Are Apricot Seeds Safe To Eat?

Key Takeaways

Apricot seeds are often marketed as a cancer cure, but experts warn they may do more harm than good.

The hidden compound inside apricot seeds can become toxic cyanide once in your body.

Dietitians recommend skipping apricot seeds and choosing safer super-seeds like chia or flax.

Apricot seeds are sometimes promoted as a natural cancer cure or preventive, but research does not support these claims—and they might actually be dangerous for you.

The seeds contain amygdalin, a compound that turns into toxic cyanide in the body. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that eating apricot seeds can lead to cyanide toxicity. A lethal dose of cyanide can cause coma, seizures, or death.

Not a Proven Cancer Treatment

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