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It’s absolutely true! Cherries are incredibly delicious, and we’re enjoying them right now in Ternopil during their season. However, your warning about their STONES (pits) is very important and should be taken seriously.
Here’s why cherry pits are dangerous and what you need to know:
The Danger of Cherry Pits: Cyanide ☠️
Cherry pits, along with the pits of other stone fruits like peaches, apricots, and plums, contain compounds called cyanogenic glycosides, specifically amygdalin.
How it works: When amygdalin comes into contact with enzymes in the human digestive system (especially if the pit is crushed or chewed), it breaks down and releases hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Hydrogen cyanide is a potent poison.
Toxicity: Cyanide poisoning can be very serious, even fatal, depending on the amount ingested. Symptoms can include headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, confusion, rapid heart rate, and in severe cases, respiratory failure and death.
Important Points to Remember:
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