Beware of bitter almonds
There is no doubt that the almonds They are healthy and very healthy nuts, which from a nutritional point of view contain an interesting amount of vitamins and minerals. In the group of vitamins we can highlight vitamin A, B1 and B2, C, D, E and PP. While in the group of minerals include calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium, zinc, manganese and chlorine.
If we take a look at our seasonal food calendar, we notice that -in fact- its best season is in the months of September, October and November. Although it is true that, today, it is possible to find them throughout the year thanks to its extensive cultivation.
If you are a regular consumer of almonds, and every day you consume the recommended daily amounts of this delicious dried fruit (around 25 grams), probably that at some point you will have found bitter almonds; that is, almonds that present an intense bitterness.
This unpleasant taste is due to the amygdalin, a compound of cyanide and glucose that in large doses is very harmful to our body. In addition, to this compound we must add the presence of emulsin, another toxic substance.
When you eat a bitter almond you put both compounds in contact, which results in the decomposition of the amygdalin into hydrocyanic acid (HCN), D-glucose and benzaldehyde. Hydrogen cyanide is deadly.
Many experts in nutrition indicate that it is enough to consume 15 to 20 bitter almonds so that their consequences in an adult person are certainly fatal. In the case of children, the lethal amount would be 5 to 10 bitter almonds.
Therefore, if when eating an almond you realize that it is bitter the best thing is that you throw it away immediately and do not consume it. And if you have the bad luck of finding several in the package you have purchased, it is best to throw it away. Or its consequences may be dangerous for your body.
Image | Shelby PDX This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist.
