body can process the compounds without causing you harm. Chewing the seeds makes them much more hazardous for your body as the poisons are released.

How do you know you could be suffering from poison? Symptoms of mild poisoning include headache, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, and vomiting. Larger doses can lead to difficulty breathing, increased blood pressure and heart rate, and kidney failure. Reactions can include coma, convulsions, and death from respiratory arrest! There are several treatment options, but the main thing is to limit the absorption of the chemicals from the seeds.

If eating an apple or pear, just remember to cut out the core and discard; also make sure to de-core your apples and pears before juicing. If you are eating a stone fruit, don't be afraid of the seed, but don't chew or suck on it.