Common Seeds That are Dangerous to Eat

One day this summer when I was eating a peach the pit opened exposing the seed. So I ate the seed too. I did not think any harm would be done. I thought that perhaps the peach seed would have some nutritional value. I decided to do research on what the benefits of eating fruit seeds are. However to my surprise I learned that eating curtain fruit seeds and other common seeds can be dangerous. Following is a list of common seeds that people should be careful not to ingest.

Fruit Seeds

Apple seeds, cherry pits, peach, plum, pear, and apricot pits contain cyanogenic acids according to Ann Marie Helmestine PHD Chemistry Blog; chemistry.about.com. If a seed or pit is swallowed whole, a minimal amount of cyanogenic acids is absorbed in the system. If the seeds or pits are chewed and swallowed in large amounts and on a regular basis, poisoning can occur.

Some of the symptoms of poisoning are headaches, dizziness, confusion, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and high blood pressure.

Before feeding fruit to children, remove the seeds and pits to prevent them from being eaten.

Horse Chestnuts

The horse chestnut tree is a common tree here in the northwestern part of the U.S. during the fall the trees produce a surplus of nuts/seeds that clutter the streets and sidewalks.

Although the big brown nuts/seeds, looking tempting to eat, horse chestnuts are poisonous when eaten. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle weakness. (Www.cam.org.nz/treatmentmethods/herbalmedicine/chestnuts.htm)

Poppy Seeds

For generations poppy seeds have commonly been used in baked goods such as cakes, muffins, bread, bagels, and buns. It uses to be okay to eat poppy seed baked goods. However according to Jacquely Ruibs research report Eating Poppy Seed Pastries can lead to a Positive Drug Test For Herorin (healthlibrary.epnet.com) poppy seeds contain traces of morphine and codeine. Since these properties are in poppy seeds, if a person takes a drug test after eating a baked item with poppy seed, the drug test will come out positive. So if one has to take a drug test to apply for a job or one's employment requires frequent drug testing, it would be best to not eat anything containing poppy seeds.

Yew Seeds

Yew trees and shrubs are common evergreen plants. They are the perfect shady accessary for lawns, yards, and gardens. However the seed of the yew are poisonous. Death will occur if a large quantity of the seeds are consumed.(David Beaulieu, "Yew Trees and Shruds"landscaping.about.com) So it would be wise to not have yew trees or yew shrubs on ones property to protect children and pets.

Morning Glory Seeds

Morning Glory Seeds produce a mind altering agent called LSA (lysergic acid amide). I found this information on www.alb2c3.com/drugs/. LSA produces affects similar to LSD. LSA also exists in the morning glory plant. The plant is legal in the U.S., but it is illegal to perform any type of extractions from the plant.

The morning glory is a beautiful plant. It's colorful trumpet like flower adds beauty and variety to a yard and garden. However it would not be a good plant to keep if one has children.

I'm glad I learned about the risk of these seeds. I stopped eating the fruit seeds and pits. I would advise people to removed the morning glory plants and yew trees from their yards. It is amazing how seed from ordinary plants and food can be dangerous.