#5 Killer Fruits: FRUIT-filled Series

Still on the fruit matter. I have been going on about how fruits are amazing, sweet and all sorts of good stuff. Today's going to be different. 

Did you know fruits or some parts of common fruits we eat everyday could kill a grown man. I keep surprising myself as I continue with this FRUIT-filled series. It is important to note that not all parts of the fruits are poisonous to the body.  Actually most of the parts of fruits we eat are safe however some people (crazy or curious)  sometimes go the extra mile to eat or taste those parts normally not eaten hence the testimonies of close calls with death. 

Apricot 

This specifically involves the kernel. This is found when you break into the hard kernel inside the apricot pit. This apricot kernel contains a substance called Amygdalin, also known as laetrile. This substance is converted to cyanide when in the body.  Most of us watch movies and may have seen a scene where someone swallows a cyanide pill and dies instantly. It doesn't exactly work that fast but in high enough doses of this substance from apricot, the person could experience nervousness,  low blood pressure and if proper interventions are not taken,  death. 

Children are mostly susceptible as they may eat through anything.  I know some of my little cousins do. 

Cashews

Cashew is one fruit on this list I've eaten a lot.  However last time I ate it was maybe over 9 years ago. It definitely fits my personal definition of fruits (fleshy and sweet). It does have an annoying quality though;  the juice causes a permanent stain on clothes. 

The fleshy and juicy part isn't dangerous to humans however, the part that covers the nut at the end is quite toxic which is why it's burned off to access the nut. 

Just like apricot kernels and a lot of other fruits,  children are susceptible. I remember eating the fleshy of cashew down to the toxic part where I kept scrapping it until I started tasting something bitter. I didn't die though but it wasn't pleasant. Most of the toxic effects of these fruits usually have to do with high doses. 

Apple

Apples are perfectly safe unless you eat those preserved with toxic chemicals or you chew the seeds. Just like apricot kernel,  apple seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that are converted into cyanide in the body. High doses of it can cause serious deleterious effects. Again kids are mostly susceptible to this.  It would take a lot of seeds to cause any significant problem though. 

Cherries 

There's a trend here. It seems if you don't chew seeds of fruits,  you won't have any problems. Cherry seeds also contain cyanogenic glycosides which when consumed in large quantities cause harm to the hand body after being converted to cyanide. 

Yellow star fruit

I love this fruit. I actually grew one at home.  People keep stealing the fruits before they rippen which makes me sad. It's rich in vitamins, sweet and high in fiber.  This one isn't exactly terrible, at least not for healthy individuals but it made the list due to its effect on people with kidney disease (especially kidney stones).  It seems to cause production or accumulation of oxalates which isn't so good for people with kidney stones. Healthy kidneys would normally clear them out but it would make kidney stones worse.  So for people with kidney stones,  sorry; try other fruits. 

Elderberry

I haven't exactly seen or tasted one but it is a dangerous one. Every part of the plant is toxic starting from the root,  stem,  leaves and even the seeds inside the berries themselves. It takes an experienced hand to properly process it. Just like most of the fruits mentioned above,  it contains a cyanogenic glycoside which is converted to cyanide and causes diarrhea,  coma,  death.  The berries themselves contain very little amounts of the glycosides which is usually neutralized when boiled. This one is best left to the professionals to process and deliver to us. 

There are lots of fruits with poisonous parts but the ones mentioned above are the ones lots of people eat daily and had no idea about.

I think the general idea here is to avoid seeds or kernels of fruits for the most part.  Most are toxic if not processed correctly. 

I hope this hasn't discouraged anyone from eating fruits.  

THANKS FOR READING! 

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Sources:

[Mashed](http://www.mashed.com/98132/dangerous-fruits-world/%3famp=1)

[Scribol](http://scribol.com/lifestyle/food-and-drink/10-everyday-fruits-and-vegetables-that-are-poisonous/)

[Ranker](https://m.ranker.com/list/top-10-most-dangerous-fruits-and-vegetables-in-the-world/namitanayyar)