Do you know the healthiest part of an Apple?

We all love munching on apples. Whether it is to satiate midday hunger pangs or to refuel ourselves after an intense workout session- apple seems to be a healthy and perfect choice. It is rich in fiber, nutrient and protein, which makes it perfect for breakfast and snacking in between meals. However, you will be surprised to know that the healthiest part of the apple is the one that we usually discard.

Most of you might be thinking that it is the peel, but no you are incorrect. It is actually the core, which we generously cut out from the apple and dump in the dustbin after chomping on the fibrous bits. Studies suggest that eating the core of the apple can provide 10 times more healthy bacteria than consuming only the outer part.

As per the study published in the Journal Frontiers in Microbiology in 2019, the seeds of an apple contain healthy bacteria, which is mostly neglected by people. A whole apple (including the core) contains approximately 100 million bacteria. Out of which the flesh alone contains 10 million.

The research suggests that the bacteria found in apples are quite healthy and are an important source of gut microbes. Having a healthy gut microbiota is considered good for your overall health and protects you from disease-causing foreign pathogens. Apple seeds also contain protein, fiber and oils. It is rich in antioxidants and anti-cancer compounds.

We mainly discard seeds of fruits or vegetables because they contain a compound called amygdalin, which is considered poisonous. When this compound comes in contact with our digestive system it releases cyanide, which is one of the deadliest poison.

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), oral doses of 1–2 mg/kg of cyanide for a 70 kg man can be fatal. However, the amount of amygdalin found in apple seeds (one apple) is very less to match this number. It would take the seeds of around 200 apples to produce this amount of toxin in the body.

Undoubtedly, this new study about apple seeds is interesting. However, there are contradicting views related to it. As per some studies, there is no harm in consuming apple seeds, while others believe it is better to remove them before eating the fruit. A lot more research is need on this before we draw any conclusion.