Tag: Fruit toxicity

According to Sites at Dartmouth, apple seeds contain cyanide-releasing compounds, not arsenic, and the misconception is widespread. The truth behind the claim "is arsenic present in apple seeds" involves a confusion between two different toxic substances and a misunderstanding of risk.

Despite being technically edible when fully ripe, the cannonball fruit is almost universally avoided by humans due to its notoriously foul and pungent odor. The interior pulp releases a smell described as acrid, rancid, or even sulfuric, which diminishes any culinary appeal.

The star apple ($Chrysophyllum cainito$) is a delicious tropical fruit, but it is often confused with the star fruit ($Averrhoa carambola$), which can cause serious and even fatal side effects for individuals with kidney problems. This common mix-up highlights the importance of understanding which fruit you are eating to avoid adverse health outcomes.

Did you know the name “paw paw” can refer to two very different fruits? For the native North American pawpaw (*Asimina triloba*), eating unripe fruit can be toxic, while for the tropical papaya (*Carica papaya*), consuming the unripe version is common and safe when cooked.

While most fruits are nutritious and delicious, some are entirely inedible or dangerous if prepared incorrectly. The misconception that all natural things are good for you is a myth, and it is important to be aware of the plants in nature that produce toxic compounds to protect themselves. So, is there a fruit you can't eat? Yes, and it's essential to know which ones.

While Mark Twain once called the cherimoya "the most delicious fruit known to man," its safety is dose-dependent. So, can you eat too much cherimoya? Yes, you can, especially if you consume the toxic seeds or skin, or overindulge in the flesh.

Star fruit, or carambola, is a tropical fruit with an impressively low calorie count, providing just 31 calories per 100g. But beyond its diet-friendly profile, what does star fruit do to your body? Its effects range from boosting immunity and aiding digestion to posing serious risks for individuals with kidney issues.

A common misconception is that crab apples are poisonous, but the flesh of these small, tart fruits is actually safe for human consumption. The real reasons most people avoid eating them raw have to do with an unpalatable taste, though their seeds, like those of regular apples, do contain a toxic compound.

Despite the popular myth, the juicy flesh and skin of an apple are completely safe and nutritious. The specific component you need to be aware of is the seeds, which contain a compound called amygdalin that can produce cyanide when chewed or crushed.

Globally, thousands of cases of illness have been linked to improper lychee consumption, particularly among children. While the sweet, fragrant fruit is typically safe to eat, it is crucial to understand that consuming unripe lychees or the inedible seeds can trigger serious side effects, such as life-threatening hypoglycemia.