7 fruit seeds that are edible

For most people, dropping the pips from 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 also forms 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 hydrocyanic acid, a colorless, highly poisonous and highly volatile liquid.

However, the amount of hydrogen cyanide one can be exposed to by eating a piece or two of fruit with its seeds in 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 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 ingest them along with the rest of the grape.

2. Eating apple seeds is healthy

As mentioned, apple seeds contain a certain amount of amygdalin. However, there is no need to worry about hydrogen cyanide poisoning. You can eat the whole kernel with peace of mind, as it also contains valuable nutrients, fiber and some phytochemicals.

As with most pips, apple seeds are simply excreted again if you swallow them whole. If you want to benefit from the nutrients, you should 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 you shouldn’t worry about that either. You can eat the nuggets which are quite small without any problem. They contain antioxidants.

4. Watermelon with seeds

The 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 use its nutrients.

Also you can prepare a delicious snack from the nuggets, first drying them and then roasting them in a pan or in the oven with a little oil and salt. You can eat them just like that, sprinkle them into soups, or add them to salads.

5. Citrus seeds are edible

Whether lemon, orange, grapefruit or tangerines, citrus seeds can be eaten. Also contain phytochemicals and fiber.

Lemon seeds also contain traces of salicylic acid, the precursor substance of aspirin, but its analgesic effect is very little.

6. Can you eat the heart of the avocado?

Avocados are promoted as a superfood for their richness in monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

The nucleus, its thick central pip usually ends up in the trash or in the compost. It is a pity, because the “pepa” represents a good part of the weight that we have paid.

In addition, in the avocado bone are found 70% of the proteins of 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 on salads and stews or add it to smoothies.

Traditional American medicine uses the avocado pit to treat muscle pain, parasites and fungal infections due to the amount of tannins they contain. Tannins have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason 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, that the pips contain abundance. Papain specifically attacks parasite eggs. Also, papaya seeds are rich in antioxidants.

In terms of taste, the spiciness of the seeds is reminiscent of black pepper. It can take some 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.