What happens to the body if you swallow a cherry pit?

What happens to the body if you swallow a cherry pit?

And what amount is considered safe.

certified clinical geneticist, nutritionist, expert of the Academy of Physicians UniProf

Is it safe to eat the pits from cherries? What will happen if you accidentally swallow one?

Cherries are very useful for the body. It is rich in vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, B9 and trace elements such as magnesium, cobalt, iron. The composition of the pulp itself helps strengthen blood vessels and prevents the development of anemia (anemia).

What can be dangerous cherry pips

Cherry pips contain a certain amount of amygdalin (vitamin B17). Under the action of gastric juice, it is broken down into glucose and hydrocyanic acid (cyanide). And hydrocyanic acid in excess is a strong toxin.

In its excess, tissue respiration (various biochemical reactions in the cells of the body) is depressed. That eventually leads to a lack of energy, and this negatively affects the central nervous system. But the key word here is “excess”. In large quantities, even useful products are harmful. What will happen if you eat too much fruit, read in the article at the link.

How many pits can be swallowed without jeopardizing health

One cherry pit contains about 0.17 g of cyanide. For serious poisoning to occur, you need to eat more than 500 of these kernels. Judge for yourself, this is hardly possible.

Besides, you can be poisoned only if the kernel is damaged – for example, broken or bitten. Otherwise, the acidity of gastric juice is not enough to break down the hard shell. This means that hydrocyanic acid will not be released.

But in heat-treated fruits and their seeds there is almost no hydrocyanic acid. This is because at temperatures above +75°C, the dangerous substance breaks down and actually evaporates.

If you find a stone in jam or compote and accidentally swallow it, nothing terrible will happen. Even if a few bones eat a child, do not be afraid of poisoning. But it is better to follow his breathing and stool – the digestive organs of children are much narrower, so it is easier for a bone to get stuck there.

What happens if you swallow a watermelon seed, read in the previous article at the link.