Peach pits and other seeds from the plant family Prunus contain a potentially dangerous chemical called amygdalin that can creates poisonous cyanide when digested. While swallowing a single pit is unlikely to cause cyanide poisoning, consumption of several unprocessed pits can produce symptoms.
Peaches are one of summer’s sweetest treats. As you eagerly bite into the juicy flesh, the pit at the center often gets tossed aside without a second thought. But have you ever wondered if you could crack open those hard shells and snack on the seeds inside? Peach seeds spark curiosity, but also some warranted caution. In this article, we’ll explore the risks and potential benefits of eating peach seeds to help you make an informed decision.
What’s Inside a Peach Seed?
The hard stone in the center of a peach is called the “pit” or “stone.” Inside the pit is the actual peach seed or “kernel.” Peach seeds contain compounds called amygdalin and cyanogenic glycosides. When metabolized these substances produce hydrogen cyanide which is highly toxic to humans in large doses.
However, the amount of these compounds varies greatly depending on the peach variety. So while one seed may contain only a trace amount, another may harbor enough to make you sick. Most peach seeds likely contain levels somewhere in between.
Still, consuming a high number of seeds could potentially expose you to dangerous concentrations of cyanide An average peach seed weighs around 0.33 grams Studies show the amygdalin content per gram can range from 1 to 60 milligrams. At the high end, this equates to around 20 milligrams of amygdalin per seed.
Potential Benefits of Peach Seeds
Though potentially dangerous in excess peach seeds may offer some nutritional and medicinal benefits when eaten in moderation.
Nutrition
Peach seeds provide a decent nutritional boost. They’re packed with protein, fiber, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals like niacin, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. Studies show they may contain even higher amino acid, vitamin, and mineral levels than the peach fruit itself.
Medicinal Uses
In traditional Chinese medicine, roasted peach seeds are used to invigorate blood circulation and remove blood stasis. Some naturopaths have claimed amygdalin has anti-cancer effects, though there is no clinical evidence to support this.
Potential medicinal benefits aside, the cyanide risk vastly outweighs any potential therapeutic use for most people. Only a licensed practitioner should prescribe amygdalin compounds for medical purposes.
How to Safely Eat Peach Seeds
If you want to sample a peach seed, take proper precautions. Here are some tips:
- Consume only 1-2 freshly harvested seeds at first to gauge your reaction.
- Thoroughly roast or boil seeds prior to consumption to reduce amygdalin content.
- Crack open the pit carefully to avoid breaking the seed. Damaged seeds release more amygdalin.
- Look for peach seed recipes from trusted sources. Never eat seeds raw in large quantities.
- Spit out the seed right away if you notice a bitter almond taste.
- Keep seeds away from children and pets—they are much more susceptible to poisoning.
With caution, most healthy adults can likely eat a peach seed or two without ill effects. But the risks may outweigh the benefits for many.
Health Risks of Peach Seed Consumption
While a seed or two is probably harmless for most, higher doses of peach seeds can be extremely toxic. Here are some of the health risks:
Cyanide Poisoning
As mentioned, the amygdalin and glycosides in peach seeds produce hydrogen cyanide when ingested. Cyanide prevents cells from using oxygen properly, leading to cell death. Initial symptoms of cyanide poisoning include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Hyperventilation
In severe cases, cyanide poisoning can rapidly progress to seizures, respiratory failure, coma, and death. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious symptoms after eating peach seeds.
Allergic Reactions
Some people may be allergic to the proteins found in peach seeds and experience anaphylaxis after consumption. Allergic reactions can include:
- Hives
- Swelling of the throat, lips, tongue
- Difficulty breathing
- Low blood pressure
If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical care. Future avoidance of peach seeds is imperative.
Gastrointestinal Issues
The tough, woody texture of peach seeds makes them difficult to digest. Consuming large quantities can potentially lead to:
- Intestinal blockages
- Damage to the digestive tract
- Severe constipation
Chewing the seeds thoroughly before swallowing reduces these risks. But some sensitive individuals may still experience stomach pain or constipation from eating seeds.
Tooth Damage
Trying to crack or chew hard peach seeds can easily crack, chip, or even break your teeth. The risk is highest for people with dental issues like cavities or periodontal disease. Dental damage often requires expensive procedures to repair. It’s wise to avoid peach seeds if you have vulnerable teeth.
Who Should Avoid Peach Seeds?
While healthy adults can likely eat a seed or two safely, some individuals are better off avoiding peach seeds entirely. Here are some people who should steer clear:
- Children — Their smaller body size makes them more susceptible to poisoning.
