Tag: Peach seed

Did you know the kernels within peach pits contain amygdalin, a compound that releases cyanide? Despite some myths, there are no benefits to eating a peach seed and doing so poses a significant health risk. The practice is widely debunked by medical professionals and poison control experts due to its toxic nature.

According to Poison Control, unintentional ingestion of a few stone fruit pits is unlikely to cause poisoning, but is it okay to eat the inside of a peach seed purposefully? The answer, in short, is no, due to the presence of a natural toxin that can turn into cyanide when digested.

The pit of a peach contains a chemical called amygdalin that your body can convert into poisonous cyanide when digested. This fact is crucial for anyone asking the important health question: is it good to eat a peach seed?

Peaches belong to the genus *Prunus*, the same botanical family as almonds, apricots, and cherries. Inside the hard, wrinkled pit of a peach lies a single, almond-shaped seed, which is also known as a kernel or noyau. While these kernels are the source of certain flavor extracts, they contain a compound that makes them potentially toxic if consumed raw in large quantities.

According to scientific analyses cited by Poison Control, a 150-pound human can safely consume 703 milligrams of hydrogen cyanide per day, yet the substance inside a peach kernel can pose a significant risk, especially if crushed and eaten in quantity. The kernel inside a peach pit contains amygdalin, a compound that releases cyanide when digested, making consumption potentially dangerous. It is crucial to understand why this part of the fruit is toxic and should be avoided.

An estimated 13 to 15 raw peach seed kernels can deliver a lethal dose of cyanide to an adult, making the popular notion of eating them a grave risk. While the sweet flesh of a peach is a safe and healthy treat, the seed kernel hidden within the hard pit is not.

Poison control centers consistently receive calls regarding peach pits, and for a very good reason: the kernel inside contains a natural chemical that can convert to cyanide. The question of are peach seeds poisonous is therefore not a simple yes or no, but a matter of understanding the toxic compound and the specific circumstances that create a risk.