One fruit can clean your gut, lower blood sugar. But biting its seeds can lead to poisoning

These bitter seeds can be swallowed whole without any complication. But, if they are chewed or crushed, they exhibit a poisonous substance which can be deadly if consumed.

Taking to X, medical specialist, Dr. Suraj Baidya recently used X to highlight an important safety fact about apple seeds, explaining that they are usually harmless when swallowed whole but may become dangerous if they are crushed or chewed before being ingested.

To test public awareness, he posted a quiz asking which toxic substance could be released when apple seeds are broken down by chewing or crushing. The options included arsenic, cyanide, lead and mercury.


After users responded, Dr. Baidya revealed that the correct answer was cyanide. He explained that apple seeds naturally contain amygdalin, a plant compound known as a cyanogenic glycoside. When the protective coating of the seeds is broken by chewing or crushing, enzymes along with bacteria present in the digestive system can convert amygdalin into hydrogen cyanide, a poisonous chemical.

He further clarified that accidentally swallowing a small number of whole apple seeds is generally not a cause for concern. Because the seeds have a tough outer shell, they usually pass through the digestive tract without breaking open, preventing any meaningful release of cyanide.

Dr. Baidya also noted that serious poisoning is highly unlikely from an isolated incident involving intact seeds. Harmful effects are typically associated with consuming a large quantity of apple seeds that have been thoroughly crushed or chewed, allowing much greater production and absorption of hydrogen cyanide. Occasional accidental ingestion of a few whole seeds is therefore not considered a significant health risk.

Poisonous seeds aside, apples are a powerhouse of nutrition. According to Mayo Clinic, apples are rich in antioxidants which accelerates digestion and provide protection against cancers such as colorectal, lung etc.

It is also rich in fibre which is instrumental in clearing the gut. It may help lower the risk of heart disease by reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and supporting healthy blood pressure. Additionally, it can improve blood sugar regulation by enhancing insulin sensitivity and slowing the absorption of glucose, making it beneficial for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

Apples contain nutrients such as quercetin which strengthens immune system, protect your brain against oxidative stress, fisetin which boosts brain health and pectin which aids in growth of ‘good’ gut health bacteria.