Short Wave Micro Wave: How 'Bout Dem Apple...Seeds
Jan 15, 2021
Thomas Lu, a producer for NPR's Short Wave podcast, dives into the fascinating world of apple seeds and their potential toxicity. He debunks the myth surrounding apple cores, revealing they're safe to eat and encouraging listeners to reconsider their fruit-eating habits. The discussion covers the cyanide content of seeds and whether they're a real threat to health. Listeners also get insights into modern processing techniques that minimize risks, and the episode wraps up with playful listener questions about apples.
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Whole Apple Eating
- Thomas Liu ate entire apples, including the core and seeds, as a child.
- Many people avoid the core due to concerns about the seeds.
Cyanide in Apple Seeds
- Apple seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when digested.
- The amount in a few apple seeds is harmless, as our livers filter it out.
Apple Seed Toxicity
- Cyanide poisoning from apple seeds is unlikely unless a large number are consumed at once and thoroughly chewed.
- An adult would need to eat approximately 25 apples in one sitting to reach a potentially lethal dose.