Unexpectedly, This Food Contains Cyanide Toxins

Some time ago, Indonesian people were rocked by murder cases that were allegedly using cyanide poison. However, cyanide can actually be found naturally in some types of fruit and food ingredients. Cyanide is a chemical compound consisting of elements carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). This compound is in the form of gas, liquid, or solid. The aroma is said to resemble raw almonds, but not everyone can detect this scent. Cyanide can be formed naturally or made by humans, and has very strong toxic properties and works quickly. Cyanide can also be produced by several types of bacteria, fungi and algae found in a number of plants, seeds, and certain fruits. Thus, it can be interpreted that there are a number of foods containing cyanide that can cause cyanide poisoning, if consumed in the wrong way. A lethal dose of cyanide is 1-2 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Even so, even smaller doses of cyanide can be harmful to the heart and brain, and can even cause coma and death. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning are shortness of breath, headaches, convulsions, nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness.

List of Foods Containing Cyanide

Here are some foods and fruits that contain cyanide naturally:

• Cassava

As a source of carbohydrates, cassava is one of the main foods in the tropics. Cassava can be dangerous if consumed in raw conditions, in large quantities, or if the processing method is wrong. This is because cassava contains a chemical called cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide in the body when consumed. In some countries, cassava has also been shown to absorb harmful chemicals from the soil, such as arsenic and cadmium. This can increase the risk of cancer in those who depend on cassava as a staple food. However, cassava is generally safe for consumption as long as the way to process and cook it properly, and consumed in reasonable portions. Make sure you peel the cassava skin properly, because the cassava peel contains the highest cyanide. Soak cassava for at least two days before cooking. And make sure you cook it properly until cooked. Another safe way to consume cassava is to combine it with foods that contain protein. Protein is known to clean cyanide from the body.

• Apple

As one saying says, one apple every day can keep disease away. That is why, it is rarely thought that apples contain cyanide which is poisonous. In fact, in each middle part of the apple, there are small black seeds that contain amygdalin. This substance will release cyanide when interacting with digestive enzymes. Small doses of cyanide can be neutralized by enzymes in the body. But if the dose is bigger, it can be dangerous. But not to worry too much, because to reach a dangerous dose of cyanide, it takes about 200 apple seeds.

• Almond nut

Almonds from the Middle East region are now increasingly being consumed in Indonesia. Wild almonds contain amygdalin glycosides which can release cyanide poison when consumed. However, now most of the developed almonds are sweet almonds which are non-toxic and safe for consumption.

• Peaches and apricots

Like apple seeds, peach or peach and apricot seeds also contain cyanogenic glycosides which can turn into cyanide when consumed. Not only for humans, if consumed in large quantities, this fruit can be dangerous also for animals. Peaches that have been peeled or packaged, are generally more tolerable to the body. In addition to the risk of toxic, there are also some people who are allergic to protein in peaches. Symptoms of mild or severe allergies can occur, ranging from the digestive tract to breathing.

• Black cherry

Amygdalin which can be turned into cyanide is also found in leaves, twigs, wood, and black cherry seeds. Black withered cherry leaves are known to contain more cyanide and can cause cyanide poisoning. However, even though the seeds are very dangerous, black cherries are safe for consumption. Fruit that has the Latin name Prunus serotina is widely used as jam or other cooking supplementary ingredients.

Natural cyanide in fruit or other food ingredients, generally not harmful in small doses. So, limit consumption and do the cooking process thoroughly to prevent cyanide poisoning. If there are signs of cyanide poisoning after eating certain foods, immediately see a doctor to get medical help.