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October 5, 2025 Phil Nexus Sadsad

How many apricot seeds should I eat a day? Safe guide

How many apricot seeds should I eat a day? Safe amounts Photo Credit: Canva Pro

People talk a lot about how apricot seeds might be good for you, but many people want to know how many they should eat every day. In reality, they have something in them called amygdalin that can make the body release cyanide. Too many is not good for you. A very small amount is thought to be safe by experts, and whole apricots are a better choice for daily nutrition.

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How many apricot seeds should I eat a day?

Fresh apricots on a wooden table with a visible pit Photo Credit: Canva Pro

Inside the pit of the fruit are apricot kernels, which are also known as bitter apricot seeds. A lot of people want to know how many apricot seeds they should eat every day because they say they might be have potential health benefits.

The truth is that apricot seeds have a chemical called amygdalin in them that, a naturally occurring compound that turns into cyanide in the body. Amygdalin in apricot seeds can release cyanide, which is toxic, especially when consumed in large quantities. Even small doses can be harmful, particularly for young children or individuals with specific health conditions.

Safe amounts of apricot seeds

Most people shouldn't eat large doses of raw apricot kernels. It has been found that eating whole or half apricot kernels can make your body release cyanide, which is bad. Health groups say that one bitter apricot seed can hurt even very young children.

Safe limit for adults: One to two small apricot kernels a day is all you should eat.
Safe limit for children: Even a half of an apricot kernel that tastes bad can be bad for you.
Main risk: Cyanide toxicity from the chemical found in apricot seeds.
Why it matters: If you get too much cyanide, you could lead to headaches, feel sick, have low blood pressure, or even die.

Why eating too many apricot seeds is unsafe

People want to know how many apricot seeds they can eat without getting too much cyanide in their bodies. Too many apricot seeds can make it hard for the body to get rid of toxins.

Main chemical: Amygdalin is the chemical that makes cyanide come out.
Laetrile connection: The FDA has not approved laetrile (a synthetic form of amygdalin) for cancer treatment due to a lack of proven efficacy and the potential toxicity of cyanide released from its consumption.
Clinical trial issues: Eating apricot kernels has not been shown to help fight cancer in a clinical trial.
Medical warning: People who have certain medical conditions or weak respiratory health should not eat apricot kernels.

What are the benefits of eating apricot seeds?

Pile of ripe apricots with vibrant orange skin Photo Credit: Canva Pro

While apricot seeds contain some beneficial compounds, such as fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants, their potential health benefits are overshadowed by the significant risk of cyanide poisoning. There may be some health benefits, but the risks usually outweigh the benefits. Small amounts of apricot kernels may be good for you, but if you don't handle them properly, they can be harmful.

Nutritional value and potential benefits

Supporters claim that apricot seeds have potential benefits for good health. They give you essential nutrients and can be used in supplements and oils.

Nutrients: Fiber, proteins, and minerals like magnesium are all good for you.
Antioxidants: May help keep the body from getting sick.
Potential benefits: Could be good for your overall health and respiratory health.
Use in diet: Sometimes they are ground up and put in smoothies or mixed with almonds.

Why health benefits are debated

Scientists warn against eating raw apricot kernels, even though they might be good for you. Since there is a presence of cyanide in the body, it is dangerous to eat apricot kernels.

Fight cancer claim: Apricot seeds, particularly in the form of laetrile, were once promoted as a cancer treatment. However, extensive clinical research has failed to demonstrate any efficacy in treating cancer, and the FDA has not approved laetrile for this purpose.
Developing cancer link: Some people say that seeds may help keep you from getting cancer, but there is no proof of this.
Medical conditions warning: Supplements with bitter apricot kernels should not be taken by people who already have health problems.
Research gap: Before possible health benefits can be trusted, more research needs to be done.

Is it okay to eat dried apricot seeds?

Apricots halved on a wooden surface with fresh mint leaves Photo Credit: Canva Pro

A lot of people want to know if drying apricot seeds makes them safer. The bad news is that amygdalin is still in dried bitter apricot seeds. Even when they are dried, apricot kernels can still make you sick with cyanide. Most people shouldn't eat a lot of it, whether it's raw or dried.

Risks of dried bitter apricot kernels

Even when dried, apricot kernels still contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide and pose significant health risks if consumed in large amounts. If you eat too many apricot seeds, the risk is still high.

Main concern: Cyanide is still poisonous after it has dried.
Symptoms: Cyanide poisoning can make you sick, dizzy, throw up, or even worse.
Medical conditions: People with poor lung health or heart disease are more likely to get sick.
Supplements: There are brands that sell dried apricot seeds online, but you shouldn't eat them every day.

Safer alternatives to eating apricot kernels

Instead of consuming apricot seeds, opt for safer alternatives such as whole apricots, apricot oil, or other nutrient-dense seeds like chia or flax seeds. To get the same health benefits without the same risk, eat whole apricots, apricot oil, or other seeds like chia seeds.

Apricots: For health, give them fiber, vitamins A and C.
Apricot oil: Small amounts are safe and can be used on the skin and in cooking.
Chia seeds: A healthy alternative that is high in nutrients.
Healthy diet: A healthy diet should include a variety of fruits, seeds, and nutrients.

How to safely eat apricot seeds?

Fresh apricots in a basket with a mix of yellow and red skin Photo Credit: Canva Pro

Apricot seeds can be good for you, but eating too many of them can be dangerous because they contain amygdalin, a chemical that makes the body release cyanide. There may be some benefits, like helping with lung health, but it's very important to only take in small amounts to avoid cyanide poisoning. If you have a health problem or are pregnant, you should always be careful when eating apricot seeds.