It has happened to everyone at least once while eating an orange or drinking tea with lemon accidentally swallow the seed. For many people, this raises questions, even fear that the seed will “grow in your stomach”. What is it really like?
Citrus seeds are often eaten unconsciously and sometimes it is difficult to avoid it. However, this raises many questions and doubts, which is why many experts focus on this topic.
Citrus fruit seeds contain fiber, small amounts of vegetable fats, bitter-tasting plant compounds, and also trace amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which may release hydrogen cyanide in small amounts.
It is the presence of the latter substances that raises the greatest doubts. In large doses, they may hinder the transport of oxygen in the body. In the case of citrus seeds, however, their concentration is very low, that’s why the occasional swallowing of one or several seeds does not pose a threat.
The seeds have a hard shell that is resistant to stomach acid, so the substances they contain are usually not released in significant amounts. The body most often excretes them naturally with food.
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Occasional ingestion of citrus seeds should not be a cause for concern. Eating a very large number could potentially cause stomach discomfort or abdominal pain, however In practice, it is difficult to consume an amount that poses a real risk.
However, caution should be exercised with any seed, and this applies not only to citrus fruits. Particular attention is recommended for children and people with digestive system diseases.
Seeds from other fruits, such as citrus fruits, may be more problematic than citrus seeds cherries, sour cherries, plums, peaches and apricots. It is also worth mentioning bitter almonds. They contain amygdalin, which belongs to the group of cyanogenic glycosides.
Although accidentally swallowing a single seed is usually harmless, it is not recommended to consume them intentionally. In larger amounts, they may cause symptoms of poisoning, such as headache, nausea or shortness of breath.
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