Are cherry stones really dangerous if swallowed? And in what quantity? Let's make it clear to eat this fruit safely
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousAre cherry stones really dangerous when ingested? And in what quantity?
One leads to another. We are obviously talking about the cherry, a seasonal fruit loved by adults and children. But what happens when we eat the stone? There are those who do it out of habit or those who swallow some by mistake. Here's everything you need to know.
As we know, cherries have a small hard core that surrounds the seed inside. However, not everyone knows that this part of the cherry contains amygdalin. The latter is a cyanogenic glycoside, a chemical that our body converts into the toxic compound hydrogen cyanide. In other words: cyanide.
Hydrogen cyanide interferes with oxygen transport, potentially damaging essential organs such as the brain, heart and lungs. This is why cherry pits are dangerous to eat. However, the extent of the potential damage depends on the amount of cyanide to which we expose ourselves. Furthermore, the acid is only released if you damage the core with your teeth or if you ingest it.
How much cyanide do cherry stones contain?
When the cherry stone is chewed or crushed, the enzymes in the fruit come into contact with the amygdalin within the stone, leading to the formation of hydrogen cyanide. The toxicity of cyanide in the human body can occur at 0,5-3,5 mg per kg of body weight, the equivalent of 90 mg of cyanide for a person weighing approximately 68-70 kg.
A red cherry stone is estimated to contain 3,9 mg of amygdalin per gram of fruit, while sour cherry has a slightly lower concentration of 2,7 mg per gram.
Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include stomach cramps, headaches, nausea and vomiting and, when intoxication is severe, can culminate in cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, coma and death. For humans a dose ranging from 1,5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight upwards is considered fatal.
Stone fruits can produce the equivalent of 0,01-1,1 mg of cyanide in our body, depending on the amount consumed. This also means eating 3-4 black cherry kernels or 7-9 pits of red or black cherries it can be very dangerous.
Cherries are not the only "forbidden" fruits
The peach stone also contains a glycoside: amygdalin which is also found in the stones of peaches, apricots, plums
explained Dr. Elisabetta Macorsini, Humanitas nutritionist biologist.
That is why we must avoid ingesting these seeds. We can use them in many other ways, from pillows to bracelets, up to neck bands.
HERE our article on how to use cherry stones in creative recycling
Sources of reference: Humanitas Salute, Poison
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- How to pit lots of cherries in a few steps (VIDEO)
