Are Peach Pits Good to Eat? The Hidden Dangers of Cyanide

December 13, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Institute of Health, 100 grams of moist peach seed can contain 88 mg of cyanide, confirming that it is not safe to eat these pits. This article will explore why you should never eat peach pits, the toxic compounds they contain, and the potentially fatal risks of doing so.

Quick Summary

Peach pits contain amygdalin, a compound that breaks down into toxic cyanide when ingested. Consuming the hard outer shell or the inner kernel is dangerous, especially when chewed or crushed, and can cause serious health issues or even death.

Key Points

Cyanide Risk: Peach kernels, found inside the pits, contain amygdalin which converts into poisonous hydrogen cyanide when chewed or crushed.
Swallowing vs. Chewing: Swallowing a whole peach pit is less dangerous as it will likely pass through undigested, but chewing or grinding the pit is extremely hazardous.
Choking and Blockage: The large, hard pit is a serious choking hazard and can cause a gastrointestinal blockage if swallowed, especially in children.
Debunked Remedies: Claims that amygdalin (often called 'vitamin B17') is a cancer cure are not supported by science and have been thoroughly debunked by medical experts.
Immediate Medical Attention: Seek medical help immediately if you or someone you know has consumed crushed peach kernels and is showing symptoms of poisoning, such as dizziness, headache, or difficulty breathing.
Belongs to Prunus Family: Peaches, along with other stone fruits like cherries and apricots, belong to the Prunus family, known for producing cyanogenic compounds in their seeds.

Why Eating Peach Pits is Extremely Dangerous

Peaches belong to the Prunus family of stone fruits, along with cherries, apricots, and plums. All members of this family contain a naturally occurring compound called amygdalin, which is concentrated in the seeds (or kernels) found inside the hard outer shell, or pit. When this amygdalin is ingested and metabolized by the body, it releases hydrogen cyanide, a highly toxic poison.

The Role of Amygdalin and Cyanide

The toxicity of peach pits is directly related to the amygdalin they contain. The human digestive process, particularly when the pit is crushed or chewed, releases the cyanide from the amygdalin. While the hard shell itself is difficult to break, the danger lies within the almond-like kernel found inside. Even small amounts of cyanide can be harmful, and larger doses can be fatal.

Cyanide Poisoning Symptoms

Ingesting peach kernels can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, depending on the quantity and how the seeds were consumed. Mild symptoms often include nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort, but more serious cases can result in life-threatening conditions.

Common symptoms of cyanide toxicity include:

Headache
Dizziness
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Difficulty breathing
Changes in blood pressure
Seizures or convulsions
Organ failure
Coma or death

What if you swallow a whole pit by accident?

Swallowing an intact, whole peach pit is less likely to cause harm, as the body's digestive enzymes cannot break through the hard shell to release the toxic kernel inside. The pit will most likely pass through your system undigested. However, it can pose a choking hazard, and in rare cases, a large pit can cause a gastrointestinal blockage. The real danger is in grinding, chewing, or otherwise breaking open the pit and consuming the kernel.

Comparison of Stone Fruit Kernels and Cyanide Content


Fruit Kernel (Genus: Prunus)	Presence of Amygdalin	Relative Cyanide Potential	Notes
Peach	Yes	High	One of the most common sources of cyanide concern; kernels have high amygdalin concentration.
Apricot	Yes	Very High	Contains high levels of amygdalin; marketed as the unproven cancer treatment 'Laetrile'.
Cherry	Yes	Moderate	Contains amygdalin, but the smaller size makes the toxic dose more difficult to achieve.
Plum	Yes	Moderate	Contains cyanogenic glycosides; chewing or crushing the kernels releases cyanide.
Bitter Almond	Yes	Highest	Not a stone fruit kernel but another Prunus species; contains the highest concentrations of amygdalin.

Misconceptions and Traditional Uses

Despite the clear scientific evidence of its toxicity, some alternative medicine circles have promoted the consumption of amygdalin, often mislabeled as 'vitamin B17' or Laetrile, as a cancer treatment. The National Cancer Institute and other reputable health organizations have thoroughly debunked these claims, emphasizing that there is no clinical evidence to support this use and it is extremely dangerous. The FDA has banned the sale of Laetrile. Some traditional Chinese medicine uses exist for the seed kernels, but they require careful and extensive processing, such as boiling for an extended period, to remove the toxicity. Without proper preparation, these remedies are harmful and can lead to cyanide poisoning.

What to Do If You've Consumed a Peach Pit

If you have accidentally swallowed a whole, intact peach pit, it is unlikely to cause serious harm, but you should monitor for any adverse symptoms like choking or intestinal distress. If you have chewed, crushed, or ingested several pits, or if symptoms of cyanide poisoning appear, you must seek immediate medical attention. You can contact Poison Control by phone at 1-800-222-1222 in the US for free, confidential guidance. Do not wait for severe symptoms to develop, as cyanide poisoning can progress quickly.

Conclusion

In summary, it is unequivocally unsafe and dangerous to eat peach pits. The hard outer shell can cause choking or intestinal blockage, while the inner kernel contains amygdalin, a compound that releases poisonous cyanide when digested. The risks of consuming peach pits or their kernels outweigh any unfounded claims of health benefits. Always dispose of the pits properly and enjoy the nutritious, delicious flesh of the peach, leaving the pit aside for safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not safe to make a smoothie with a whole peach, pit included. Blending the peach pit will crush the kernel inside, releasing the toxic compound amygdalin, which breaks down into cyanide.

If a child eats a peach pit kernel, they are at risk for cyanide poisoning due to their smaller body weight. Symptoms can range from mild upset stomach to more severe, life-threatening conditions. Seek immediate medical guidance from Poison Control.

Not all fruit seeds are dangerous, but the kernels of stone fruits like peaches, cherries, plums, and apricots contain cyanogenic compounds. Apple seeds also contain amygdalin, but the amount is typically low unless large quantities are chewed. It is generally best to avoid consuming any fruit kernels or pits from the Prunus family.

Yes, animals can also be poisoned by eating peach pits or kernels. The leaves, stems, and seeds of the Prunus species are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, and can cause serious illness.

Amygdalin is a naturally occurring cyanogenic glycoside found in the seeds of many plants, including peaches. It is a compound that can release toxic cyanide when metabolized by the body's digestive enzymes.

Boiling or cooking can help break down some of the amygdalin, but it is not a foolproof method for complete detoxification and is not recommended. Traditional methods require specific processing to be safe, and it is far safer to avoid consuming the kernels altogether.

Beyond some traditional medicinal uses that involve extensive processing, there are no common, safe, or recommended edible uses for peach pits. The risks of cyanide poisoning far outweigh any unproven benefits.