- The elderly — Impaired metabolism of toxins increases risk.
- Pregnant women — Cyanide exposure endangers the fetus.
- Those with dental issues — At higher risk of tooth damage.
- People with peach allergies.
- Individuals taking prescription blood thinners like warfarin — Amygdalin may interact.
- Anyone with a history of digestive problems.
For high-risk individuals, the potential toxicity of peach seeds clearly outweighs any possible benefits. Caution is key.
The Verdict on Peach Seeds
When eaten in extreme moderation, peach seeds are unlikely to cause problems for most healthy adults. However, consuming even a few seeds can be dangerous for high-risk groups like children and the elderly. While peach seeds may have some nutritional benefits, their potential toxicity far outweighs any possible advantages. The hard pit also poses a choking hazard and can damage teeth.
In the end, it’s probably best to discard the pit and enjoy the sweet, juicy peach flesh instead. Though curiosity about peach seeds is understandable, the risks generally don’t justify eating them. With so many other nutritious snack options out there, why take a chance? If you do decide to try a seed, take all necessary precautions and remember—less is more when it comes to peach seed consumption.
What is in a peach pit?
Peach pits contain amygdalin—a substance that can create cyanide when digested by enzymes in the gut. The seeds of many types of fruit in the family Prunus, (e.g., peaches, apricots, cherries, and plums) contain amygdalin. Almonds are the seeds of a plant in this family as well but are safe to eat. Cyanide is a poisonous chemical that causes severe stomach upset, difficulty breathing, and low blood pressure. In severe cases of cyanide poisoning, organ failure and even death can occur.
Are peach pits poisonous?
Peach pits can be poisonous if too many are eaten or if they are prepared improperly. Some types of cuisine or traditional medicine recommend consuming peach pits or the pits of similar fruits like apricots. The pits must be prepared in a way that breaks down amygdalin to prevent people eating them from being poisoned. According to the Singapore Food Agency, the typical preparation for apricot pits is to soak the pits in water and then boil them for at least 30 minutes.
Amygdalin, also known as laetrile or vitamin B17, has been recommended by some as an alternative treatment for cancer. There is no evidence that this is a safe or effective treatment for cancer, and the chemical can be harmful by producing toxic levels of cyanide when it is broken down in the gut.
Can You Eat A Peach Seed? – The Plant Enthusiast
FAQ
Is it safe to eat the seeds in peaches?
No, peach seeds, also known as the kernels inside the pit, are not safe to eat. They contain amygdalin, a substance that can release cyanide when digested.
What part of peach can you not eat?
Peach pits contains cyanide compounds, which are poisonous. The pits contain amygdalin, which breaks down into hydrogen cyanide when ingested.
What are peach pits good for?
Peach pits, while containing a small amount of cyanide, can be used to add flavor to various culinary creations or for starting new peach trees. Cooking the pits destroys the cyanide, allowing for the extraction of a unique, nutty, almond-like flavor.
Can you eat a peach seed?
Yes, you can still eat peaches even if you are worried about the seeds. Just be sure to remove the seeds before eating the fruit. there is no definitive answer to the question of whether or not you can eat a peach seed. While the seeds are not toxic, they do contain a small amount of cyanide.
Can you eat wild peaches?
Avoid eating the pits of wild peaches. Wild peaches often contain more amygdalin than cultivated peaches. Do not eat large quantities of peach seeds. Eating a large number of peach seeds can increase your risk of cyanide poisoning. If you are concerned about the risks of eating peach seeds, it is best to avoid them altogether.
Can you grow peaches from seeds?
As with the avocado for a kitchen gardener, you can grow peaches from the seeds inside of a peach pit. It’s easy to begin peach plants from the seeds when you add in growing time and patience plus some trial and error. Successful peach seed germination requires a careful chilling process and some seasonal timing. How do you get a peach stone out?
What happens if you eat a peach seed?
Peach seeds, also known as stones or pits, contain amygdalin, a compound that can release traces of hydrogen cyanide when metabolized. These traces are typically too low to cause any harm, but consuming large amounts could lead to cyanide poisoning. What happens if you accidentally swallow a peach seed?
Are peach seeds good for You?
Peach seeds offer many positive health effects. The main health benefits include having increased blood circulation and improved digestion. Improved digestion helps prevent and eliminate infections by thoroughly processing your waste. A healthy digestion system also improves the functionality of your intestines and removes any obstructions.
Can you eat 30 Raw peach seeds?
You can eat 30 raw peach seeds, which equals 204 milligrams of hydrogen cyanide. This would still keep your health in a safe zone. You should not tempt your health because your digestive system is delicate and should be monitored closely.