For most people, throwing away the seeds of watermelons or the cores of apples is normal. However, many seeds can be eaten and contain very beneficial substances. It is also true that some can only be consumed in moderation.
Making the most of everything that a food can provide is not only beneficial due to the contribution of nutrients, but is part of the «zero waste» culture in favor of sustainability and against climate change.
Yes, some seeds contain cyanide, but that’s okay.
Some seeds contain amygdalin, which after being ingested can release Hydrogen cyanide, also called hydrogen cyanide, a colorless, very poisonous and highly volatile liquid.
However, the amount of hydrogen cyanide to which one can be exposed by eating one or two pieces of fruit with its seeds is practically negligible.
For toxic effects to occur, it would be necessary to eat more than 200 apple seedsFor example.
Amygdalin is found in the seeds of the following fruits:
- Apple
- Apricot
- Date
- Pear
- Cherry
- Mango
- Nectarine
- Peach
- Plum
1. Grape seeds are rich in antioxidants
Many people prefer seedless grapes. However, these nuggets They contain valuable nutrients.
From a health point of view, the polyphenols they contain are interesting for its antioxidant action, which protects our cells against free radicals. These polyphenols reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune response.
To take advantage of its properties, you just have to chew the seeds and eat them along with the rest of the grapes.
2. Eating apple seeds is healthy
As mentioned, apple seeds They contain a certain amount of amygdalin. However, there is no need to worry about hydrogen cyanide poisoning. You can safely eat the entire core, as it also contains valuable nutrients, fiber and some phytochemicals.
As with most seeds, apple seeds are simply excreted again if you swallow them whole. If you want to benefit from the nutrients, you must chew them well.
3. Pears with seeds included
The pears They are very similar to apples. They also have a small amount of amygdalin in the seeds, but that should not worry you either. You can eat the seeds, which are quite small, without any problem. They contain antioxidants.
4. Watermelon with seeds
Watermelon seeds are rich in magnesium, iron, folic acid and unsaturated fatty acids. They also contain provitamin A, vitamin C and protein. Therefore, these seeds are too good to throw away.
You can eat the watermelon seeds as is. It is important to chew them correctly. This is the only way your body can take advantage of its nutrients.
Also you can prepare a delicious snack from the seeds, first drying them and then roasting them in a pan or in the oven with a little oil and salt. You can eat them like this, sprinkle them in soups or add them to salads.
5. Citrus seeds are edible
Whether lemon, orange, grapefruit or tangerines, citrus seeds can be eaten. Also They contain phytochemicals and fiber.
Lemon seeds also contain traces of salicylic acid, the precursor substance to aspirin, but its analgesic effect is very small.
6. Can you eat the core of an avocado?
Avocados are touted as a superfood for their richness in monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and fiber.
The core, its thick central nugget usually ends up in the trash or in the compost. It’s a shame, because the «pepa» represents a good part of the weight we have paid.
Furthermore, in the avocado pit there are 70% of the proteins in the fruit. It contains antioxidant polyphenols and a small amount of a toxic substance, persin, but eating half an avocado pit, for example, is not dangerous.
to eat it you have to peel the outer layer and then put it to dry in the oven at low temperature or in the sun. When it has dried, we can grate the bone over salads and stews or add it to smoothies.
Traditional American medicine uses the avocado pit to treat muscle pain, parasites and mycosis due to the amount of tannins they contain. Tannins have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore they are useful to combat diarrhea or gastroenteritis.
7. Papaya seeds against intestinal parasites
Papaya is another tropical fruit. The large number of black seeds that occupy the center of the fruit are usually thrown away, but in tropical countries It is common to eat them to prevent or combat parasites in the intestine.
This effect It is due to the enzyme papain, which the seeds contain in abundance. Papain specifically attacks parasite eggs. In addition, papaya seeds are rich in antioxidants.
In terms of taste, The spiciness of the seeds is reminiscent of black pepper. It may take a little getting used to at first, but in combination with the pulp it produces an interesting flavor note. If you want to use them as a hot spice, you can dry the seeds and grind them.