amygdalin
plant
Quick Summary
Amygdalin is a white, crystalline substance found in the seeds of certain plants, including apricots, peaches, and bitter almonds. It is a cyanogenic glycoside, meaning it contains cyanide and sugar. When metabolized in the digestive system, amygdalin breaks down into hydrogen cyanide, a poisonous chemical.12
However, consuming whole, uncrushed seeds is generally harmless because the amygdalin is not accessible. Even if chewed, a large quantity of crushed seeds would be needed to pose a significant risk of cyanide poisoning.2
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