Why Shouldn't You Swallow Seeds? Understanding the Risks and Myths

October 31, 2025 •

3 min read

While accidental ingestion of a few seeds is rarely harmful, many people wonder why you shouldn't swallow seeds, a warning often heard during childhood. The truth is that certain fruit seeds contain natural toxins, like cyanogenic compounds, which can be dangerous if chewed or consumed in large quantities.

Quick Summary

Some fruit seeds and pits contain toxic compounds that release harmful substances when chewed or crushed. Large seeds also present choking hazards, especially for children, and excessive fiber can cause digestive issues. Separating fact from fiction about seed consumption is key to understanding the real, and not just mythical, risks.

Key Points

Cyanide Risk: Chewing or crushing seeds from stone fruits (like cherries, peaches, apricots) and apples releases amygdalin, which converts into toxic hydrogen cyanide.
Not All Seeds are Toxic: The seeds of many fruits, such as berries, kiwi, and pumpkin, are not toxic and are safe to consume in moderation, offering nutritional benefits.
Digestive Issues: Excessive consumption of indigestible seeds can cause stomach upset, bloating, and in rare cases, a bowel obstruction from a bezoar.
Choking Hazard: Large, hard fruit pits, particularly for young children, pose a significant choking risk and should be removed before consumption.
Myth Debunked: The idea of a plant growing in your stomach is a myth, as your stomach acid and digestive system prevent germination.
Accidental Swallowing is Safe: Swallowing one or two whole, unchewed seeds from a common fruit is generally harmless, as the hard coating prevents the release of toxins and it will likely pass through your system.

The Truth About Toxic Fruit Seeds

Contrary to the common childhood tale of a tree growing in your stomach, the real dangers of swallowing certain seeds are far more scientific. The concern stems from a naturally occurring compound called amygdalin, which is present in the seeds and pits of several common fruits, particularly stone fruits. When these seeds are crushed or chewed, amygdalin can convert into hydrogen cyanide, a highly poisonous chemical. While your body can process very small amounts, large or repeated consumption of chewed seeds can be harmful.

The Cyanide Risk in Stone Fruits and Apples

Many popular fruits contain pits or seeds with amygdalin. The hard outer layer typically protects the inner kernel from releasing the toxin, but cracking, crushing, or chewing the seed bypasses this defense.

Some of the most common culprits include:

Cherries: These small, sweet fruits contain pits with cyanogenic glycosides. While accidentally swallowing a whole pit is unlikely to cause harm, chewing several pits could be problematic.
Apricots: The kernel inside the apricot pit contains significant levels of amygdalin. Some people mistakenly eat these kernels as a health food, but the European Food Safety Authority advises against consuming more than a few due to cyanide risk.
Peaches and Plums: The large, hard pits of these stone fruits also contain kernels with cyanide-releasing compounds.
Apples and Pears: Even the small seeds in apple and pear cores contain amygdalin. Though the concentration is low, consuming a large number of crushed seeds could be dangerous.

Digestive Concerns and Choking Hazards

Beyond toxicity, there are other pragmatic reasons to avoid swallowing seeds, especially large ones. Our digestive system, while robust, may struggle with large, indigestible matter.

Digestive Upset: Large seeds with hard outer coatings, such as those from plums or peaches, can pass through the digestive system largely intact. However, consuming too many seeds can cause digestive upset, bloating, and discomfort. In rare cases, a collection of undigested matter, including seeds, can form a bezoar—a lump that can obstruct the digestive tract and potentially require surgical intervention.

Choking Risk: This is a particularly serious risk for children and infants. Small, hard seeds can be a choking hazard if swallowed improperly. For this reason, many experts advise against giving small, whole seeds to very young children.

Not All Seeds Are Created Equal

It is important to distinguish between seeds that pose a risk and those that are perfectly safe and even beneficial to consume. Many edible seeds, far from being dangerous, are nutritional powerhouses.

Safe vs. Unsafe Seeds: A Comparison


Feature	Toxic Seeds/Pits (Amygdalin)	Edible Seeds (Nutritious)
Examples	Apple seeds, Cherry pits, Apricot kernels, Peach pits	Chia seeds, Flax seeds, Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds
Toxicity	High if chewed/crushed; releases hydrogen cyanide	None; generally safe to eat
Preparation	Should be avoided or removed from fruit before consumption	Often consumed raw, roasted, or ground for added nutrition
Risk Level	Toxic in large, chewed doses; low risk if swallowed whole incidentally	Low risk; potential for allergic reaction or digestive upset if overconsumed
Nutritional Value	Locked within a potentially toxic kernel and should not be eaten	Rich in fiber, healthy fats, minerals, and protein

Safe and Nutritious Seeds

Seeds from many common fruits and vegetables are not only safe to eat but also highly nutritious. For instance, the small seeds found in kiwis, berries, and passionfruit are easily digested. The seeds of cucumbers and melons are also safe and can be consumed without concern. In fact, these seeds often contribute to the overall fiber content and nutrient profile of the produce. Certain seeds, like flax, chia, and pumpkin seeds, are even celebrated as health foods, packed with beneficial fats, fiber, and protein.

Conclusion

While the folklore surrounding swallowing seeds is largely exaggerated, the actual scientific reasons why you shouldn't swallow seeds are based on valid health and safety concerns. The core issue is not the fear of growing a tree, but the potential for toxic compounds in certain stone fruit pits and apple seeds, especially when chewed. Additionally, larger seeds pose a real choking hazard and can cause digestive issues if consumed in excess. For peace of mind and safety, it's best to spit out hard fruit pits and be mindful of seed consumption in certain fruits. Understanding the difference between a potentially toxic pit and a nutritious seed is key to enjoying your favorite fruits safely.

To learn more about healthy foods, visit Duke Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, this is a long-standing myth. Studies have shown that seed consumption is a very rare cause of appendicitis, accounting for only a fraction of a percent of cases.

If you swallow an apple seed whole, it is unlikely to cause any harm. The hard outer layer will prevent the release of toxic cyanide compounds, and the seed will simply pass through your digestive system.

You should not chew or crush the seeds or pits of apples, cherries, apricots, peaches, pears, and plums, as they contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when processed by the body.

Yes, pumpkin seeds are safe and nutritious to eat. They are a great source of fiber, protein, and minerals. However, like any food, consuming excessive amounts can cause stomach upset.

The small seeds in berries are generally safe to eat. They are easily digested and contribute fiber to your diet. You can consume them without concern.

Cooking can destroy some toxins, and many recipes using fruit pits call for cooking. However, for seeds with high cyanide potential, like apricot kernels, it is safer to avoid intentional consumption altogether.

If a child swallows a large, hard fruit pit, monitor them for any signs of choking or distress. If you are concerned, or they show symptoms like difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.