Are Apple Seeds Dangerous If Swallowed? Here's What Really Happens

Many people wonder whether swallowing an apple seed can harm your health. Apples are packed with essential nutrients and offer a range of health benefits, but the small seeds inside often raise questions because they contain amygdalin—a substance that can release cyanide when chewed.

What Happens If You Swallow an Apple Seed?

Accidentally swallowing a seed or two is not harmful for most healthy adults. The seeds have a tough outer coating that prevents the release of harmful substances during digestion, so they usually pass safely through your body.

When Are Apple Seeds Risky?

Problems arise only if you chew and swallow a large number of seeds at once. Eating about 150 chewed seeds (or 80–100 for children) could potentially cause cyanide poisoning, but this amount is far greater than what anyone typically eats. Minor symptoms of toxicity are extremely rare and usually occur only with excessive, intentional consumption.

How to Eat Apples Safely

• Always remove seeds from apples, especially for children.

• Swallowing a few seeds by accident is not a cause for concern.

• Avoid intentionally chewing or consuming large quantities of apple seeds.

Apples remain one of the healthiest fruits you can eat, and swallowing a seed occasionally does not pose a danger to your health. Just make it a habit to remove the seeds before eating or serving apples, especially to little ones.