What are the benefits and dangers of apple seeds and what happens if you eat them?
Content
Composition and nutritional value of apple seeds
The chemical composition of apple seeds includes:
- vitamins: A, C, E, PP, group B;
- iodine;
- potassium;
- calcium;
- sodium;
- iron;
- tannins;
- palmitic acid;
- stearic acid;
- oleic acid;
- linoleic acid.
Caloric content of 1 seed – 0 kcal.
Nutritional value (% of RDI):
- proteins – 0.22%;
- fats – 0.6%.
The nutritional value of apple seeds is determined by protein compounds, sucrose and oils. However, these seeds They are not considered products; when using them, the emphasis is on their healing properties.
Apple seeds: benefits and harms
The healing properties of apple seeds are due to the complex effect on the body of all the elements present in their composition.
Beneficial properties
The benefits of apple seeds are as follows:
- elimination of inflammation;
- restoration and strengthening of a weakened body;
- headache relief;
- improvement of emotional state;
- strengthening the immune system;
- stimulation of mental activity;
- prevention of the development of vitamin deficiency, gout, atherosclerosis, and oncological diseases;
- cleansing of blood vessels;
- normalization of the heart muscle;
stimulation of the functions of the gastrointestinal tract and metabolic processes;
- reducing the risk of endocrine problems.
Contraindications and harm
Despite a number of healing properties, apple seeds can cause significant harm to the body.
The main dangerous substance found in apple seeds is amygdalin glycoside, which is transformed into hydrocyanic acid (cyanide).
A few seeds consumed won't cause any harm, but consuming large quantities will cause irreversible damage to the body. A lethal dose for humans is 200 g. Hydrocyanic acid poisoning is accompanied by several symptoms:
- breathing difficulty (suffocation);
- severe headaches;
- sudden changes in heart rate and blood pressure;
- increased salivation or profuse vomiting;
- loss of consciousness.
If these symptoms appear, call an ambulance immediately. Otherwise, the victim may develop toxic pneumonia, which can be fatal.
Heat treatment inhibits the harmful properties of apple seeds, so their presence in compote, jam, and baked goods does not pose a health risk.
Experts do not recommend consuming apple seeds for people with the following contraindications:
- pregnancy;
- lactation period;
- individual intolerance;
- tendency to allergic reactions;
- chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (pancreatitis, gastritis, ulcer).
How many apple seeds can you eat per day?
The safe dosage for the human body is no more than 6 seeds per day. When consumed in ground (powdered) form, the daily dose is considered to be a pinch that fits on the tip of a knife.
How to properly consume and store apple seeds
To ensure that consuming apple seeds does not lead to negative consequences, it is important to follow several recommendations:
- use seeds only from healthy, ripe fruits;
- The grains must be dark brown in color and completely intact.
To preserve all the beneficial properties during storage, apple seeds should be peeled, dried, crushed, and stored in an airtight container. The recommended shelf life is no more than 6 months.
Apple seeds should not be left in the seed pod for too long, as this will cause them to dry out and make it difficult to separate them from the shell.
Use of apple seeds in folk medicine
Apple seeds are used to prepare various medicinal products.
For increasing iodine content For endocrine system disorders, as well as laryngitis and colds, the following recipe is relevant:
- The bones are lightly fried.
- Mix with honey in a ratio of 1:2.
- The resulting mixture is added to casseroles, porridge or fermented milk products.
For the prevention of cancer, as well as for the purpose of getting rid of excess weightCrushed apple seeds are poured into hot milk and taken before bed. A remedy made from the seeds and honey can help relieve complications caused by pneumonia.
For prevention and therapy of deficiency For thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism), an infusion prepared in the following manner is recommended:
- Pre-dried seeds, cocklebur, eleutherococcus, nettle and dandelion are crushed and mixed in equal parts (approximate amount of each component is 5 g).
- The mixture is poured with ½ liter of boiling water.
- Leave to infuse, and after 20 minutes pass through a filter.
The finished product is taken 2 times a day, 50 ml.
For bronchitis, sinusitis and sinusitis, warmed apple seeds are used as a compress.
Apple seeds in cosmetology
Beneficial properties Apple seeds have been well studied by cosmetologists and are widely used in skin care products. The seeds are added to creams, masks, and toners.
For toning of aging skin The following mask recipe is recommended:
- Grind 5 g of seeds and pour boiling water (100 ml).
- Let it brew for 20 minutes, then filter.
- Add 10 g of soft butter and yolk to the infusion.
- Mix thoroughly.
After applying the mask to the face, leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water. Use three times a week.
For dry skin care The mask is prepared according to the following algorithm:
- Brew 5 g of crushed grains in 100 ml of boiling water.
- Infuse for 20 minutes.
- Mix with honey.
Apply the mask exclusively to cleansed skin of the face and neck. Apply three times a week for 15 minutes.
Thanks to their chemical composition, apple seeds can imbue a person with vitality and energy. Proper use of them can increase the number of healthy cells and prevent the development of many diseases.
