The Dangerous Reality of Cherry Pits
While cherries themselves are a delicious and healthy fruit, their pits are not. Hiding inside the hard, inedible shell is a kernel that contains a cyanogenic glycoside called amygdalin. When this pit is chewed, crushed, or ground, the amygdalin is released and converted into hydrogen cyanide—a highly poisonous chemical. Cyanide interferes with the body's ability to use oxygen, which can cause severe health problems and even be fatal in high concentrations. There is no amount of edible cherry pit that is beneficial to human health.
Separating Fact from Fiction: No Ingestible Benefits
The idea that consuming cherry pits offers health advantages is a dangerous misconception. This myth often stems from two misleading premises: the presence of antioxidants and the false claim of being a cancer treatment.
First, while some research has identified antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds extracted from cherry pit kernels, these studies are conducted in laboratory settings on extracted compounds, not on the raw pits themselves. Safely isolating these compounds for potential cosmetic or other applications is a stark contrast to a person chewing and swallowing raw pits and risking cyanide exposure. The potential benefits of these extracted components do not justify the risk of poisoning.
Second, proponents of alternative medicine once falsely promoted a chemical derivative of amygdalin, known as Laetrile or “Vitamin B17,” as a cancer treatment in the 1970s. Extensive scientific research and controlled clinical trials have since proven Laetrile to be not only ineffective against cancer but also highly dangerous due to its cyanide content. Regulatory bodies like the FDA have banned its use for cancer treatment. The promotion of Laetrile is now considered a classic example of medical quackery.
The Risks of Eating Cherry Pits
The dangers associated with eating cherry pits are serious and should not be underestimated. The level of risk depends primarily on whether the pit is ingested whole or is broken open.
- Choking Hazard: The hard, slippery surface of a cherry pit presents a significant choking risk, especially for young children.
- Intestinal Blockage: Swallowing a large number of pits can lead to a mechanical obstruction in the digestive tract.
- Cyanide Poisoning: This is the most severe risk. When the pit is crushed or chewed, it releases amygdalin, which is then converted into cyanide. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions.
Potential Symptoms of Cyanide Poisoning
Symptoms of acute cyanide poisoning from crushed or chewed cherry pits can include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Safe and Unsafe Ways to Handle Cherry Pits
While consumption is not recommended, there are safe ways to utilize cherry pits for non-ingestible purposes.
| ** | Feature | Swallowing Whole Cherry Pits | Chewing/Crushing Cherry Pits | Safe External Use | ** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cyanide Release | Minimal to none | High potential for release | None (non-ingestible) | ||
| Primary Risk | Choking, intestinal blockage | Cyanide poisoning | None, if used correctly | ||
| Toxic Potential | Low, if intact | High, potentially fatal | None | ||
| Recommended Action | Accidental ingestion of one pit is generally safe; monitor for symptoms | Seek immediate emergency medical care | Safe, when used externally | ||
| Example | Accidental ingestion of one or two pits | Blending whole cherries into a smoothie | Heated cherry pit pillow for pain relief |
Safe Applications of Cherry Pits
Though eating them is off the table, cherry pits have found practical, non-ingestible uses:
- Heating Pads: The pits can be dried, cleaned, and sewn into fabric to create natural heating pads or cold packs. When heated in a microwave, they retain warmth for an extended period, offering relief for muscle aches, cramps, and joint pain.
- Flavoring (After Processing): In some traditional culinary preparations, kernels from stone fruits are used to infuse an almond-like flavor into syrups or liqueurs, but only after specific heating or processing methods that neutralize the toxins. This is not a recommended at-home practice due to the high risk.
- Cosmetics: Research has explored the antioxidant properties of extracts from tart cherry pits for potential use in skin care products to combat oxidative stress. Again, this involves safe extraction, not direct application or consumption.
Conclusion
To be clear, there are no health benefits from eating cherry pits. The notion that they are beneficial is a dangerous myth rooted in misinformation about the compound amygdalin and the debunked cancer treatment, Laetrile. The significant risk of cyanide poisoning from chewing or crushing the pits far outweighs any rumored advantage. While accidental ingestion of an intact pit is unlikely to cause serious harm, it's safest to simply discard the pits. For those interested in their practical properties, stick to safe, external uses like making a heating pad. If you or someone you know has consumed crushed cherry pits, contact a poison control center immediately for guidance.
