Apricot kernel facts for kids
An apricot kernel is the seed found inside the hard pit of an apricot fruit. These kernels contain a natural chemical called amygdalin. This chemical can be harmful if you eat too much of it. It can even cause serious poisoning because it turns into cyanide in your body.
How Apricot Kernels Are Used
Apricot kernels can be useful! After apricots are processed, the kernels are left over. People can get oil from these kernels. This oil is sometimes used to give a special almond-like flavor to certain foods or drinks.
Why Apricot Kernels Can Be Dangerous
Eating apricot kernels can be very dangerous because they contain amygdalin, which turns into cyanide in your body. Cyanide is a strong poison. Even a small amount can make you very sick.
If someone eats too many apricot kernels, they might feel:
- Sick to their stomach (nausea)
- Have a fever
- Get headaches
- Feel very tired (lethargy)
- Feel nervous or anxious
- Have aches in their joints and muscles
In 2016, a group of food safety experts in Europe warned that eating just three small bitter apricot kernels, or even half of a large one, could be unsafe. This is because it would mean eating too much amygdalin, which could lead to cyanide poisoning.
Food safety groups in different countries, like Ireland, suggest not eating apricot kernels at all, whether they are bitter or sweet. If you do eat them, they advise adults to eat no more than one or two kernels a day. They also warn against eating bitter almonds for the same reasons.
In 1993, in New York, some bitter apricot kernels were sold as a snack. Tests showed that a whole package of these kernels had enough cyanide to be deadly for an adult. Because of this, the product was quickly taken off store shelves.
It's important to remember that apricot kernels are not safe to eat, and you should avoid them.
See also
In Spanish: Semilla de albaricoque para niños
